Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot Epaper 07 14 2019

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Residents travel along the canal that leads into the Demerara River near the “Five- door sluice� located in Land of Canaan. (Delano Williams photo)

Land of Canaan A village of good vibes and harmony among its people

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

Top NGSA student had natural ability to perform well Desires to visit Kaieteur Falls

By Indrawattie Natram FROM a very young age, 11-year-old Venisha Devi Lall of Anna Regina Housing Scheme in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region, has always displayed the ability to perform well academically. Lall was announced on July 3 as one of Guyana’s top performing National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) students. She shared the spot with Dave Chowtie of Graham’s Hall Primary, after scoring 532 marks at the examinations.

During an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Lall’s mother and father Radika and Muneshwar Lall, said that their child has natural ability to succeed. The parents reminisced when Venisha was at Cotton Field Nursery she took part in a National Spelling Bee Competition and gained first place.

From that competition, the parents realised that their child was naturally brilliant and paid keen attention to her upbringing.

After completing Rainbow Play School and the Cotton Field Nursery, the parents enrolled her at CV Nunes Primary in Anna Regina, where she continued to shine both academically and in extra-curricular ac-

tivities. At Grade One she was named the Princess of CV Nunes after competing in the school’s pageant. She was also named the Princess for Anna Regina Town. Venisha also placed second in the country for the National Grade Two Assessment for CV Nunes Primary.

The parents said since she started her primary education, she would achieve a yearly average of between 95 to 97 percent. “Venisha never went below [that]. She is always in her 90s and we are very proud of her. She never took extra lessons. She is naturally brilliant and that is what we admire the most about her. Whenever she is not sure about something she makes use of the internet,” Venisha’s mother said.

OPTIMISTIC CHILD Venisha, during the interview, recalled one dramatic episode in her life when she wrote the Grade Four Assessment examination. She said that she will never forget that day when the teachers told her that her test papers were lost. She broke down in tears, because she knew she was a top performer for her class and school. But that lesson taught Venisha to be optimistic and

Venisha Lall with her parents Radika and Muneshwar Lall

she explained that she was broken after that examination because she believed that she was “cheated,” but she continued living in optimism.

“I was physiologically affected [after that], then God sent Miss Bindawattie Ketwaroo,” Venisha said.

Today she said she is proud that she was able to make her region, her country and everyone she knows, proud. “I know it’s just the beginning of my academic life, but I will continue to strive and make Guyana proud.”

Speaking about her hours of studying, Venisha said that she studied for only one hour per night. She also said she paid keen attention whenever she was taught a new lesson in her class. She vividly recalled when her mother would stay up long hours with her preparing her for the examinations. She said she would see her mother falling asleep, but still managing to ask her questions, “My mommy is the best, she spent sleepless nights with me ensuring that I revised and I answered all the questions I needed to know.

I love her for that,” Venisha said.

DANCING AND DEVOTION At the age of six, Venisha joined the Dharmic Swarswattie Dance Academy.

Today, she is one of the leading dancers for the dance troupe. She attested that dancing

has taught her to be emotionally strong and has built her self-confidence from a young age. She said since she is the only child for her parents, the other dancers are like her brothers and sisters.

“There is never a dull moment when I am at dance classes. I enjoy dancing and I love the dancers - we are like family. I love dancing, it not only keeps me fit, but it builds a young girl’s confidence,” Venisha said.

Venisha is spiritually attached and is a regular devotee of the Anna Regina Mandir.

This young lady believes in her Hindu religion and said that in every examination she called on “Ganapattie Baba” for his blessings. From a small age she would also write letters to God and put it at her altar, she told the Pepperpot magazine.

Venisha said that she would like to thank the Regional Education Officer Nicola Matthews and the region’s RDC for the warm welcome and recognition she has received following her outstanding performance.

She advises those who will be sitting next year’s examinations to continue to study hard and to stay focused. When asked what is her wish, given her great achievement, Venisha said she would love to have an iPhone, but mostly wishes to visit the Kaieteur Falls since she is a nature lover.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

23 Years later The ‘Man with the Golden Voice’ is still going strong

Frederick Rampersaud, with his daughter

THEY call him Guyana’s own “Man with the Golden Voice” or sometimes even “DJ Love”. And with 23 years as a broadcaster, you wouldn’t miss his voice even if you travelled anywhere in the world.

