New Year, New
You: Tips to kickstart your fitness journey for 2025
December 29, 2024
Gym owner, athlete and sports specialist, Tyson English
Plant-based products for hair and beard debuts at Favour’s Hair Therapy
WHEN Falana Fraser established Favour’s Hair Therapy, it was out of love due to her son’s hair condition. Today, it has become a thriving small business empowering her to realise her true potential with her own haircare and beard products.
We Welcome 2025: Happy New Year
Sentiments by Pepperpot Magazine writer, Michel Outridge
WHEN the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2024, I will do my best to leave everything in the past, for I will take everything as a lesson. Perhaps it is the right thing to do, regardless of the year you have had.
The products include hair oil, hair pomade, beard oil, beard wash and conditioner, edge balm, shampoo and conditioner, hair mist, beard and hair tools.
According to her selfnamed business, Favour’s Hair Therapy, “promote(s) healthy and strong growth for all hair types”. It is a small business that started in the kitchen, and it had a trial period before the products were launched.
is used in the production of the products, including essential oils.
Fraser added that as a
might be exactly what we need as we look forward to a new year.
Dwelling on the past and failed ventures will not inspire you to do better. Unless you have the right mindset, it is best to look ahead and plan your goals as you usher in a brand-new year.
out, maintaining high standards for yourself.
Self-pity will get you nowhere fast, only making you unhappy and depressed. Instead, adopt an open mind and a positive attitude, as there is so much to look forward to.
This year has been trying for many people. Dealing with the tragic loss of loved ones, failed relationships, broken homes, the increased cost of living, broken promises, depression, and general life issues has caused many to become disillusioned.
Despite what we have been through in 2024, the New Year can be the year we make our dreams come true—even completing small tasks and things we were aiming for. Whether it’s a promotion at work, a new pair of shoes, or taking yourself out to lunch, these things can still happen.
Sometimes, it is better to let things go, move on from what we cannot control, and focus on the present. This
Fraser is originally from Uitvlugt but resides at Anna Catherina, West Coast De merara. She is married and has a three-year-old son.
the birth of her child, she noticed that he had issues with hair growth, and parts of his head were very patchy with no hair, and she wanted to change that.
detailed research, and af ter gaining knowledge, she experimented with some ingredients and made a hair oil from aloe, coconut oil and onion.
the home-made oil into her son’s hair/scalp, and within a short time, she noticed a difference: his bald spots were replaced with new hair growth, and soon he had a full head of hair which could be held in a ponytail.
her son’s once-patchy hair was replaced by full hair growth within three to four months, and today, his hair remains healthy and full.
Magazine that the positive results in her child’s hair process motivated her to make more of the plantbased hair oil and she began sharing it among family members.
within her family tree, and one day, her father encour aged her to utilise her new found skill to establish a small business to bring in an income to her home.
launched her products in which the hair oil infused
Last year, 2024, was a leap year. It brought terrible road accidents and saw many lives lost in tragic circumstances, including murders, leaving those who remained to cope with the heartache of losing loved ones.
In Guyana, we celebrate the dawn of a new year in a variety of ways, but we are always thankful to see another year and to be around our family.
It is a time to reflect, set goals, make plans, fulfil needs, make changes, and seize opportunities. It is also a time to free yourself from mental burdens, decide on a healthy lifestyle, and take steps to achieve it.
Regardless of what 2024 handed you—gift-wrapped though you didn’t ask for it—it is time to look past it and make every effort to become a better person inside and
Never feel defeated, even if you didn’t get to accomplish what you wanted, because a new year is upon us, and there is still time to make amends and achieve all you can.
It is better to try than to fail to try. With this new year, it is the ideal time to start anew, focusing on yourself and the people and things that complete you.
Add value to yourself—yes, you are worth it. Whatever you wish for, I hope it comes true. Life is still beautiful. Give yourself a round of applause for surviving to see a brand-new year.
Happy 2025 to all, whether you are far or near. Best wishes, stay motivated, and stay positive—who knows what good things are in store for you?
Happy New Year!
Falana
with rosemary oil became the best seller. She branded her products and went about to become a registered busiand everything from plants
Fraser and her products.
er, Fraser says of all her products, three have been FDA-approved and she is working to get all certified
ana Marketing Corporation (GMC), GCCI and, GSMA
She related that being
ucts certified, labelled, and well-packaged.
ed that she is constantly inspired by customers and their reviews and testimo nials of the products, and being a small business isn’t ‘all bed of roses’. It requires hard work, dedication, con sistency and money to stay keep going,” she said.
New Year, New You: Tips to kickstart your fitness journey for 2025
WHAT’S one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions we’ve all heard? “I’m going to start going to the gym.” Many of us make that ambitious promise to ourselves as we usher in the new year, but not many make it past their January exercise routine. Whether it’s bad eating habits, lack of knowledge, or loss of motivation, the Pepperpot Magazine sat down with fitness professional Tyson English to ensure you keep your promise and become a committed gym-goer.
