Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 17-12-2023 by Guyana Chronicle

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

Health is Wealth

One man’s dedication to traditional medicine

Mangal Persaud (Japheth Savory photo)

Sunday, December 17, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

Guyanese Writer receives 2023 Pakaraima Literary Award GUYANESE born Janet Naidu, poet, writer, and community leader in Toronto, was presented with the 2023 Pakaraima Literary Award at the Pakaraima Writers Christmas social held in Toronto on December 10, 2023, in recognition of her poetry and writings, and for the formation of the Pakaraima Writers Association. Naidu started writing poetry in the 1970s and was closely associated with the Messenger Group that was formed and nurtured by the late Rajkumari Singh, poet, dramatist, activist and iconic figure in Guyana’s cultural history. Singh was an inspiration to young poets and writers. Those who were writing and performing in the arts included Mahadai Das, Rooplall Monar, Henry Mootoo, Guska, Gora Singh, among others. Naidu has published four collections of poems. Her first collection, Winged Heart (Greenheart, 1999), was shortlisted for the Guyana Prize for Literature, Poetry category, in 2000. Her other collections include Rainwater (Greenheart, 2005), second edition (Greenheart Press, 2023), Sacred Silence (HANSIB, 2009), and River Crossing (Greenheart Press, 2023). Naidu has also published essays and short stories. Some of her poems have also been published in anthologies such as A Bouquet of Flowers, Sudden Thunder, and Scaling New Heights. Her poetry has also appeared in books, journals, internet publications and blogs. The Pakaraima Writers Association was formed in 2005 by Naidu when she said she realised there was a gap in the community for a writer’s group to support one another. The

Janet Naidu, second from right, poses with, (from left) Honorary Consul, Mani Singh, Shirley Najhram, Diana Ali D’Souza, Zarena Parmeshwar, Andrew Knight, Carol Caraway and retired Justice of the Peace Odida Quamina. Also standing at the back are Rudy Lochan, the host, his wife Shanta and family and friends.

association has seen the participation of poets and writers who would come out to read poetry, stories and even passages from novels. Some have even published their works since the formation of the group. Naidu served for 12 years as its President, giving her commitment and dedication to the arts to create a space for poets and writers to come together. Habeeb Ali, a poet, humanitarian, and community leader, served as President for five years, and Shirley Najhram, a children’s author, is the current acting President. Naidu continues to contribute to the work of the association. Naidu disclosed that ever since the pandemic, events have been held on Zoom and the Christmas social was the first in-person event. Naidu remarked that she was honoured to receive the Janet Naidu (right) receives the award from Shirley Najhram, President of award, which is the fourth the Pakaraima Writers Association. award the writers’ group

has given out, the previous recipients being Ian McDonald, Guyanese poet; Ramabai Espinet, Trinidadian professor and writer and Peter Jailall, Guyanese poet and educator. The event was hosted by Rudy Lochan, a local realtor, who supports the Pakaraima writers at their events, including at lunches and dinners where literary readings are held. Naidu received the award from the association amidst attendees who took part in a meal, singing Christmas carols and socialising. Congratulations were also received in person from the Honorary Consul, Mr. Mani Singh, of the Consulate General Office in Toronto, who brought inspirational greetings and delivered an informative address about the Guyana-Venezuela controversy. It was also a day of remembrance and prayers for our fallen soldiers, families, and friends, and all mourning this loss. Apart from her literary works, Naidu volunteers in the wider Canadian community, whether in professional organisations or in the community where she resides. As a certified Career Coach, she mentors young professionals in the human resource profession to help them in their career goals and aspirations. She is a trainer and presenter in the area of human rights, workplace harassment and discrimination, and diversity in the workplace. Naidu has a BA in Political Science and Caribbean Studies from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London, UK. Having completed her legal education later in life, Janet is not a practising lawyer; she has utilised her legal education to teach legal courses in hospitality and tourism at George Brown College in Toronto.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

Health is Wealth

III

One man’s dedication to traditional medicine

By Shaniya Harding THE human body is an interesting, unique and captivating thing and caring for the amazing machines called our bodies is vital. While we have doctors, trainers, and a better understanding of caring for the human body today, some people prefer the old-fashioned methods of health care. The discussion between traditional medicine and cures has long been a bone of contention. Some turn to western medicine, while others believe in traditional cures that everyone cannot learn. Mangal Persaud grew up in the community of Wales on the West Bank of Demerara. As a young man, rather than playing sports like the other boys of his community; Mangal was interested in deeper things. From the tender age of nine, Mangal dedicated his time to learning traditional medicinal practices. The 66-year-old still leads and extremely active life, and he says it is all owed to the knowledge he gained on caring for the human body. A West Bank man at heart Mangal was raised in the community of Wales, a village along the West Bank of Demerara. “I grew up in Wales from the age of nine years old. Growing up in Wales was mighty, I have no complaints about the village.” Mangal shared. Although health and well-being are his passions, Mangal was also an estate worker for many years. He loved and held on to this job for more than three decades. “I used to work on the farm at first and then I began working in the sugar estate. I worked there for forty-three and a half years. I loved estate work,” Mangal said. Today, he works at a store in VreedEn-Hoop. But almost every person comes to Mangal at his job for a wide assortment of issues that they believe he can fix. Mangal has a long list of patients who come to him for everything from nerve damage and arthritis to a slipped disc or dislocated ankle. And his patients have the utmost faith in his abilities. “I look after people who have problems with their nerves. Their backs, feet, fingers and knees, I have fixed people’s ankles at work before,” he told the Pepperpot Magazine. Mangal seems to have a phenomenal gift. He has people come to him every day with an assortment of

ailments that fixed with a few cracks and adjustments. “I have been doing this since I was nine. And old guy taught me this job and I started experimenting with what I learnt from him,” Mangal explained. The man who taught him had a great influence on Mangal. He shared that he has practised noticing people’s health problems from the time he was a child and says today, he has improved that particular skill. Although the majority of problems people come to Mangal with are simple, like neck and back pain, there have been a few cases where he was presented with far more severe cases. Mangal says he has had three cases where a person cannot walk, and in all three cases, he claimed to have been able to restore that person’s ability to walk. “They came in a car and they could not move their foot, and I talk to them and rub their feet,” Mangal stated. He further explained that everyone’s body is unique and thus requires different treatments. By no means does Mangal claim to be a doctor, nor does he claim to be able to fix all health problems. But the people he has seen do have the utmost faith in him and his abilities. But treating people, young and old, is his passion. Mangal does not consider what he does as a job. As such he does not take payment for the work he does, but rather whatever the person being treated can afford. “I do not do this as a business,” Mangal stated. He explained that helping people is far more important and he likes his nine-to-five job just fine. Mangal has begun teaching various people in his community how to do what he

Mangal Persaud

does. Mangal considers what he does and what he knows to be common knowledge and says it can be taught and learned by anyone. Mangal said that, “I know the work that I do, so when people ask, I do not turn them down.” He further explained that his goal is to educate and help others. Better health, he shared, is dependent on oneself. He explained that traditional medicine is not magic but an old understanding of the human body guided by the same principles used by doctors. Mangal urges people to take better care of themselves and eat better in order to live better.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