July 7 marked Frederick Rampersaud’s 23rd anniversary of being a TV personality and 18 years of being a radioman.

As a broadcaster with so many years of experience under his belt, he said that there were many events that perhaps caused him to develop his love for communication. At nine-years-old, he said his father bought a music set and about two years later, he started to be the DJ for house parties. By the time he was 13 years old, he started playing for weddings-- but on a non-commercial basis of course.

Professionally, he took his studies seriously and got involved in accountancy.

But his heart was always with the communication field. During those days, Frederick loved listening to the radio, especially to the cricket commentators. His idol was Matthew Allen.

“My passion was always in radio, even though I got popular because of the TV,” he said.

DEDICATION As a young man, then, he lived in Vreed-en-Hoop and when he would travel home in the afternoon, he would sit in the backseat of the bus and go all the way to Parika before stopping at his home town when the bus was returning. The reason he did this was so that he could listen to the afternoon radio programmes and try to imitate those radio personalities.

“I would practise saying ‘Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, you’re listening to 98.1FM’ or ‘It’s time for the news on 98.1FM’ over and over,” he reflected fondly. Little did he know that he would become involved in the profession and become very well-known himself.

In fact, he subsequently got his own trademark radio programme: “Music from the Heart” which has been around for about two decades now.

His experiences in public speaking with the church, and what he would have garnered as a youth entertainer, he said that he knew he always had a calling for the communication field.

“Even though I suffered initially, I made it through... And I was already accustomed to [entertaining] crowds because of my experience preaching and as an Emcee, so all I had to do was make magic with two or three cameras in front of me and with the guests I brought on my programmes,” the man said.

PIONEER In fact, he deems himself to be one of the “pioneers” of local television programming since he took up the mantle all those years ago to push for these local programmes to be broadcast, even when many persons (and sponsors!) were not too keen on supporting this.

Eventually, he related that his eloquence and apparent charisma grasped the attention of many people and his support grew among Guyanese, his only viewers at the time, and as time passed by and technology evolved, his fan base extended to regional and international viewers and

listeners.

“In those days, to survive, I had to be good,” Rampersaud said. But notably, over the many years of his career, he has maintained his stature as a private broadcaster. What this means was that programmes he put on over the television and radio were paid for by him, through sponsorship, instead of him being employed by a broadcasting station.

REWARDS & RECOGNITION And so good was he, that within his first six months as a talk show host, he was invited to interview the nowlate President Cheddi Jagan at State House for one hour.

Subsequently, he travelled to Trinidad, where he also interviewed the first female Attorney General, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who later became that country’s Prime Minister.

He has also been nationally recognised, receiving three awards which he holds dear to him. This includes a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 and an award for being the Best Radio Personality only last year.

And just as the communication sector of itself evolved, so did he.

“Long ago, being a broadcaster, I could only operate within the geographic confines of Guyana Georgetown, Linden, and so- but nowadays anybody can pick up their phone and listen to me online,” he remarked, also quipping that now he can easily play songs from online instead of from his cassette bag.

“My passion as a little boy was to be an accountant and I did that. I wanted to be a preacher, and I did that. And I wanted to be a broadcaster, and I did that too,” Rampersaud said in retrospect. Now, with those achievements completed, he indicated that he has his eyes set on a new journey.

“Law is the last passion I want to pursue,” the broadcaster said and shared that he is exploring avenues of achieving this.

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Young entrepreneur living her childhood dream

By Elvin Carl Croker

“AS a born vegetarian and having never consumed any sort of meat I bring more to what I am doing. I prepare my food myself because I believe that I should put the best out there and whoever comes would have that unique quality,” said Marissa Primo, owner of Vegi Blitz a vegetarian business.

At 37, this young entrepreneur says she is living her childhood dream by serving up the tastiest, attractive and fingerpicking vegetarian dishes in town.

Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine Marissa said that her drive to start the business was also driven by her having difficulty finding good quality vegetarian food both in Guyana and in some of the Caribbean islands when she travels.

She explained that vegetarian food is different from ‘ital’ (food often celebrated

by those in the Rastafari movement) and that people need to understand the difference.

She said contrary to popular belief vegetarian food is not food without flavour or food without taste; rather it is richer in nutrients and tastier if you know how to make it. “You don’t always have to have a piece of meat on your plate to eat healthily,” she said.

On March 6, 2014, Marissa began her life passion career in a small caravan after putting it off on numerous occasions.

She said a tragic occasion triggered her choosing that date to start the business.

“It is the death anniversary of my eldest brother [so the] date adds some significance.

I will never forget it, and it is always going to be in the memory of him. That is why I started the business that date,” she said.

She related that after about a week working in the small caravan, her father decided to offer her a section of his property to ply

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

her trade in a better manner which she readily accepted and has been operating there since.

This Guyanese beauty says she is driven every day to do what she loves because she feels the need to let people know the importance of eating healthily and properly and she feels she can help them be aware of what they are eating, how food is being prepared, and what food they should like.

She said it is hard to find good vegetarian dishes and her business is there to fill that gap.

She explained that the vegetarian food available at other places, is just basic, there is nothing exciting about it and the presentation is unimpressive.

She, however, said that it is quite a challenge convincing persons of the vegetarian diet, this she says challenges her to be more creative in the presentation of her dishes and other things.

Marissa Primo poses in front of her business So far she said she has observed that more men are becoming health conscious.

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Academy of Excellence still on top did better; they got better positions and I am expecting more Queen’s College students.”

So pleased was she that when she was invited to attend the announcement of the results at the National Centre of Educational Resources Development (NCERD), in Kingston Georgetown, she couldn’t sleep the night before. And when morning came, she couldn’t wait for the parents to give her a drop over; instead, she got up quite early and caught her minibus and speedboat.

Gopaul credits the school’s success to the cadre of young teachers that she has. She related that they are between the ageas17 to 30 years old and said that they are “brilliant”.

“What I actually do, is that I have regular developmental sessions with these young ones so I can tell them what strate-

Veteran educator Latchmin Gopaul

By Vishani Ragobeer OVER in Region Three, at Cornelia Ida on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), the Academy of Excellence has been churning out scores of ‘top students’ since it was established in 2011 by veteran educator Latchmin Gopaul.

In 2010, Gopaul copped the Region Three award for “Best Teacher”. This came as a result of decades teaching primary schools in the region, from Grades One to Six. And deciding that she could help children in different ways, she opened her own school to push children’s academic abilities and impart her knowledge garnered over the years.

This year alone, eight pupils from the Academy were in this year’s ‘Top 10’ for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). They are Ruth Larson, Shrirish Persaud, Aditya Sharma, Sarah Johnson, Jaaya Shiwraj, Yuvraj Tulatam, Athaliah Joe and Aryan Sugrim. Further, in the top one percent of the country comprising 166 pupils, the school recorded 29 pupils out of the 166.

Latchmin Gopaul, an educator with 45 years of experience, said that she was very pleased that her school was able to do this well.

“In 2017, I had gotten five in the top 10 and 17 of my children got Queen’s College,” Gopaul said. “This year, they ◄◄◄ From page IV

Marissa says she prepares all her menus and does not use much rice in her dishes.

“I came away from too much rice. I use more greens so we have our greens menu where we put all the greens available on our menu,” she said.

Dishes made with Tofu (a food made from condensed soy milk) are most demanding she said. This product she said is very rich in protein and can be replaced for egg and also chicken.

The business has a daily special which is a serving of Tofu along with a vast selection of varied rice served with stir-fries and fried plantain or other fries.

Other specials include macaroni and cheese, boil and fry Chana, boil and fry provision among others. There is also the salad bar which has a vast array of salads including fruit salads.

She assured that all ingredients used in the preparation of all meals are void of Ajinomoto and other harmful flavourings used in other cooking outlets.

Instead, she said what distinguishes her business from her competitors, is that she prepares dishes using a lot of natural spices and other secret items that give the food a better flavour and taste.