Tyson English: Setting realistic goals and staying motivated
Tyson English is one of Guyana’s impressive athletes, a gym owner, physical education teacher, and all-around fitness guru. As one of the few men who have completed the gruelling task of riding from Suriname, across Guyana, and into Brazil, he says his achievements took years of dedication and hard work.
One of his most important pieces of advice for those hoping to get into shape is to set realistic expectations. “For the persons who are going to be starting off, you know, a fitness journey or getting into the more active lifestyle, or for those persons who would have started and they’ve been off for probably a few years or a few months or so. The important thing, one of the most important things, would be to have realistic goals and realistic expectations,” he told the Pepperpot Magazine.
After more than two decades in the fitness industry, Tyson emphasises that pacing is key. Taking on too much too quickly can lead to burnout or injuries. He advises being kind to your body and allowing yourself to adapt to a new and rigorous routine. “If you’re new, you don’t want to go into any gym whatsoever, whether you’re doing strength training, cardio, weight loss, toning. You just don’t want to go into the gym on the first day or the first week. You run and you do heavy weight training or you’re doing a lot of strength training or you’re doing too much of high-intensity work. Normally, I would recommend that for the first five to seven days, you just fix the cardio,” he said.
Breaking misconceptions: Start simple
Another common misconception for prospective gym-goers is that equipment is essential. Tyson explains that simple activities like walking or jogging can make a significant difference without ever stepping foot in a gym. “You can do
cardio at home, you can do cardio in the park, in the garden, at a community centre. That’s about 15 to 20, 25 minutes of walking, jogging, or a combination of both. You can use a skipping rope if you have that. Some persons may have access to the lifters and bikes and so on. So you start off at that point. And if you go into the actual gym, you do the same thing,” he stated.
Communication is key
this programme to ensure that my overall lifestyle is something that is more active and healthier; they’re going to work on assumption,” he said.
Overcoming challenges and staying consistent
The hardest part of exercising is staying consistent. Many
Although hiring a trainer isn’t necessary, if you choose to go the professional route, communication is critical. Tyson notes that shyness is understandable for newcomers, but it’s important to speak with your trainer about your goals. “Let the instructors know that your job or your ultimate goal would be either to lose weight or to just have a general, a better fitness level. What you want to do for the first seven days or for the first week is just cardio. Get your body in tune, get your body accustomed both physically and mentally,” Tyson shared.
As the owner of Ogle Fitness & Conditioning Gym, Tyson has guided many individuals through their fitness journeys. He advises being clear about your goals to avoid assumptions from trainers. “Most times, what a trainer does is that they’re going to look at you. And if you’re looking as though you’re skinny, they’re going to assume that you want to put on some weight or you want to increase muscle mass. If you look as though you’re overweight, they’re going to assume that you want to lose weight,” he explained.
By communicating clearly, you can ensure that your regimen aligns with your goals. “Unless you let them know that, okay, I don’t want to lose weight, I don’t want to gain weight, I just want to have an acceptable, a reasonable fitness level. And I just want to get involved in
people start with enthusiasm but struggle to keep going. Tyson explains that the initial phase is often the most challenging, with the body experiencing shock, fatigue, pain, and cramps. However, he encourages newcomers to use this discomfort as motivation. “Most times, I find that when you’re new to the fitness programme or when you’re new to being involved in an active lifestyle, once that pain comes or once that soreness presents itself, that should be motivation for them,” Tyson said.
He also urges people not to take breaks during the adjustment period, as the pain is temporary. “After a while, people
You don’t need a gym to exercise. All you need is space and consistency
Gym owner, athlete and sports specialist, Tyson English
Empowering women, one step at a time
By Shaniya Harding
Be Her Hero Women’s Group paves the way for new opportunities in 2025
EVERY year, millions around the globe make bold resolutions—whether hitting the gym, learning a new language, or embarking on transformative journeys. But for a group of women in Region Two, Essequibo, the resolution for 2025 is larger than personal growth. It’s about creating new beginnings for others. The Be Her Hero Women’s Group, based in the village of Charity, is one of Guyana’s newest and fastest-growing women-led organisations. With 20 dedicated members, their mission for the coming year is simple: to give women across Region Two, and eventually all of Guyana, a whole host of new opportunities.
Be Her Hero: A journey rooted in support
The Be Her Hero Women’s Group was born from humble beginnings—a casual meeting among mothers that turned into a formalised initiative to support women. According to Secretary Wanica Persaud, an entrepreneur and women’s rights activist, the idea was sparked at a school meeting. “The organisation was formed at a meetup at a school, actually. It was more of a get-together with par-
ents. We were all from the community, and we said we needed a group to support women,” shared Persaud.
The group wasted no time launching impactful initiatives. Their first project aligned with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, providing aid to survivors and spreading awareness across the Essequibo Coast. “We started working. The first thing we did was work for breast cancer. We did a lot of awareness, and we also distributed hampers to survivors and patients from communities like Anna Regina and Charity,” said Persaud.