‘Unwrap the joy of flavour’ this Christmas with meat from the Guyana School of Agriculture

By Michel Outridge T H I S year, during the festive season, navigating between household chores, shopping and organising meals, getting everything just right for Christmas, Boxing Day, and the New Year is quite hectic. It is often a hassle to source meat from the right place instead of joining the long lines at the markets or queueing up at the supermarkets or butcher shops for your turn to make a purchase. Seeking to fill that gap, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), is selling meat for Christmas as part of their annual seasonal activities. The variety includes well-seasoned, packaged meats for cook-up, smoked pork ham, chicken ham, pickled pork, salted beef, and garlic pork. The initiative is a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture - Guyana IICA Delegation in Guyana IICA, Guyana National Agricultural Research and

Extension Institute, Guyana Marketing Corporation, Guyana Rice Development Board, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to make the choice cuts of Christmas meats available. GSA is encouraging Guyanese to unwrap the joy of flavour this Christmas with GSA Foods festive cook-up meat mix. Manager of the GSA’s Agro-Processing Unit, Stacia McDonald, explained that the promotion is also accompanied by its Gift Baskets promotion which started seven years ago, with all the products produced by GSA Agro-Processing Department The baskets include porridge, banana flour, breadfruit flour (in powered form), condiments, golden apple BBQ sauce, preserved carambola, and all-purpose seasonings. In her day-to-day responsibilities, McDonald creates all the solutions for the meats in her unit and

also sees it through the curing process, after which she packages the meats after weighing them for sale. The meats are stored in freezers until they get sold, and they are always fresh and wholesome. The GSA is a large compound that houses several buildings and farms and has different sections, including classrooms and dormitories. It has a livestock farm, agro-processing facility, Crop Farm 1 and Crop Farm 2 and it is selling fresh meats, cow’s milk and other products to the public, especially at this time of the year as we usher in the holidays. The GSA was opened to fulfill a need for specialised National Agricultural Training. The Agro-Processing sector is necessary to Guyana’s development and food security. The Agro-Processing Facility at GSA creates a direct connection between the industry and the agricultural sector, which possesses high growth po-

tential since a lot is being pumped into agriculture. It is of the hope it will enhance its scope on a wide range of merchandise with the anticipation of an increase in food production

ucts and at GSA, they are producing high-quality products that are market-ready at an affordable price. GSA provides in-train-

partment provides intense training to the students involved in Agro-Processing Programme who

and a corresponding increase in the consumption of value-added food products locally produced. As a direct result of changing diet and food habits, there is an increase in value-added food prod-

ing in value-added commodities to the Diploma in Agriculture and Certificate in Agriculture Programmes by implementing courses in Food Science and Agro Processing. In addition, the de-

are expected to enter the Food Processing Industry. During their courses, these students cover a wide range of food safety and preservation techniques in adding value to commodities.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

Have your ‘cake and eat it too’ this Christmas

By Michel Outridge CHRISTMAS is certainly the time for cakes. Last week we shared about one entrepreneur who is sweetening up her business with black cakes. This week, we take a look at another baker who is preparing for the busy season. Falesha Chandler has invested time and money to create a small business from her home in Salem, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, to become independent and earn. She makes from scratch lovely cakes of all sizes, shapes, flavours to suit the needs of customers based on the occasion or event. Chandler came from a family of bakers, from her grandparents to her very own mother, whom she learned from and became a protégé. The 28-year-old, who recently tied the knot and left her Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara home for Parika, spends most of her time baking cakes in her own small business, which started

Donuts

in 2021. She explained that she used to work in the city at a pharmacy, and the commute was too much for her daily so she opted to quit and pur-

sue her love of baking. The young woman was making cakes part-time, but after she left her full-time job, she allotted that time to baking fully. Falesha Chandler (Delano Williams Photos)

Cupcakes

Chandler told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is the third generation of bakers in the family tree and she managed to achieve a lot in baking due to schooling and encouragement from her mother. Her small business is named “Cake and Bake” and she has come a long way after perfecting the art of baking and she is happy about her journey thus far. Chandler specialises in black cake, sponge cake, fruit cake, cupcakes, cheesecakes, pastries, sweet treats like gulab jamun, parsad, mithai, cake pops, and cake icicles. She has since constructed an extra kitchen just to accommodate her baking needs, and her spouse would assist with the delivery of cakes based on orders. “My mother-in-law is also a great help. When I am overwhelmed with orders, she would assist me by cooking meals and household chores, and I am very appreciative of all they are doing to help my small business grow,” she said. Chandler reported that this time of the year, it is

the busiest for her due to the demand of cakes for the holidays and she is happy to disclose too, that she is fully booked. “For you to bake alone, you have to love it or it will become too much to do, but I embrace it. It is a lot of work and involves patience to get it right, but in the end when you complete the final product, it is worth it,” Chandler explained. This year, she stated

that she has orders for most schools on that corridor, she has to fulfill catering for mostly cupcakes, donuts and pastries for Christmas parties. To keep her adrenalin flowing to maintain momentum and not loose focus, Chandler reported that she remains motivated because she loves what she does for a living and will make sacrifices for her small business to grow. “When I bake, it brings me peace and joy from the inside out and it makes me feel good about myself, I can truly exhibit what I feel in the form of cakes,” she said. Chandler pointed out that for any business to grow one must learn from the day-to-day operation and make adjustments to remain financially viable. She added that with the increasing cost of living, the prices for baking products are increasing rapidly and she is always looking to source products wholesale to ensure the prices for her cakes are within a certain range. Chandler stated that to remain profitable, she would also make her own fruits from scratch and have it cured properly before using it to give people the traditional cakes they crave. She has a regular supplier of eggs in bulk and would stock up on baking products often just in case she gets and unexpected order to complete. SEE PAGE XII

Cheesecakes

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

The community of Plantain Walk

AMONG the many villages on the West Bank Demerara, Plantain Walk is unique in its people, past and bright future. Plantain Walk is neighboured by Vreed-en-Hoop in the north and the Dutch village of Pouderoyen in the south. Plantain Walk

spent his entire life in the village of Plantain Walk. He remembers the community as a simple, humble, easy-going but happy place in his youth. As a young man, he and a few other young men would engage in mechanic work at the local workshop. “My uncle

The captivating community of Plantain Walk

Rajindra Shiwprasad (Japheth Savory photos)

itself is said to have been a plantation many years ago. Described as once being a vast area of lush green farmlands on the bank of the river, Plantain Walk is now a thriving community where every convenience is just around the corner. Although small, Plantain Walk is among the oldest villages on the West Bank. The community is ideal for people who seek all the convenience of the city while still retaining the rural life. Rajindra Shiwprasad has

had a mechanic shop here. I was about 12, still going to school when I started working here,” Rajindra shared. This is how many young men of the time learnt the trade they would take through life. If your uncle, father or even neighbour was a mechanic, farmer, or carpenter, their skills would be passed down to any boy willing to learn. That is perhaps why communities like Plantain Walk are home to numerous tradesmen who take great pride and care in their

work. Although he has now retired, Rajindra worked as a carpenter for many years, a skill he learned from his father. Plantain Walk residents are among very few who have very little to complain about. The community has always been well cared for by its residents. At a time when many other communities, both neighbouring and far, had no water or light, Plantain Walk did. “We had light and water. We had one main that ran through the yards,” Rajindra shared. In the past, most of the community worked humble jobs. Many were farmers and fishermen, and Rajindra’s father was a well-known carpenter. Rajindra picked up the trade as a young man and worked as a contractor for many years before he retired. “My father was a carpenter. Today, I do not work anymore, but I was a carpenter too,” he shared.