Vegi Blitz is located at the corners of 23 John and Northern streets. The business opens from 07:00hrs to 19:00hrs from Mondays to Saturdays and is expected to have its official launch soon.

gies to use,” the educator said. “I’m doing an in-service programme with my teachers regularly concerning the delivery of the content and education.”

For her, the emphasis is on recruiting teachers that have extensive knowledge in the subject areas. And she takes up the task of imparting unique teaching methodologies and strategies to them.

Aside from that, she highlighted that she encourages the teachers to use real-life experiences and relate them to the teaching-learning experiences of any topic.

“If elections are being taught as a topic in Social Studies, then mock elections would be held replete with their own ballot boxes, ballot paper, elections officers and even the ink!” she said.

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Turning a hobby into a career

Afeena Mootoo

By Marissa V. Foster Whether it’s the competition, the naysayers, or people who just don’t believe

in you—starting a business as a young woman can be tricky. When Afeena Mootoo finished the Berbice Islamic School (BIS) in 2011, she did not have any specific plans for the future nor did she discover what she truly wanted to pursue in life. As such, she worked along with her parents in their store at Rose Hall Town.

While she was unaware of which path of career she wanted to endeavour in, she stressed that she always loved anything that includes fashion and makeup and knew she had a passion for it—she just did not realise she could have made money out of it as yet.

Afeena’s parents were never the type to push their children to pursue paths they have no interests in. They would support her and her dream and did not only look forward to the stereotypical job types (doctors, lawyers, etc.). Afeena has always been someone who never looks at the side for approval when she knows something feels right, she goes head in first. She expressed, “If we’d sit and wait on the approval of some people to grade our success, we’d never be successful.”

Her journey with makeup started off as being just a hobby. Afeena was always a

makeup lover and would do her makeup on her face and those closest to her ( her mother and sister). She also used to post her makeup looks on her social media pages. The response was better than she ever expected.

With motivation from family and friends who encouraged her to turn her hobby into a money making venture, Afeena started her very own makeup business. With her own money that she saved, she bought all of the necessary makeup products and items that she would need to not only do makeup on clients’ faces but to also start a makeup class to share her skills with other interested women.

Afeena is currently a cosmetologist and a

makeup instructor. She has a long list of clients and students that she has to work with and is so grateful for everything that she has accomplished so far. The job can be tiring, mainly because of distance and travelling to clients’ houses. She is booked almost every weekend for appointments and booked almost every weekday for makeup classes that she teaches. Afeena basically works most of the time but she absolutely loves it.

She meets new people every day and gets to share her inspiring stories and also listen to theirs. She tries to make every client or student a little happier before they leave.

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The village cook

By Shirley Thomas WITH a penchant for anything cuisine and the determination to give it her best shot, Anita Mootoo, somewhat introverted, has for years, been literally hiding a coveted talent in cooking.

But just under two years ago, prompted by friends with every good intention, she agreed to let her light shine and ventured into cooking and selling lunches for working people at her home-

stead, in the business community at Old Road, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

Recognising that A. Gafoor & Sons has a hardware establishment with a large workforce and located just across the road from her home and snackette, she zeroed in on that possibility and so was able to get the thumbs up to start selling lunches to employees on demand.

It worked well. The food, hygienically prepared and attractively presented continues to be tasty; the response

- good and the clients keep running back for more. This is with the net result that Anita has developed quite a reputation for tasty and affordable dishes in Land of Canaan.

And so, close to two years, she’s been doing wonders, daily cooking and serving lunches on demand from her snackette window without having to step out of her home. She has employed efficient assistance to expedite the preparation and delivery process.

“Splendid dishes!� Prepared and sold by Anita Mootoo, Old Road, Land-of-Canaan (Delano Williams photo)

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Samsung Galaxy Fold Spotted in the Wild Ahead of Any Relaunch Details SAMSUNG Galaxy Fold, one of the most controversial tech developments of 2019, has not yet received its formal release date.