Be Her Hero’s efforts go far beyond health awareness. The group has organised community programmes such as dance and karate classes for children, seeking to address the lack of extracurricular activities in the area. However, vulnerable women remain the group’s core focus. “If there’s a woman in need, we have a set amount that we would give towards her—be it cash, groceries, or whatever is needed,” said Persaud.
Building safe spaces: President Savina Sukhnandan’s vision
For President Savina Sukhnandan, the group’s purpose extends to creating safe spaces for women while tackling issues like domes-
Members of the Be Her Hero Women’s group
tic violence. “Basically, our group is about creating a safe space for women. We help them with training, and we advocate for women in domestic violence situations. We’ve assisted women in connecting with the right resources and also support destitute families,” Sukhnandan explained.
Looking ahead, the group is setting its sights on sustainability and growth, with the goal of having a network of women all across the re-
gion. “In the future, one of the main goals we’re aiming for is to secure grants for our initiatives,” said Sukhnandan. “We want to make our breast cancer hampers an annual event. We also collaborate with the hospital to assist people with cervical cancer screenings.”
Although the group took a brief hiatus earlier this year, they are gearing up to chart a detailed calendar for 2025, starting with their first meeting in January. At the heart of Be Her Hero’s vision is the dream of establishing a community centre. “Our ultimate goal is to have a centre for our children. We want to provide access to activities like cricket, dance, and art— not just for children but for women too,” Sukhnandan noted. The group also hopes to inspire women in Essequibo to embrace opportunities
beyond traditional roles. “We want women to know that it’s more than just being a housewife or having kids. There’s so much more they can achieve,” she shared.
In just a year, Be Her Hero has already made a tangible impact. Members of the group have gone on to pursue careers in teaching, nursing, and small business ownership. Sukhnandan highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit among members: “Most of our women are starting their own businesses. Some work in public service, like one member who’s a doctor. But we’ve seen a significant increase in women entering entrepreneurship since joining the group,” she explained.
Now the group is also focused on expanding its reach across Region Two and beyond. “Our group is not limited to our community.
We welcome women from all parts of Region Two to join us. We’ve gained interest from other areas because of how passionate our group is about making a difference,” Sukhnandan said.
As 2025 approaches, Be Her Hero aims to transform the lives of women across Essequibo. With initiatives focused on health, empowerment, and community building, their resolution to create new opportunities for women is not just a goal—it’s a promise to their community. Through their work, they are proving that a new year can bring not only personal change but also collective empowerment. For the women of Essequibo, Be Her Hero is more than a group; it’s a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
The season of goodwill and spreading joy to children across Guyana
By Michel Outridge
The Season of Goodwill and Spreading Joy to Children
Across Guyana
CHILDREN from the riverine communities in the Essequibo River, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), this year enjoyed a party attended by Santa Claus, who came bearing gifts at a Christmas Tree Light-Up and party at Fort Island.
The event was hosted on December 21 by Community Health Worker (CHW) Pretty Debideen and her son, Videsh Debideen, Clerk-inCharge of the Fort Island Ferry Stelling, at their Fort Island home.
The Christmas party for children started at 18:00hrs, with 150 children from Fort Island, Lanaballi, Bheri-Bissabali, Quaterbenabo, Baboon Hole, Bonasika Main, Bonasika Dookalbo, St. Lawrence, and Hubu coming together for the Christmas Tree Light-Up and party.
She said it will become an annual feature and she and her sons are committed to hosting the event in an effort to spread joy during the festive season.
Debideen stated that it is their way of giving back to the community and that a few others assisted them to make the event possible.
She reported that Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn both donated toys for the Christmas party for children of the riverine communities.
In addition, Halima Khan of Media Halaal Restaurant donated the dhal puri for the event, while Debideen and her children prepared the meals, including beef and chicken curry, dhal, rice, black cake, fruit cake, sponge
Pretty Debideen, the nurse of Fort Island, Essequibo River, told the Pepperpot Magazine that Santa Claus came from the city with a tour group, which included both adults and children, just for the annual Christmas party for children.
cake, and beverages.
She explained that she did the planning, while her son, Videsh, organised everything to make the event possible. She expressed gratitude to all who pitched in to lend a helping hand to ensure the children had a good time on Saturday at Fort Island, where a giant Christmas tree was illuminated at dusk.
Debideen told the Pepperpot Magazine that they were delighted with how the Christmas party and Christmas Tree LightUp unfolded and have pledged to host the event annually because it is their way of giving back.
She noted that Pastor Ezekiel Thomas donated the beverages for the event, commending his kind gesture.
Debideen reported that it took a lot of planning and coordinating, but it was worth it because they brought good cheer to the children. When the children saw Santa Claus with his bag of toys, they were very excited and happy.
Santa Claus spent two days at Fort Island, Essequibo River, to ensure that the children who could not attend the party on Saturday were able to visit the follow-
ing day (Sunday) and receive their gifts.
Debideen explained that it was the first time Santa Claus stayed for two days and spent time interacting with the children, much to their delight. She pointed out that 150 children attended, but they catered for 200. Each child was given a toy, a goody bag, and a scrumptious meal with a beverage.