The community of Plantain Walk, he stated, is vastly different today. Rajindra says that Plantain Walk has seen drastic development with more houses, more people, and new additions to the community. It is a far different place now and still the community he loves. Rajindra grew up as the second child in a family of three siblings. In his youth, he remembers the community as having so few homes that he and his friends would use the land to play sports. “Plantain Walk is far, very different now. There were not all these houses when we were growing up. We even had a ball field.” The childhood described by Rajindra is almost picturesque. He explained that not only has the community changed, but so has the

way of life. Although life in Plantain Walk was always good by the standard of the time, Rajindra explained that the community housed more togetherness than it does today. “The neighbours live good in the community, every holiday, even if it is Indian or not. We share with them, and they share with us,” he said. The togetherness of the village has not been lost but has mellowed due to the faster pace of life, Rajindra expressed. Separating one village from another becomes difficult when the people are as close-knit as they are in communities like Plantain Walk and its neighbours. Rajindra’s mother hails from Goed Fortuin, which is only a few villages away. He was born in Goed Fortuin and returned to

Plantain Walk to grow up. Rajindra says there is very little difference from one community to another. As he grew up, went to school, and began working, Rajindra shared that he had never thought of leaving the community of Plantain Walk. The village of Plantain Walk is a small community with one main road but it has a big atmosphere. Many days, you could find a group of Plantain Walk men and women talking at shops or at the bottom flat of someone’s home. Plantin Walk is truly remarkable. The village is a stone’s throw away from the capital city and still retains that authentic Guyanese feel more than many other villages, showing that a sense of community is crafted by the people.

VII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

Keeping an open mind One woman’s extraordinary story of superhuman faith the family’s energy and financial resources. “We came together and chartered helicopters to go and search for him. Then little money we had was finished behind that,” Somwattie stated. The loss of her husband felt more like an absence to the family. The lack of information surrounding his disappearance left the family and, more importantly, Somwattie, without the closure that they so desperately needed. The Kamarang River had channels, Somwattie explained and they all lead to a single junction where all the debris of the river washed up. “I walked Kamarang river. They said that to be in the river, my husband had to know it well, and he did. When the water drops, you could walk across. And I walked across the river, but I did not find anything anywhere that belonged to him,” she expressed.

By Shaniya Harding MORE than a decade ago the happy life of a mother and wife was turned upside down when she received a call that her husband of several years had disappeared. She vividly remembers being told that the father of her children had been working in Guyana’s interior, in Kimbia, on board a boat when he fell overboard and vanished. He was never found even after many efforts and attempts conducted by search parties. And as days turned into months and months into years, it has now been 12 years since Somwattie Mohamed’s husband seemingly vanished from the face of the earth. Somwattie calls Canal No.2, where she grew up, a quiet place. She shared that the village was small and with running water and electricity. This, she explained, taught her and her family the value of hard work. “Everything we had to do for ourselves. At that time, we did not have potable water. We did not have electricity, and my family knew about fetching buckets of water,” Somwattie shared in her interview with Pepperpot Magazine. Her husband was her knight in shining armour who lived just a few houses away before they were married. The couple grew up together and fell in love, and they soon got married. The pair shared a two-year age gap and tied the knot when happy bride Somwattie was just 20. Somwattie shared that, “He would work in the interior and do grill work and so on.” The pair had two children and a blissful relationship that lasted more than 15 years. Her husband was kind, a good father and a great provider, Somwattie explained. He worked as a fabrication welder and made his family his priority. In their years of marriage, Somwattie shared that she could not remember her husband raising his voice or saying a harsh word. “We had a good relationship, we never quarrelled and he never told

Somwattie Mohamed with a laminated clipping of her husband’ story (Japheth Savory photos)

me anything bad. Everything was up to date with him,” she stated. For some time, their marriage was picturesque. With a happy marriage, two great children and a loving husband, Somwatties’s family seemed perfect. That is until one day more than 12 years ago, Somwattie got the worst call a

that he had been working on board a piece of machinery in the Kamarang River when he fell into the water early one morning. It was as simple as that she stated. The call she explained put her into shock. She was unable to process that he had died. During the last conversation the couple had, he told

work at home,” Somwattie said. The call that he had drowned was one matter that affected both her family and her husband’s family and pushed them apart. Refusing to give up hope, the families came together and chartered helicopters in search of the lost man. Time and time

wife could have. She remembers vividly working on her sewing machine when she received the news. She was told that her husband had drowned. The story was

her this would be his last time working in the interior. “He told me that was the last time he was going to work in the bush. He told me we were going to buy a car and do his

again, efforts were made, and search parties along the river banks shouted his name. Neither he nor his belongings were ever uncovered. Their efforts exhausted

A clear conclusion was never reached even after various news entities published multiple articles. The family’s case was never closed, nor had their story ever ended. And although the family has tried their best to move on, Somwattie still clings to the belief that her husband will someday return. “I say that one day he will come home. I have an openness that one day he will reach home,” she said. Without a body or a funeral, Somwattie simply cannot believe that her husband is gone. She believes that he will return someday. Perhaps if more information was given, an arrest and reopened investigation or something of that sort, she said. But for now, Somwattie believes that her husband will return and they will carry on as though he never had vanished.

VIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

Preserving the past for the future The role that history plays in a family and a community

By Shaniya Harding GUYANA is a country rich in people, culture, and tradition. Our past is a beautiful tapestry of people from around the globe. But many of us do not know our past, specifically our family’s past and history. And the past, family history and cultural background are far more important than one may think. Knowing where one comes from adds to a strong and unique sense of self. It is knowledge that can be passed down for generations to come. It is a story of the past that can guide the future. Biswam Shiwprasad has lived in the village of Plantain Walk for several years. He grew up in the community. He left for many years and returned after the death of his parents. His parents valued family, and what better way to honour their loved ones than by keeping their story alive. Biswam has moved from and returned to the village of Plantain Walk multiple times. It is, however, where he grew up and where he settled down with his family at the age of 53. “Plantain Walk was a really quiet area. My grandfather bought up the land that was called Plantation Walk,” Biswam shared. He explained that the Plantain Walk he knew was home to more farmlands than houses and the people of the village were far less. Biswam explained that almost a hundred years ago, his grandfather came to Plantain Walk, bought land, and began a family. He shared that his grandfather was from India. Although he would have liked to know more about his family’s past, Biswam still knows more

than many people today do. He told the story of his grandfather, who hailed from India. Almost a century ago, he came to Guyana and settled down in Plantain Walk. The community at that time still had remnants of colonisation and was primarily a farming area before people began to take up residence in the village. “Plantation walk is what I knew this village was named. My grandfather bought land and shared it among the family and my grandmother got the plot of land I am living on now,” said Biswam. His home marks the beginning of Plantain Walk as the first house in the community. “The village was a farming area, and then it was shared out as a house to people,” Biswam shared. One could only imagine the work that needed to be done by the first people of Plantain Walk to build a new community. His family legacy and history, Biswam shared, was largely preserved by his parents. They made sure to keep photographs and stories of the family elders. Biswam has kept these photos and stories that he now tells his son, eight-year-old Andrew. “I have photographs with my grandfather, but I only know so much. I know that he was from India and came here and married my grandmother, who was Guyanese. That was more than a hundred years ago,” Biswam shared. Because of its proximity to Vreed-en-Hoop, Plantain Walk housed every service needed by the people of the community. With everything from banks and supermarkets to a hospital and pharmacy, all necessities are housed either in the village of Plantain Walk or