But ahead of the debut, the Samsung foldable phone has reportedly been spotted in testing publicly. The public testing of the Galaxy Fold reportedly took place in India -- precisely, in a Delhi Metro train. This was perhaps the first open appearance of the Galaxy Fold that was unveiled at MWC 2019 back in February but hasn’t yet debuted in the market due to its display fiasco.

Earlier, Samsung had given the Galaxy Fold to its employees and global reviewers.

But the South Korean company is this time taking the public testing way with an aim to fix the foldable smartphone ahead of the formal launch.

In a recent media interview, Samsung’s IT and Mobile Communications Division President and CEO DJ Koh revealed that more than 2,000 Galaxy Fold units are being mass tested “in all aspects” to fix the issue.

“I do admit I missed something on the foldable phone, but we are in the process of recovery,” said Koh

in the interview.

Samsung was originally set to launch the Galaxy Fold in the US back in April. However, the issues reported by early reviewers pushed the company to delay the original launch schedule. The handset was caught with screen malfunctioning that Samsung is fixing through a redesign, according to a report by Bloomberg earlier this month.

It is believed that Samsung would mention the progress around the Galaxy Fold at its Unpacked 2019 event in New York on August 7 where it is unveiling the Galaxy Note 10. However, the redesigned phone isn’t likely to be showcased at the venue.

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Mommy and Me Project reaches out to 85 mothers in Guyana

‘We take pride and joy serving Guyanese’

The team from New York standing in front of the Suddie Public Hospital

By Indrawattie Natram SMILES and Joy were seen of countless mothers’ faces in Region Two and Region Three when the “Mommy and Me” project reached out to them. Over 50 mothers received hampers compliments of the non-profit organization.

According to the Founder of the Mommy and Me Project, Jean Nurse, she is happy to partner with the Suddie Public Hospital and the Oscar Joseph Hospital in Charity to assist the mothers. Nurse said that it has been four consecutive years the organisation has been reaching out to mothers in Guyana.

At the presentation ceremony held at the Suddie Public Hospital last Wednesday, Nurse said the donations were made possible through the kindness of families, friends and well-wishers, “We started packing things for Guyana seven months ago. Many persons would drop off things to make this project possible. We are basically focusing on things that will benefit a newborn and the mothers such as baby feed, clothing, joys, baby wipes and pampers,” Nurse said.

When asked what prompted her to do what she is doing, Nurse joyfully said her mother. She said she is lucky to have Guyanese parents who believed in charity. She said her mother always encouraged her to give back to her birth country and as such the project was planned.

Nurse said she is happy to have her siblings accompanying her on the project. She said that she is also happy to see the joy on the mothers’ faces. Nurse said she will continue the project and every year she tries to increase the number of mothers in which the organisation reaches out too.

Tinika Norton a mother from Charity expressed profound gratitude to the organisation for the gifts she received. She said she is happy that she was at the hospital at the time the bags were given out. Another bubbly mother, Christina Jeffery, said she is happy. She delivered a baby boy Thursday afternoon at the hospital.

Other mothers who were in the ward at the Suddie Public Hospital also received bags consisting of baby items and clothing.

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Mothers and members of the Mommy and Me Project posing with mothers at the Suddie Public Hospital

Founder of the Mommy and Me Project holding one of the cute babies at the Suddie Public Hospital Ward

Tinika Norton receiving her two hampers

Christina Jeffery receiving her hamper

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XIV Afeena working on a client’s face

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◄◄◄ From page VII

She currently plans to travel overseas to broaden her knowledge for higher professional makeup skills and certifications. It’s a risk she is willing to take in order to pursue the things she wants because she knows now that makeup is her calling. She is also currently working on her very own mink lashes collection. It is a work in progress as she is currently designing and piecing together her favourite styles of lashes to make the different kinds.

Her advice to young girls with similar stories to hers is, “The most effective way to do it, is to do it. The power you have is to be the best version of yourself you can be, so you can create a better world. No one succeeds immediately, and everyone was once a beginner…Don’t be afraid to invest time in your work. And know that every other girl that is pursuing the same thing you are always has something to teach you, never think that you know everything. My biggest motivation is to keep challenging myself.”