Leopold and Breeder Streets Christmas Party for Children
Meanwhile, Matilda Rajaram of the Lions Club of Georgetown Stabroek also did her part by hosting a Christmas party for children of Leopold and Breeder Streets, Charlestown, on December 14, 2024.
She told the Pepperpot Magazine that the party started at 09:00hrs and was well-attended by children from the neighbourhood, though the event was cut short due to heavy rainfall.
Rajaram added that 60 children, aged between one and eight years old, showed up and were each presented with a toy by Santa Claus. They also received goody bags filled with sweets and other Christmas-related treats.
She explained that she, along with eight members, including the President of the Lions Club of Georgetown Stabroek, pooled their resources to make the event possible.
Rajaram stated that despite the rainy conditions that day, they managed to pull off a successful Christmas party for the children in that ward of the city. They were pleased to bring joy and smiles to the faces of the children during the festive season.
She reported that at the end of the year, the club makes it a tradition to give back to the community through a party for children, spreading joy at Christmas.
Fort Island Christmas Tree Light-Up and party for children
Pretty Debideen poses with Santa Claus
Some of the children at Leopold and Breeder Streets, Charlestown Christmas party with Santa Claus
The grief at Christmas without a loved one
By Michel Outridge
WHILE many people are in high spirits, making preparations for the Christmas holidays, some won’t be celebrating this year as they remain in deep mourning following the tragic loss of loved ones.
Khaneeza Allie, mother of Bibi Zareya Ali, better known as “Allyah,” of Clifton Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice, is one of those people.
It has been five months since the eldest daughter of the family was killed in a car accident in the early hours of July 22, 2024, and it remains very difficult for her parents and her two younger sisters, all of whom are still coping with grief.
Mrs Allie, still shellshocked, told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is trying
her best to be strong for the rest of her family, but they have not been the same since receiving the dreadful news of Allyah’s passing. She reported that some days are tougher than others, and she struggles to find the will to do anything, but she must make the effort to support her two daughters and husband.
“We are suffering daily. We haven’t been the same since Allyah died, and it is affecting us—even my younger daughters—but we are trying to keep it together. Around this time of the year, it is even worse since she is not with us anymore. Thinking about it is very painful,” Mrs Allie said. She added that she doesn’t know if she will ever recover from such a loss. Allyah was such a lovely girl— so young, so trusting—and she died in such a way that
they could not even have an open-casket funeral for her.
Allyah, only 17 years old, had left home to live with her boyfriend, Nirav Sukdeo, in Lancaster Village. The Sukdeo family operates a medical laboratory, where Allyah worked for a year and met Nirav, a medical technologist. Despite leaving her job, Allyah continued to communicate with Nirav, who encouraged her to live with him. The last time Mrs Allie saw her daughter alive was in June when Allyah returned home for a week after an alleged fallout with Nirav.
“It hurts me a lot to this day because she was so young and had her whole life ahead of her,” the grieving mother said.
Despite their best efforts to provide counselling and guidance, Allyah’s dreams of becoming a nurse and attend-
ing the University of Guyana, Tain Campus, were tragically cut short.
Mrs Allie expressed her profound sorrow, saying, “I feel so confused, sad. My heart is in pieces, knowing that my eldest child is no more. The way she died—in the most horrific way—it’s not real that this is happening to us.”
On the morning of the fatal accident, Mrs Allie was in Trinidad and Tobago on a 10-day trip. She rushed back to Guyana after receiving the
dreadful news to support her family.
Mr Allie, her father and a mechanic, recalled receiving a call at 02:50 hrs. on Monday, informing him of the accident. He rushed to the scene and later to the Skeldon Hospital, where he finally saw his daughter’s mangled body.
Overwhelmed by the extent of her injuries, he said, “When I saw my daughter’s body, it was like her entire body was broken. Even her head was missing parts. She
looked so broken, and in pieces; it was hard to witness.”
Police Report of the Accident
The police said they are currently investigating the fatal incident, which occurred at approximately 02:10 hrs. on Monday, July 22, 2024, on Kiltern Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.
The accident involved a motorcar (#PAF 6330) driven by Nirav, with Allyah as the lone passenger. According to the police, the car was travelling north at a high speed when Sukdeo lost control, colliding with a crane parked on the roadside. The vehicle ended up in a canal, and Allyah was ejected into the water. Public-spirited citizens transported both Sukdeo and Allyah to the hospital. Allyah was pronounced dead on arrival, while Sukdeo, critically injured, was warded in the Intensive Care Unit at the Anamayah Memorial Hospital. Investigations into the accident are ongoing. The matter is still in court. The Allies made their third court appearance on December 11, 2024, and the matter will be called again on January 8, 2025.
The late Bibi Zareya Allie
REVISITING THE TOPIC OF MANGROVES
THIS column will again touch on Mangroves because of its importance historically, socially and economically.
When the Dutch colonisers first visited Guyana in the 17th century, they observed that Mangroves were growing along the entire coast, in some parts so thick that they could be considered mangrove forests.