Biswam Shiwprasad at work in his Plantain Walk mechanic shop (Japheth Savory photos)

the next village over. Originally, Plantain Walk was like many of its surrounding counterparts in the respect that they were small villages with small populations. And in small villages, everyone knew everyone else. However, Plantain Walk has recently seen a rise in its population, says Biswam. More people have come to the community. Whereas some come to settle down, others start families or businesses. “Plantain Wall now is very different. There are

a lot of new and strange people who have come here to live. I know most of the people because I was born here,” said Biswam. He is, however, very happy and optimistic about the community’s newcomers and says that regardless of who his neighbours are; he strives to have s good relationship with them. Peaceful, welcoming, and having a sense of family are some ways to describe the community of Plantain Walk. It is also one way to describe the atmosphere at Biswam’s workshop. He has been a mechanic for more than three decades. “I am 53 and I started mechanic work when I was just 15.” He learned the trade from his father before him and has mastered it over the years. Entering into Biswam’s workshop at his Plantain Walk home most days could guarantee a few friends happily talking. The community is closeknit and supportive of each other. Many weekends are spent by Biswam, his neighbours and friends celebrating the simple achievements of life as they share stories new and old. They share the stories that keep the sense of community and family strong.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

What shapes a person

Issues and addiction may affect people but do not shape them

By Shaniya Harding IT is not often that someone’s admiration for a habit is likened to that person’s love for a lost loved one. Whereas the majority of people have hobbies, some people battle with addiction and unresolved personal problems. It is, however, important to remember that although an addiction may affect people, by no means does it shape them. Prakash Jitlall strongly prefers the name Rocko. It is a name that he adopted at the age of just 12; also, around the time he began drinking and smoking. Today at 51 years old, Rocko has smoked cigarettes every day for more than three decades. It is a habit he knows is harmful, but he says he simply cannot do without it. There is a long list of things that have happened during Rocko’s life that have shaped his opinions on life and his views on people and have made him into the man he is today. Rocko grew up in a few

places but has always called the West Bank home. A large part of his life was spent in the village of Plantain Walk, which has crafted his love and admiration for the community. Rocko is well known around the community of Plantain Walk and Pouderoyen. He considers the friends he has made in the community to be closer than family and far more loyal and helpful. Today, Rocko lives a quiet life among his close friends as he works as a skilled contractor. Rocko’s upbringing was far from ideal. As a young man, Rocko was wild, adventurous, and rebellious. He began drinking and smoking while attending Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School. When asked about how he began smoking, he shared, “If I told you, you would not believe me. I started drinking at the age of 12.” Before he was a teenager, Rocko was smoking a pack a day without his mother or anyone else, for that matter, finding out. This did not put a stop to his life

Prakash ‘Rocko’ Jitlall Japheth Savory photos

or progress. Rockco finished high school and ventured into the world. He explained

that as a young man, he had encountered plenty. And as much as he has been involved in a plethora of activities and has lived life to its fullest, the only thing that has gripped him relentlessly is cigarettes. Even drinking, he says, he can stop at any time. For nine months he stopped drinking. Rocko did not touch a bottle and he is sure he can do it again. Smoking, however, is a different story. Rocko explained during his interview that he smokes not one, or two, but four packs of cigarettes a day.

Rocko admitted that he smokes from when he wakes up to the minutes before bed. “At the end of day, I smoke four packs of cigarettes. And it is 20 in a pack. That is 80 cigarettes a day. And every day, I have to get cigarettes,” Rocko explained. The thought of eighty cigarettes a day is mind-boggling to some and right out unbelievable to others. But to Rocko, it is simply a way of life. Every day so many additions and bad habits go unchecked. As time passes, they grow and soon become the focal point of that person’s existence. Rocko knew he was a smoker, but it was not until he went overseas to spend time with his family that he learned the true extent of his dependency on cigarettes. “I discovered I could not do without cigarettes when I went to my aunt in New York in 2019. I stayed away from cigarettes for six months,” Rocko stated. This was difficult time of realisation for Rocko. He found it hard to cope without smoking and buying a pack was the first thing he did when he returned to Guyana. “From the time I jumped on the plane and reached Guyana, there was a restaurant at Timehri, and I bought a pack of cigarettes,” Rocko expressed. Rocko is aware of the dangers of smoking and is feeling the effects it has on his health. As time went on, he explained that he found

himself getting tired faster and breathing during work had become harder. “Smoking affects me,” Rocko shared. “For the work that I do, I make blocks and go out and work. But sometimes when I do a certain amount of work, I have to sit down because I start breathing so hard, I have to take five.” He further added that, “I know I am not supposed to smoke. It makes me feel calm.” The feeling of calm is all worth it he says. Rocko has made countless attempts to stop smoking, but it’s a habit he simply cannot seem to lose despite his best efforts. On World No Tobacco Day 2023, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, in his national statement, expressed that as of 2020, the prevalence of tobacco use among adults in Guyana stood at 12.1 percent, according to the World Bank. Guyana enacted the Tobacco Control Act 2017 to adopt and implement tobacco control policies per the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Chairperson of the Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, earlier this year, also called for the full implementation of the Act and higher taxes on cigarettes due to its severe health risks and levels of addiction.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

Health and Safety Tips for the Festive Season IT is almost Christmas time again, and I know many of us look forward to it with the same wonder, excitement and anticipation as when we were still in our childhood. Even though it comes just once a year, the festive season brings with it its own peculiar traditions with which all are expected to comply. The Christmas season brings many celebrations and festivities that can sometimes get out of control. Therefore, we should consider the health and safety risks associated with the celebrations at home and work. How to stay healthy and safe as you celebrate One of the secrets of having a memorable Christmas time is to enjoy the fun, knowing that the risks have been assessed and appropriate safety measures are implemented. We need to consider some of the issues associated with Christmas, such as Christmas decorations, electrical safety, toys and, of course, the persistent issue of drinking. We want everyone to enjoy this most widely celebrated holiday season without having to face the aftermath of some tragic event. By their very nature, many of our arrangements for Christmas tend to be temporary, often makeshift in nature and that fact alone greatly increases the risk of accidents occurring.