THE GUYANESE XMAS SYNTHESISES THE RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR
ing, they began to move their settlements to the river banks towards the end of the 18th century. In 1815, when Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice finally ceded to Britain, they were united in 1831 to form the colony of British Guiana.
Though this motto identifies the most important function of mangroves, that is to guard against the flooding by the sea and tidal waves and make the soil less fertile when it would have been impregnated with salt; other positives emanate from mangroves.
CHRISTMAS is often termed a “holy day” or a “festival” or festive day. The holy day is the religious facet of Christmas, and the ‘festive’ is its secular facet. In older societies such as Europe, from the Middle Ages, there has always been a rivalry between the secular and religious, and until the 19th century, the religious predominated. In the Victorian era, with Charles Dickens and other such writers, the festive and secular aspects of Christmas were brought to the fore, though the ethical aspects of Christianity were equally promoted, especially charity and assisting the poorer members of society.
In 17th and 18th-century Guyana, the planter class, as a whole, had no desire to promote Christianity among their slaves, and they themselves were not a religious group. Christmas was the only holiday accorded to the slaves. For the only time of the year, slaves were permitted to visit their friends and relatives on other plantations, use as much sugar and rum as they wished, cook their African dishes, sing, dance, and celebrate.
However, in the early 19th century, there were a few churches, notably St George’s Cathedral and St Andrew’s Kirk, and only Europeans attended them. The Congregational Church catered to slaves and nonwhites, but they had a continuous struggle to survive and were only able to be properly established after Emancipation.
The Dutch first settled on the coast and utilised the mangrove as a convenient and easy source of wood for house building, fires for cooking, and even for making boats and rafts. Only when they had cut down large stretches of mangrove and the sea had begun to come up on the land did they understand the importance of mangroves as an effective defence against the sea and flooding. They held up to their mangrove depletion, and to avoid the threat of constant flood-
With Emancipation came indentured immigration from various parts of the world, and each of these immigrant groups enriched Christmas with their contributions.
The British developed their colony much faster than the Dutch. Like the Dutch, they empoldered their agricultural land and built sea defences, but it was only in the 20th century, with the growth of Ecological Studies and a deeper understanding of the environment, that the full importance of mangroves came to be grasped.
religious conflict or tension, and this is typified by all Guyanese, irrespective of their religious or racial background, being enthusiastic Christmas celebrants.
The United Nations recognised the importance of mangroves by declaring a Mangrove Day each year with a relevant motto. In this year 2024, the motto is “Mangroves matter. Safeguarding our Coastal Guardians for tomorrow”.
After Emancipation, the freedmen and women continued to celebrate Christmas as they did under slavery, but their celebrations were spontaneous and bigger. It was at this time the Masquerade Bands emerged, African drumming was widely revived with Cumfa dances, and African foods such as fufu, metemgee, conkie, sugar cakes, and the Guyanese fruit cake (black cake) began to emerge. Drinks such as pine drink, sorrel, mauby, and ginger beer also made their appearance. The churches became more active, and African congregations grew with teachings of the Nativity, hymns, and Christmas carols. The church services and activities were respected, but there was far more involvement with the secular.
The Portuguese immensely strengthened Catholicism with colourful Mediterranean customs, making Christian teachings of the Nativity and the life and teachings of Lord Jesus more attractive. They made lasting contributions to Christmas cuisine with honey cake, garlic pork, and the use of various types of cheese. The Indians popularised rice and rice dishes, making the Christmas cookup, dal puri, chicken curry, and roti a necessary part of the Christmas fare. The Chinese contributed to Christmas food with chowmein, fried rice, and roast pork.
All these various groups that came in the 19th century were quickly integrated into the Guyanese Christmas and brought verve and commitment to it. Though a large proportion were not Christians, they came to appreciate the Nativity and the teachings of the Lord Jesus, which, in many cases, did not differ from their traditions. Accordingly, in Guyanese society, there is no
Christmas decorations with the Christmas colours of red, blue, green, and gold are everywhere in shops, in the
streets, and in homes, with fairy lights and Christmas trees being the most prominent. The shops are full of new stock and buyers, and the commercial community is pleased with the throbbing revival of the secular aspects of Christmas. All families enjoy the unique festivity of the
Mangroves provide a home for bees as well as feeding grounds since a large number of flowering plants grow among the mangroves. When hives are established in the vicinity, they provide bountiful honey supplies. Consumers much value mangrove honey.
Guyanese Christmas.
In the Guyanese Christmas, the religious and secular have been synthesised, and the greeting “Happy Christmas, and may its Peace and Goodwill permeate our lives” comes from the heart.
Mangroves are a carbon sink and enhance Guyana’s efforts against climate change. They provide a livelihood for many coastal communities, one food resource being the varieties of fish that live among the mangroves. They are an ecotourism attraction with the rich biodiversity that mangrove forests offer, and the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture are cooperating in this development. Mangrove restoration and preservation support several sustainable development goals (SDGs), to the degree that Guyana is seriously committed to achieving them.