Consequently, it’s worth having a simple checklist on hand of what we need to keep in mind to minimise any additional risks that might arise. Decorations: I’m sure most of you are in the process of cleaning and decorating. People will be unpacking decorations that were hastily put away last year, so take care when unravelling those, especially the SEE PAGE XII electrical ones. Be careful when

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

‘I just want you for my own, More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you’ SARAH closed her eyes as the beautiful Christmas song on the car’s radio serenaded her mind. Her baby was asleep on her lap and looking at her adorable face, moments later, she wondered, “What would this Christmas be for us, Isabella? Will a star in the sky twinkle for us so we can feel joy and cheers, or will our path be dark and rough?” Questions she had not the answers for, but in her heart, she wished that this Christmas she could have something new and special in her life. She sighed deeply. No tears left, just an ache in her heart from the tragedy that intruded in her life. She had gotten married to her childhood sweetheart from church and though they were both young, they had good plans for the future. A food business with his culinary skills was the venture they had drawn out plans to start with a small loan. He had a few years of experience as a cook at the Marriott Hotel and she, a server at the Pegasus Hotel. They were a young couple with big dreams but one late night, three months after their baby was born, he was accosted not far from home by two men in a motorbike, robbed and fatally shot. She had screamed when she received the shocking news and had cried so much, she came close to a nervous breakdown. But the thought of her baby gave her the strength to hold on. That tragic loss brought drastic changes in her life, and now, being a single mother, she had to give up the rented, comfy two-bedroom house that had been home. She couldn’t afford the rent alone and now she was going back to her grandmother - the one family

she was close to, where there was love and warm comfort in her little home. A loud voice aroused her from her thoughts, startling the baby in her sleep. It was a passenger. The driver had secured a heavy-set woman

mechanics are working on it.” His phone rang just that moment and there was a level of frustration in his voice because, apparently, he was late for a very important meeting.

crying.” Sarah relaxed her hold a little and in a flash, Isabella launched herself and clapped down on the man’s laptop. “Oh my goodness!” Sarah exclaimed, “I’m so sorry.”

with a few heavy bags. “I need two more, Sis,” he told Sarah a little apologetically. She smiled a little, understanding but hoping he could secure the other passengers, for she had been sitting in the car at the park for almost half of an hour. Not long after, the driver returned with a pleased smile, saying, “This gentleman will pay for both seats so we can go now.” “Thank goodness,” Sarah said with relief. She glanced at the gentleman who got in the car beside her as she made herself and her baby comfortable. He was young with a business casual outlook, but there was a tense expression on his face. He glanced at her briefly, said a barely audible ‘Good morning’ and turned on his laptop. His alluring fragrance compelled her to glance at him again and she could tell he was a confident and refined man. As the car pulled out of the park, the driver asked him, “So how did your car break down, man?” “I’m not sure what happened,” he answered in a deep, smooth voice, “The

He did not seem to be having a good day and a short while later, Isabella awoke crying. Sarah comforted her as best as she could and after a bottle of milk, she became calm. All was well until the woman in the front seat changed the radio channel to music with explicit lyrics. It was not Sarah’s kind of music and after a while, she asked politely, “Can you please change that?” The woman gave her a cross look, “What do you want to hear, girl? Gospel?” “Not really, just softer music.” The woman grumbled but changed the channel, and the young man smiled slightly at Sarah. The warm feeling she felt from that look surprised her but before she could dwell on it, Isabella, now in a playful mood, reached out her little hands to the stranger, laughing and bouncing on Sarah’s lap. “Isabella,” Sarah said sternly, in a low tone, “Quiet down.” “Let her be,” the young man said patiently, “It’s better she’s playing and not

The woman from the front turned and laughed, “She probably wants to Google

something.” The young man said nothing, closed his laptop and laid back in his seat with a resigning sigh. It was a good while after Isabella fell asleep again and Sarah closed her eyes, too, drifting off a little. She was suddenly jolted out of her sleep by the screeching of brakes and a sudden impact as something hit the car. The baby almost fell out of her arms, but the young man steadied her and they braced themselves as the car spun out of control, the woman in front screaming in horror as the driver tried to keep control with the steering wheel until he miraculously brought the car to a stop. “Oh my God!” Sarah cried, scared and trembling. “Are you and the baby okay?” the young man asked. “I-I don’t know,” she answered in a little choked voice, and held onto his arm as he helped her out of the car. He turned to assist the woman in front, who was close to a panic attack and

asked the shaken, distraught driver, “What was that, man?” The driver shook his head, unable to talk and pointed to a minibus and another car involved in the accident. “It’s always speeding and overtaking,” the young businessman stated. He surveyed the scene from where he was standing and asked himself, “What the heck saved us?” A curious crowd gathered as the police and ambulance arrived at the scene. The heavy-set woman was taken to the hospital and the young man spoke to an associate on the phone, “This is really a bad day, send someone to pick me up.” He looked at Sarah standing there and asked, “How are you going home?” “I don’t know,” she replied, an uncertain look on her face, “I’ll probably get a bus.” He noted she was still shaken and he said, reaching to take Isabella, “Here, let me SEE PAGE XV

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Health and Safety Tips... FROM PAGE X hanging decorations because this often means stretching to an extent that would not be permitted as part of normal work or home activities. Be extremely careful when climbing on chairs, ladders, etc. This all adds up to a recipe for falls that could easily result in bruises, fractures or worse. Toys: People also need to pay special attention to the types of toys they buy for children. When buying toys, one needs to be very careful about the age group of the children and your choice of toys. Some toys, especially those with small parts, can be very hazardous to children. Ensure you buy toys that are educational and age-appropriate. Christmas Trees: the other favoured Christmas decoration is a tree. Whether real or artificial, it must be stable, more so if it is close to a walkway where someone could catch it or if it is mounted on top of something else to give it additional height. Ensure that your Christmas tree is placed in a suitable location where it will not be a hindrance to people. Be careful with Christmas trees and small children who are often attracted to the dec-

mas lights. Low-voltage sets are obviously preferable as they pose less risk of electric shock, assuming they are properly installed. However, even low-voltage equipment can start a fire if it is faulty. In order to plug in your lights (or other electrically operated decorations), there’s a good chance you will be using extension cables or at least have trailing wires. Ensure that you take extra precautions when connecting your lights. Do not leave on your Christmas lights if going out for very long periods. Fire is an ever-present danger. We’ve already mentioned some of the hazards, but we left this topic for last because almost everything we have considered so far can contribute to the risk of fire starting or hindering a prompt response should fire

break out. As a reminder, these are some of the issues that need urgent attention: ● Don’t allow waste combustible materials to accumulate, but keep the premises as clean and tidy as at any other time of the year. ● Ensure decorations, Christmas trees, greeting cards, etc., are positioned to prevent them from catching fire or contributing to the spread of fire should it occur. ● Ensure all electrical items are tested for safety and there are no trailing cables, daisy-chained extension cables, etc. In other words, good cable management is important even when the installation is only temporary. ● If you must have electric lights, never turn them on when the premises are empty. In fact, it is advised to unplug them.

Most people spend a great deal of time and money preparing for it, but the older and wiser we get, the more we realise that the season can have its downside alongside all the festivities, parties and presents. It is Important to Relax at Christmas. Remember, this is a day for the family as much as it is for anyone else. Keep the decoration simple and your celebrations green; keep the food simple but well-cooked; keep the guests happy and remember to have fun. Too many family members become consumed by all the work and preparations, and the home cooks end up shut away in the kitchen while Christmas carries on around them until they fall exhausted into bed.

Have your ‘cake and... orations. Even if placed at work, ensure it’s at a strategic location.