At the recent function of unveiling the plaque at the Kingston Seawall Esplanade in commemoration of International Mangrove Day 2024, the Minister of Agriculture summarised the importance and impact of Mangroves: “Mangroves are our coastal guardians, vital to Guyana’s environmental and economic health”, he said, “they act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and surges, protecting our communities and infrastructure. With over 23,000 hectares of Mangroves, they support fisheries, livelihoods, and food security and provide habitats for diverse wildlife… Mangroves are important in sequestering carbon, enhancing efforts against climate change as outlined in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030”.
The State has developed a 10-year National Mangrove Action Plan and an Inter-Agency Committee dedicated to promoting sustainable Mangrove management, and over 500 hectares of mangrove have been restored. Since 2010, over $1.9 billion has been invested in mangrove preservation and restoration, and regular injections of money are expected to be made as required. For example, $275 million has been allocated this year to rehabilitation initiatives in Regions Two and Five.
AND THEN ON THE STAGE THAT CELEBRATES THE FESTIVAL OF REBIRTH, THE SCENE CHANGES, SYMBOLS OF THE PAST, AND A
NEW BOOK TO SCRIPT UNFOLDS
IN our human world, the positive, mind-raising symbolic language of Christmas that guides us is conflicted by immediate memories that linger and impede the greater possibilities we long for. In our quiet moments of contemplation, we are challenged to be aware of how to remedy what is broken by our singular efforts. We can all tap into what haunts us and find answers to lay spooks to rest. That cannot be forgotten, but not without the ceremony of consciousness. We have come a far way from our prehistoric selves, but we have also inherited much from the records of their troubled landscape.
Both my wife and I, when we were younger, shared books. One series of novels we read was the English-speaking versions of a northern European series by a Danish writer, Sven Hassel, who served with and wrote from the German side of WWII.
In one of those books, there was a pause during Christmas Day between two combating sides, which I thought was fictionalised, but I was later enlightened by other writers that such events did occur and were recorded.
Thus, soldiers from opposing sides accommodated the notion to cease a deadly conflict for the space of a day’s vacation from the dark shades of facing the inevitable: ‘to inflict or be inflicted upon.’ We do the same thing, to a lesser degree, with the struggle to make the Christmas season a viable activity and memory: of family, enough to eat, changing décor sights at home against the backdrop of music that has enchanted us over the years, whether Stevie Wonder, other blues singers, or our own folk and holiday calypsos. Above all, we stimulate the young with gifts of toys (affordable to the family or received from an uncle, family friend, or friendly organisation). Gifts are a necessary input, assuring children’s confidence that they are not alone or unloved, enabling their imagination to develop, and building confidence.
As an only child, I shared the home of my godparents. My siblings were divided between my parents and relatives. My father, for years, was the only biological parent I knew, as my mother was overseas. But I grew up loving Christmas. I was raised with books and toys—not everything was brand new, though most were. At that time, movies were censored, and some schools had Christmas pageants.
Today we would refer to those as religious edutainment. But children also helped relatives sell apples, Christmas cards, and affordable toys, like the 25-cent gun and caps. No, it wasn’t a bed of roses back then, but something came with Christmas. That something was visiting relatives and socialising, enjoying masquerade bands and the thrill of the “Bad Cow,” etc., TIGER annuals, toys, and a must-see movie.
Where we are now came the other part of Christmas: then, there were New Year’s dances—a big-people thing— and Old Year’s Night cook-up, symbolic of feeding ourselves throughout the coming year.
We did go to church and understood the symbolisms of the past and future, embodied in the New Year’s graphic expressions. Again, the child of the New Year beckons, and another page is opened before us.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2025!
A box for the universe
THERE are some nights so dark and tenebrous that they can chill us to our very cores. During nights like these, we have learnt to seek the brightness of stars and the moon to comfort us. The silver light they cast upon us can give us hope. Light appearing in the darkness, we have learnt, is a universal sign of hope. Yet, the deep sea, which mirrors the darkness of the night sky, hosts many creatures that use light to attract their prey. Creatures such as the anglerfish thrive in the darkness, using light as a lure to capture prey. Unfortunately, in the deep ocean, a light appearing in the darkness is anything but a sign of hope.
In this manner, the universe has proven itself to be the home of a plethora of anomalies and paradoxes. Where light in one part of the universe symbolises hope, in another part, it precedes predation. Human beings have learnt not only to accept the strangeness and uniqueness of different facets of the universe but have also developed various sciences and philosophies to satisfy their curiosity and wonder about them.
The nature of man is just as mysterious and indecipherable as the universe itself. Our bodies and minds are capable of feats we are yet to understand. Nevertheless, we are almost always more willing to accept the strangeness of the universe than the uniqueness of a human being. We are often ready to define normalcy and create societal standards for human beings when human beings are, in fact, as indefinable as the universe. Attempting to force everyone to fit into a box is quite similar to the task of governing the universe.
Recently, I discovered the story of Pidgeon Pagonis. Pidgeon was born with a condition called Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, which means that although they are genetically male, they have the physical features of both males and females. As a result of their condition, they faced multiple obstacles in their life. Because Pidgeon did not fit into the box society had prepared for them, they were made to undergo multiple surgeries to force them to appear female without truly understanding what was happening to them. Pidgeon was simply named ‘Jennifer’ and raised as a girl without being informed about their condition or being made aware that they were genetically male.
Pidgeon’s story is that of a child whose body was altered and, in some ways, mutilated without complete informed consent, solely to make them more acceptable to societal norms. Today, Pidgeon Pagonis is an avid intersex activist who shares their story in the hopes of raising awareness about the condition and encouraging the world to be more accepting of intersex people.
We are all unique. We learn this fact as soon as we are capable of communicating with each other. Even those who do not experience medical conditions that make them different can have qualities that set them apart from the rest of the world. As members of a generation that will be responsible for the future world, we must make it our responsibility to create a home where people are not marginalised or mutilated because of their differences. We must create a world where, when people like Pidgeon are born, they are given a chance to create their own identity and space rather than having their identity decided for them.
No box can contain the universe. Similarly, there are no rules or standards that can encompass all human be-
ings without erasing parts of their identities. In a perfect world, people are allowed to express themselves without having to justify their identity to a society unwilling to listen to them. However, because our world is not perfect, there is always something we can do to make it more welcoming and safe for
all kinds of people. If humankind has achieved so much despite the arbitrary lines and rules forced upon it, imagine what we could accomplish in a world without such limitations.
New Year, New You: Tips ...
FROM PAGE III
will stop or they will say, okay, I’m going to take a week off or take a couple of days for the pain to go away. And that’s sad. But that doesn’t happen because the pain is not something that is chronic. It’s actually acute. It was caused because your body is experiencing a new environment, and your body is going to be adapting to that environment,” he explained.
The importance of rest and recovery
As you embark on your fitness journey, Tyson advises prioritising health above all else. While ambition is important, rest and nutrition are equally crucial. “Ensure, of course, that they don’t do too many things. Like I said, 15, 20, 25 minutes at most for your session would be good enough for starters, and then eventually they can increase in terms of the duration,” Tyson said. He added, “You also, as an individual, will have to ensure that along with the exercise programme, you have your dieting, which is very, very important. You have your dieting in tune, and you have to get rest or recovery.”
Sticking to a fitness journey isn’t easy, but with realistic goals, proper pacing, and consistent effort, it’s a resolution worth keeping. Whether you’re walking in your neighbourhood or hitting the gym, remember to take it one step at a time.
This year, make 2025 the year you finally achieve your fitness goals—and stick with them.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered. RAPLY WALDO EMERSON (1803-1882) Fortune of the Re- public
STUDY SUCCESS
Dear Student, Welcome dear reading friend. Consider what characterises weak summaries as you recall the helpful abilities to recognise text structure, and extract and note main ideas. Some common summary weaknesses are: (1) their brevity, and the main idea not expressed; (2) their vast length; (3) too many details, and their key-ideas not standing out; (4) the wrong key-ideas selected; and (5) they contain wrong
DECEMBER 29, 2024
information. You may even recognise more than one reason to consider a summary not good. Be wise. Love you.
THE PASSAGE
Summarising the passage
Recall: To summarise a passage is to arrive at a short retelling of it. The summary must contain the author’s most important ideas. Doing summaries helps you improve both your reading and writing skills. To summarise, you must first recognise the text structure, and then read the passage thoroughly, searching for and noting the main ideas and supporting ideas in all its sections. Then, write a seamless summary, with the number of suggested words and the aspect of text you are to write on, and compare it against the original text.
To get you there, consider your notes carefully on foremost points, and then start your writing with an introductory sentence. Carefully collate your points into a smooth organised response, and maybe you conclude by restating the author’s view.
What to Do
Read the following abridged magazine article carefully and then write a summary of it in not more than 120 words. If this limit is exceeded only the first 120 words of your answer will be read and assessed. As far as possible, use your own words. Your summary must be in continuous prose.
Text
Despite their geographical closeness and their common history, the countries of the Caribbean are richly diverse and take pride in their diversity. Cricket is popularly seen as the activity that brings them together, but the cultural festival, Carifesta, is just as effective in a different way. The main purpose of Carifesta is to gather artists, musicians and authors, and to exhibit the folkloric and artistic manifestations of the Caribbean and Latin American Region, in an international multicultural event organised on a periodic basis by the countries of the Caribbean.
The idea of a Caribbean arts festival was first proposed at a convention of writers and artists held in 1970 in Guyana. It involved a vision of the region’s peoples with roots deep in Asia, Europe and Africa, coming together to share their art forms, literature inspired by the Caribbean’s own peculiar temperament, paintings drawn from the awe-inspiring tropical ecology and the visionary inheritance of our forefathers.
Two years later, Carifesta 1 was billed as a grand cultural exposition and was held in Guyana with almost 1000 participants from 30 countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America. It was originally hoped that Carifesta would be held every two years in a different country, but various problems prevented the staging of other festivals until 1992….
Carifesta aims to depict the lives and heritage of the people of the region, show their similarities and their differences, and, by creating [the environment] in which arts can flourish, persuade artists who have migrated for their art’s sake, to return to the region.