Electrical Issues: Each year, we see more and more ingenious variations in Christ-

FROM PAGE V Having a small business is all about time and money, and for Chandler, she has the right packaging to accompany her high-quality products. Chandler told the Pepperpot Magazine that her dream will soon be realised and she is aiming towards establishing her very own bakery to display and sell her homemade cakes. “I would like to have it at a central point, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara. There is always a steady flow of people and I know it will happen for me because I am working towards that goal,” she said.

Black cakes.

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Origin of Venezuela’s threats and aggression against Guyana THE Venezuelan controversy and Venezuela’s threats against Guyana’s sovereignty by its declaration that it will seize most of Guyana’s territory has been in the consciousness of most of our readers, and we are, today, making another offering on the issue. We will briefly review the raison d’etre of these threats, and for the purpose of brevity, will do so in point form: (1) In the 1960s, the Cold War was being fought with varying intensity in all the continents, and the principal contestants were the USSR with its allies and satellites on one side, and the USA on the other. In the Americas, Cuba, an island close to the USA, had become a Communist State and brought USSR power to its doorstep. The USA was determined that no other Communist State would emerge in its backyard. Just at this time, Britain was withdrawing from its Caribbean colonies, and by 1960 it was known that Britain was soon going to give Guyana its Independence. In the Cold War hysteria, several people claimed that Guyana would become another Cuba if it became independent. Venezuela, unlike today when it is a country whose Government hates the US and is allied with those countries who are damaging to the USA, was an ally of the USA, and was tasked with delaying the Independence of Guyana. Venezuela, therefore, opposed the independence of Guyana in 1962, claiming that the 1899 Arbitral Award setting the boundary of Guyana and Venezuela was rigged, though Venezuela had fully accepted this boundary for over 60 years until then. The basis of this accusation was the posthumous letter from Mallet-Prevost,

one of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela at the Arbitral Tribunal who claimed that Britain’s award was fraudulent. For 13 years after the Mallet-Prevost accusation was known, most Venezuelan intellectual opinion gave little or no credence or cognisance to it. In 1962, it provided the politicians with a causus that they had been searching to use to delay Guyana’s independence. Britain was very anxious to withdraw from British Guiana, as Guyana was then known, and this led to the Geneva Agreement of 1966, whereby the controversy was given a four-year period to be resolved, failing which, it was to be referred to the UN Secretary-General who would then determine a vehicle for resolution. Guyana was then given its independence in the same year, with the 1899 Award and its international boundary

of rich offshore oil deposits has sharpened their greed, and this is manifested in their strident threats to seize Guyana’s territory, which is all about the riches of Essequibo awaiting to be snapped up by Venezuela. The Mallet-Prevost posthumous letter was now used to cover their unvarnished greed. (3) The third reason appears and then disappears: Next year, Venezuela will be holding its national elections, and President Maduro hopes to be re-elected. But his chances of reelection are nil, since he has turned Venezuela, once one of the richest countries in the world, into one of the poorest, with a quarter of the population of nearly 8 million fleeing the country as economic refugees. Therefore, he has resorted to the well-tried strategy of starting a war with a weak neighbour to whip up nationalism

intact. The Mallet-Prevost posthumous letter was the first reason proffered by Venezuela for claiming that the 1899 Award was void. (2) The second reason for Venezuela’s threats and bellicosity against Guyana is their greed to possess Essequibo, a territory blessed with valuable natural resources, including gold, diamonds, manganese, bauxite, rare earth, forests, rare animals, hydropower and world-class tourist attractions such as the Kaieteur Falls. The recent discovery

and win electoral support. But Guyana is not the pushover he and his lieutenant Delcy Rodriguez had imagined, and they experienced their first knockout with the ICJ decision, which restrains them from invading and seizing Guyana’s territory. Venezuela could find no valid reason for claiming Guyana’s territory, since talk of the Mallet-Prevost posthumous letter and Essequibo being part of the Captain Generalcy of Venezuela when part of the

Spanish Empire had long been negated in the deliberations and findings of the Arbitral Tribunal of the 1890s. Finding no credible or valid legal basis for their claim has driven Venezuelan extremists into a semi-demented state of lawlessness, manifesting

itself in violence and military adventurism. In our defence, so far, Guyana has defeated Venezuelan extremists, diplomatically, and is now working to have our allies give full and adequate military support to the Guyana Defence Force to meet any Venezuelan

military invasion. Such military support would immediately cower extremist Venezuelan bullyism, and act as a restraint on their military adventurism, and avoid any intrusion or invasion, thus maintaining the status quo.

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BRICS+ Fashion Summit Cont’d T H E BRICS+ Fashion Summit has emerged as a highly influential occasion in the realm of fashion, drawing in fashion industry representatives from different corners of the globe. If we had any doubts, as Moscow is a fashion hub, this event certainly stamped that authority and was well deserved! Imagine 205 guests from 62 countries and Guyana was the only Caribbean country. I must confess that

before visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world, I did not realise the magnitude and impact of their fashion industry. One of the things I admire is how excited the young people were to learn more. After speaking that day, so many of them interacted with me and were very curious about

the possible opportunities the sector offers. They were interested not just in modelling and designing but also fashion illustrations, photography styling, etc., and they would have received a wide perspective because of the diverse cultural backgrounds of the visiting delegation. I also enjoyed the interaction with the Moscow Media. When my friend Bench sent me the clip of my first TV interview in Moscow, it reminded me again that I

was fulfilling my purpose. We have a unique menu from the Caribbean to serve at this fashion buffet, and it was an honour to have that presence at such a remarkable gathering at the BRICS + Fashion Summit. Business Programmes were one of the main features

The Business Program featured over 40 sessions with more than 200 speakers from different parts of the world. They delved into crucial industry topics such as collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It was a privilege to be on the panel with other esteemed speakers discussing the impact of Fashion Weeks around the world. We are planning to re-launch Guyana Fashion Week next year, God willing. We continue receiving messages from the public beg-

ging for the return because of its impact on many lives. This trip has certainly connected me with partners who can take GFW to another level. Willy Batura, CEO & Founder of Fort Fashion Council, lives in Dubai. He Manages the council access initiatives such as nurturing and developing the talents of young designers, opening

Dubai gateway for international brands and designers and setting infrastructure for international organisations franchises in Dubai or the Middle East expansions. “It’s was pleasure meet-

to describe and we look forward to exploring the industry of Guyana’s fashion, tourism and culture, also creating extended relationships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for Guyana and

ing with Dr. Sonia Noel during the Brics+ Fashion Summit, her knowledge in the industry is beyond words

Caribbean industry,” Mr Barura said. The only day I saw the sunset in Moscow and that experience was shared with my colleague from Zimbabwe and he also shared his summit experience. “The BRICS Fashion Summit is an event that has brought together industry professionals and fashion enthusiasts from around the world and left an indelible mark in my memory. Participating in this event opened my eyes to the possibilities that professionals on the African continent can learn and apply within their terms of reference. Additionally, I am excited at the positive contribution that African fashion will make to the event in future with our industry professionals sharing

their expertise and creativity on a global platform like the BRICS Fashion Summit.” Marshall Mutsamwira - Director, Zimbabwe Fashion Week. Unfortunately, I think he also shared his flu with me but I have forgiven lol. Umit Temurcin from Turkey had great energy and we connected also because he is a fashion writer. He is the founder of UT Projects Agency, which organises many fashion events in Turkey. He gives us his opinion on the Summit. “Brics Fashion Summit Moscow turned out to be a great fashion organisation, far beyond what I expected. It is a platform that brings together hundreds of international industry professionals, nurtures everyone in line with their branches SEE PAGE XV

and creates new relationships. Brands exhibited their products in the showroom and met with buyers, and many international fashion designers presented their collections in professional fashion shows. Dozens of panels were held and experts shed light on the future of the sector and the points that need to be improved. I also moderated a panel, where we talked about what steps should be taken in new international markets and what kind of experts we should work with. Apart from these, I saw the discipline and hard work of the Russians more closely. In Moscow, they also took great care of us outside of work. We visited many cultural and historical museums

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BRICS+ Fashion ALL I WANT ... Summit... FROM PAGE XIV

and galleries. They were full of magnificent works. Also, I really liked Russian food. It was a complete gastronomic experience. Apart from these, the city was bright before the new year, and the integration of those magnificent architectural buildings with the lights left an incredible visual mark on me. I believe that next year Brics Fashion Summit will grow much bigger and the Russian textile and fashion world will shine even brighter.” The B2B showroom was an amazing feature. The setup was classy and professional for fostering new connections between buyers, designers, and industry experts. This expansive space hosted 130 brands from various countries. The Fashion Intensive Course was also part of the Summit. It was a special educational platform organised within the Summit. Fashion students and emerging designers had an opportunity to learn from 37 lecturers from esteemed universities and international fashion institutions. The list included professors and experts from Brazil, China, India,

Argentina, Russia, Colombia, Turkey, South Africa and Nigeria among others. The true highlights of the Summit were the Fashion Shows, where designers could showcase their collections to the international audience. The lineup of Fashion Shows was nothing short of impressive, boasting renowned names such as David Tlale from South Africa, SADAELS from Argentina, Arzu Kaprol from Turkey, 陳宇CHNNYU from China, Lucas Leão from Brazil, FDCI presents: riteshkumar, KHANIJO, Naushad Ali, and Shruti Sancheti from India. This diverse array of designers provided an unparalleled platform for cultural exchange and celebrated the rich tapestry of global fashion. World Fashion Shorts appeared as an immersive multimedia installation that combinesfashion and video art. It featured a curated collection of vibrant short films that have received accolades at international fashion film festivals. This emerging genre has seen significant growth worldwide in recent years. The

selection for World Fashion Shorts encompasses films from diverse regions such as South Africa, North America, Europe, Central, and Southeast Asia. Together, they offered a captivating glimpse into the vast array of cultures and expanded our understanding of fashion. I will have to leave the Gala dinner (pic below)for some other time because it was a dinner of dinners!

So much to digest and it will take some time and it takes vision to plan and execute such a master plan. This trip has motivated my fashion journey and vision for the industry in Guyana and the Caribbean. I already have a glimpse of my mental vision board for 2024 and fashion will play a major role. We have started our registration for our annual vision board parties in Georgetown, Berbice, Bartica and Linden. I encourage you to whatsapp +5926848129 for more info as we celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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help you with her and when my ride gets here, I’ll give you a lift home.” “Thank you,” Sarah said with deep gratitude, “Umm, I don’t even know your name.” “Raj.” “And I’m Sarah.” Isabella made no fuss as the stranger held her while they waited on his ride. The ride that came for him was a luxury vehicle, and it was the first time Sarah was riding in such comfortable comfort. She looked at Raj, his amiable personality igniting that warmth again within her, and she asked silently, somewhat perplexed, “What’s happening?” She reached the village where her grandmother lived, a small community and she asked him to put her off on the main road.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to take you to your home?” “No, no, it’s not far in. I could walk, thank you.” She walked down the potholed street, three corners away to her grandmother’s house. Her arms were tired with the baby and the bags, but it was like coming home and a joyous feeling filled her heart. Her grandmother’s eyes lit up at seeing her and the old lady helped her, tears of happiness in her eyes. “It is so great seeing you and my great-granddaughter.” That night after Sarah had put Isabella to bed, she sat down to talk with her grandmother. The old lady asked, with a worried look on her face, “How are you doing, my child?” She smiled to hide the pain that was still in her heart, “I’m fine, grandma.

I’ve come back home to you and this Christmas will be wonderful for us with what little we have until I go back to work.” Her grandmother, a wise woman, knew she was still hurting from her shocking loss and said, “It’s God’s will, my child. Maybe your accident was fated to happen and maybe something new would find its way to you.” As she laid in bed that night, her grandmother’s words replayed in her mind and Sarah thought of that new feeling within her when she looked at Raj. She got up and opening the door, looked up at the sky, saying silently, “I don’t understand what’s happening but we are from such different worlds, I’ll probably never see him again.” But she had made a wish and one never knows what miracles Christmas can bring.

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Avoiding Christmas Burnout IT’S the festive season; for some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year—except for when it isn’t. Although the festivities can be joyful and exciting, it can also be exhausting. There’s a typical Guyanese tradition of deep-cleaning for the

and Christmas Eve, which involves cooking and baking. Those delicious Guyanese black cakes don’t bake themselves—someone has to do it. If you’re feeling exhausted and overwhelmed before the holiday season then you may be experiencing Christ-

also experience my own bits of festive burnout, but I’ve learned some tips that help ease the stress during this time. I find that planning ahead works best if you know you have a lot to do during the holidays. Try not to wait until the last

Christmas season. People would always deep clean their entire house, from outside to the inside, before or during the holiday season. This is a common practice, but it can also be tiring, especially for those who are busy working without additional support or assistance. The holiday season is also filled with a lot of extra hours spent at work, less sleep, and more shopping, and sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in a day to complete it all. You also worry a little more about finances because things can get quite pricey during the holidays. Holiday shopping is also taxing because you must shop for food, gifts, and even holiday decor during this time. Let’s not forget the actual day of Christmas

mas or festive burnout. For some people, the end of the year means they may have to meet strict deadlines for work. It may mean they must complete additional tasks and responsibilities before the year or season ends. There’s also the added stress of gift shopping for your loved ones. It isn’t a requirement, yet many people still feel a burden or need to purchase gifts during this time, even if it’s outside their budget. There’s also many festive activities, such as parties and festivals, that people may want to attend. All in all, it can be a very busy season, and it can be very stressful. While we may always have stressors to overcome, the holiday season adds more than usual. Hence, many people will feel overwhelmed and possibly burnt out. I

moment and pace yourself. Create a checklist of priority and non-priority tasks to complete. If possible, start early, possibly in October or November, starting with your priority tasks. I try not to leave all of my holiday tasks for December itself because it is never enjoyable when you have to complete task after task. Where’s the fun in that? I believe the holidays are meant to be celebrated and enjoyed, and we must not forget that. We should spend less time worrying and stressing over the planning and preparation and start to live in the moment of the festivities. If you notice you’re experiencing festive burnout, always take a break and learn when to say no when you feel you can’t do more.