The Carifesta slogan, selected after a regional contest, was created by a Guyanese who lives in Jamaica. It aptly sums up Carifesta and its vision: “Sea of sounds, medley of images, world of peoples, common heritage.”
THE PASSAGE
1. Reading comprehension
Read the following passage carefully then answer questions 1-5 that follow.
Mr. Cook strapped his three-year-old toddler into the car seat, making sure the child’s belt was fastened securely.
“Daddy, I forgot my robot!” the little girl cried out.
Mr. Cook knew this robot was plastic and could do some harm if the car came to a sudden stop. He went into the house and came back with a colourful stuffed toy. “Take your clown, Junie. He’s safer in the car.”
Mr. Cook looked under his car to be sure there was nothing in his path – like a stray toy or a neighbourhood pet or even a child. Then he got in and put on his seatbelt. After looking in both directions, Mr. Cook carefully backed his car out of the driveway.
1. What kind of person do you think is Mr. Cook? (A) harsh (B) responsible (C) frightened (D) careless
2. How does the author reveal this?
(A) He let Mr. Cook make certain that all was well before driving off.
(B) He told us that Mr. Cook had a toddler strapped in his car.
(C) He made Mr. Cook use valuable time in checking before reversing out. (D) He told us that Mr. Cook carefully backed his car out of the driveway.
3. Plastic robots could harm children by (A) blindness (B) suffocation (C) headache (D) wounding
4. “Fastened securely” means
(A) fitted in (B) fast acting (C) fixed firmly (D) nailed in
2. Word, sentence and paragraph meaning
Choose the correct meaning for the underlined word in the sentence.
a). “Poach the fish before saucing it lightly,” directed the chief cook means
(A) cook it lightly (B) eat it slowly (C) simmer it in liquid (D) make it into a sauce
b). Read the passage then pick out the line that best describes what the author is thinking.
It was the flashiest car I have ever seen. The colour was – believe it or not – purple, and the chrome was gold-trimmed instead of silver. The halogen headlamps jutted out about a yard. The seats were covered with a gaudy fake fur that stuck out in unattractive tufts. The final blow: the owner had his name printed in pink script on the driver’s door.
The author is thinking that the car is –(A) expensive looking. (B) terrible looking. (C) liked by everyone. (D) none of the above.
How is your dental health this holiday season?
A FEW days ago, we wished each other a Merry Christmas, and now it’s Season’s Greetings. But I wonder how many of us can indeed say that we have enjoyed these holidays without suffering from toothache? Christmas is likely the worst time of the year, especially for government dental practitioners. I say this from personal experience because, during this festive season, there is typically a ten percent increase in cases of dental caries among the population. Guysuco officials can attest to the additional amount of sugar that is usually sold during December.
Certainly, this sugar is destined to be the cause of excruciating pain—the acute toothache that will attack hundreds of people during this time. The situation is worsened by the general lapse in maintaining oral hygiene, which is concomitant with the disruption in routine personal activities.
Cakes, candies (sweets), jellies, chocolates, and dried fruits are among the most cariogenic (decay-causing) foods in existence. At Christmas, they are consumed indiscriminately. Despite what you may believe, there is a direct relationship between oral health and the composition of the food you eat.
Tooth decay is an ongoing process. The process begins with plaque—a sticky, colourless layer of harmful bacteria that forms in your mouth. Certain bacteria found in plaque use the sugars you eat (especially ordinary table sugar) to form acids. Plaque holds these acids against the tooth surface. Each time acid is produced—that is, every time you eat—it attacks the tooth enamel for about 20 minutes. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel is broken down and becomes decayed. A cavity is formed.
Decay eventually progresses towards the centre of the tooth. If the decay is not treated and it reaches the pulp (nerve), an abscess forms at the root end. When this happens, the tooth becomes painful. At this point, root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is indicated. Without treatment, the tooth will have to be extracted.
How do you know if you already have dental cavities? If your answer is yes to any of the following questions, then chances are you do:
1. Is a tooth sensitive to heat, cold, or sweet?
2. Is it painful when you chew?
3. Is there swelling or drainage at or below the gum line?
4. Are there any brown or darker spots on the tooth?
5. Do you have persistent pain in your mouth or in the sinus region?
If any of these signs are present, see a dentist without delay. A dental examination will determine whether you have caries and what must be done to repair the damage. If decay is present, dental treatment is the only way to keep it from
robbing you of a tooth.
In China, the most populated country in the world, tooth decay is the least prevalent because each Chinese citizen consumes less than five pounds of sugar every year. On the other hand, in Australia, Cuba, Great Britain, and the USA, each citizen utilises over 100 pounds of sugar annually. About 30 percent consists of sweets, of which 80 percent are flavoured with chocolate. As a matter of fact, there are more than 46,000 sweet-making
machines in the US alone.
The proverbial sweet tooth of human beings has resulted in tooth decay being the most common disease apart from the common cold. Christmas is a time when this sweet tooth becomes particularly evident.
Best wishes for the season, and may your holidays be free from toothache!