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December 10 2023 STUDY SUCCESS

THOUGHT FOR

TODAY

Nought but vast so rrow w The sweet cheat go as there – ne. WALTER DE LA MARE (1873-1956 ) The Ghost

Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. Effective reading strategies thathelp comprehend informational textsinclude a) thinking aloud independently while reading and searching the text; b) looking for and jotting down details and ideas; andc) utilising key features. Key features add further details and support

to the information being presented in the text and can be photos, illustrations, diagrams.Write about new things discovered and other things of interest in the text. These help comprehension. Summarise the key ideas. Be wise. Love you. IMPROVING READING 1) Finding out what a passage is saying The desire to succeed is of paramount importance. There are many jobs in which there is little pressure to retain ideas in a formal way. However, there are few wellpaid jobs in which the keeping of written records and the communication of information play a part. Self-interest is therefore a vital factor. However, consider the ways in which memory works when people are engaged in activities about which they feel enthusiastic, and for which pay is not a primary factor. Hobbies, pursuits and passions promote levels of recall and standards of articulate response that do not require any special training. For example, bridge-players, motor-racing followers, hockey-umpires, wine-connoisseurs, religious devotees are usually, by nature, enthusiasts. Their minds are able to assimilate information and they are able to share it. The skills are intuitive. There would appear to be some sense in the saying – ‘Make your job your hobby.’ It will help you succeed. Something to Do The following questions will help you consider more closely the contents of the given passage. Read it over twice before attempting the questions which should lead to soul-searching. 1. Put the first sentence in your own words before you progress to the second question. 2. Is the second sentence saying that retaining ideas is not important in many jobs? Exactly what do you understand here? 3. Do you agree that self-interest is also a vital factor in your examination preparation? How? 4. How much importance is memory in your study if you are enthusiastic to succeed? What can you do OR what have you been doing to improve memory? 5. Explain: “for which pay is not a primary factor” in sentence five. 6. What is the writer’s claim in sentence six? Do you know what is meant by ‘hobby’? Do you have a hobby or two? Give their names and explain how one of them retains your interest.

7. Do see it possible to mention a hobby that exists in your family circle. 8. Why do you think enthusiasts are eager to share their information freely? IMPROVING READING 2) Noting specific information When you read for specific information, concentrate on thoseparts and note the bits of information found. Read by scanning for what you want to know and relate to the rest as redundant material. Look at the following simple passage. Read and make mental notes. Look for simple things like how tall Peter Ustinov is, how long he was a soldier for, whether he is married, and how many children he has. My name is Peter Ustinov ... I’m fifty-seven years old. I’m what is known in the American clothing trade as ‘portly’. I am just under six foot tall, although if I hold myself properly, I can still just about reach it. I served in the British army for four and a half years as a private, hated it and wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I managed to do quite well in the theatre and the movies, being the holder of two ‘Oscars’. There are only eight actors that have got more than one, so IU am very lucky in that respect. I’ve got four children. I’ve been married three times. Apart from that I really don’t know what to say about myself... (From Meeting people with Terry L. Fredrickson) IMPROVING POETRY READING Showing understanding by identifying the speaker The Face in the Mirror (Robert Graves) Grey haunted eyes, absentmindedly glaring From wide, uneven orbits; one brow drooping Somewhat over the eye Because of a missile fragment still inhering, Skin deep, as a foolish record of old-world fighting. Crookedly broken nose – low tackling caused it; Cheeks, furrowed; coarse gray hair, flying frenetic; Forehead, wrinkled and high; Jowls, prominent; ears, large; jaws, pugilistic; Teeth, few; lips, full and ruddy; mouth, ascetic. I pause with razor poised, scowling derision At the mirrored man whose beard needs my attention, And once more ask why He still stands ready, with a boy’s presumption, To court the queen in her high silk pavilion. Something to Do 1. Who is the speaker in the poem? 2. Do you think this poem is a self-portrait? What evidence supports your thinking? 3. In the first two stanzas of the poem, Graves gives us a detailed description of his face. a) What do these details reveal about his past? b) Would you call this portrait realistic or idealistic? Explain your choice. 4. How does the poet state the feeling of ridicule about himself? Quote the two-word phrase where it is plainly found. 5. What two universal themes do you recognise that the poet deals with, in his poem? (A) love and aging (C) beauty and aging (D) dreams and celebrations (D) time and aging 6. Consider the last two lines of the poem. What evidence is there that the “inner man” is different from the image in the mirror?

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023

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Pain in the face DESPITE rapid advances in the scientific diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, the evaluation and measurement of pain remain perplexing problems. Patients often have great difficulty in fully describing the pain they have, and healers are stymied by their inability to assess it. Yet, the analysis of the quality and quantity of the pain experienced is central to diagnosis and treatment. The condition which is usually referred to as neuralgia, is diagnosed primarily by its characteristic pain. The typical patient is a female above the age of 35. Frequently the pain involves the right side of the face and is usually elicited by a “trigger zone.” Rarely are both sides of the face involved at the same time. The “trigger zone” precipitates an attack when touched and is commonly found on the pigmented part of the lips, sides of the nose, cheeks or around the eyes. In some cases, there is no need to touch the skin in order to start the pain. Being exposed to a strong breeze, eating or even smiling may be sufficient. Neuralgia pain is relatively moderate in the initial stages. But as the disease progresses over the months or years, the attacks become more intense and frequent. The pain is usually sharp and severe, lasting a few seconds to several minutes. It may be so intense that the patient always lives in fear of an attack. It disappears just as suddenly as it appears and may be felt in any area of the face, depending on which branch of the trigeminal (facial) nerve is affected. Many diseases can imitate neuralgia, meaning the dentist must exclude them in his differential diagnosis. One of the most common is Horton’s syndrome, which is characterised by a severe ache on one side of the head lasting for hours. On some occasions, sinusitis is confused with neuralgia. Other diseases include Costen syndrome, cancer of the oropharyngeal region and herpes zoster. No single factor has been identified as being the cause of neuralgia. One must appreciate that the oral and masticatory region is supplied with at least seven major nerve trunks, three of which originate from the spinal cord in the neck. Because of the central excitation, the location of many pain complaints does not identify its true source. The patient may be entirely mistaken as to where his suffering originates. In any event, it seems as if arteriosclerotic changes in the blood vessels supplying certain branches of the facial nerve may be a principal cause of neuralgia. Ruling out the dental pain should always be the first step when dealing with what may be believed to be neuralgia. The disease is confirmed when the characteristic pain pattern is established. The final step is the actual treatment. Many methods are currently in use to treat neuralgia, though some are more popular than others. The dentist can make an incision to bisect the offending nerve in three small areas in the face. If not, he could inject alcohol at any of these points and the patient would be relieved of their misery for up to six months. Alternatively, the patient may inhale trichloroethylene which selectively numbs the facial nerve. Two methods of treatment however remain the most predominantly used. One is cutting the trigeminal nerve’s sensitive root, resulting in permanent cure. The other way to treat the disease is with medication. One carbamazepine (Tegretol) tablet of 200 mg strength taken daily for one week is of immense help. It should be emphasised that a careful analysis must be done before arriving at a diagnosis, since any hasty or dogmatic treatment administered without proper investigation may end up with serious consequences for the patient.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 17, 2023