Currently, Afeena is one of the best makeup artists in the East-Berbice Corentyne area and takes appointments for all occasions (weddings, birthdays, graduations- you name it). She also facilitates one-on-one four-day classes for women and even men who would like to learn more about makeup. She works from 10:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs and every student will have their own time schedule. Afeena’s story truly shows us that if you really love something, you should go for it—by turning your impassioned hobbies into careers.

Makeup Artist, Afeena Mootoo

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ocus F on the Village

Land of Canaan

A village of good vibes and harmony among its people Neolla Persaud and other residents of Land of Canaan on their “racket chair” (Delano Williams photos)

“racket chair” which they constructed five years ago, related that they would just sit there and talk things over with some fish broth and a beverage and try to relax when they have the time.

“We mek this racket chair five years now. This is for residents, people walking in to rest their feet and any other [person] who wishes to rest since it got a shed to provide shade and it is in a good spot, because on weekends we have a lot of things happening here. The food people does come out and we have music and it does be like a dance and all the workers would come and lime as well,” Persaud said.

She was, however, upset at the recent happenings in which a young lady from the village got robbed by a man on a motorcycle while she waited on the public road for a bus.

“We don’t tolerate dem things around here. We got shift workers living in this village and people come and go and they must

By Michel Outridge THE Pepperpot Magazine, this week, visited the community of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara and brought back some interesting stories on the people and the way of life in that community.

During the visit, the team met Neolla Persaud, who has been residing in the community for 25 years with her family. Persaud said that Land of Canaan is a nice place and is a convenient place to live because most people work right in the village at the three major companies: Gafoor’s, Barama and Demerara Bakery.

“Land of Canaan is a peaceful place where people live in harmony and we don’t tolerate nonsense here.

If we see strangers lurking, we ask them to leave if they don’t have any real business in this community.

Owing to the recent robberies we have had on the roadside, we have to safeguard each other,” she said.

Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that her children’s school is just five minutes away and it is convenient for her; since she works at the Fisheries, she can pick up the children in good time after school.

“So we have everything right here, we really don’t have to go far, plus you can’t hungry here, this part called ‘Egypt’ that is,

The streets in Land of Canaan

Old Road, Land of Canaan. We come and reach the name, we ain’t know how it got that name,” she said, adding that over time, there have also been some changes for the better in the village.

Persaud, who was accompanied by several villagers on a structure they refer to as the

be able to do so in ease,” she said.

Persaud explained that the robber is not from Land of Canaan and if they find him, he will have a lot of explaining to do. She reported, too, that a young man was walking home from the bakery after his shift ended and he was recently robbed by several men

Michelle McLean and her husband, Phillip Morgan

in a car.

Land of Canaan has many shops, plenty to do and it is a village of friendly folk, who are willing to sit and chat. In addition, they would maintain the area in which they would ensure that the place is weed-free and all refuse is properly disposed of and plants of varying kinds beautify the place. Garbage bins have been placed along the side of the road, since littering is strictly prohibited in that community.

Persaud added that Land of Canaan is a place with all kinds of people: some soldiers, cops, air hostesses, doctors, masons, cooks, nurses and many others.

The Pepperpot Magazine also met Michelle McLean, a mother of six and two grandchildren, along with her husband Phillip Morgan.

She stated that she was born and grew up in the community and is quite comfortable in her little house --- the only home she knows --- and life there is good.

“I know this place as ‘Egypt,’ but it was re-named Higginsville and the road was paved last year and we have all the basic necessities, such as light and water here,” McLean said.

She noted that the village has about 3,000 people and it is a mixture of folk from all walks of life and they live in harmony most times; when conflicts arise, they are quickly resolved.

McLean said most people in Land of Canaan are Christians and go to church regularly; they basically are employed and find things to occupy their time and have many recreational activities, including

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Demerara Bakery keen on youth and community development

By Michel Outridge THE re-branded Demerara Bakery formerly called Doolie’s Bakery which is headquartered at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, provides employment for residents within that community and its environs.

They have 85 full-time employees and 13 part-time, who are drawn from the village which includes, single mothers and schooldrop-outs. According to the Administrative/ Human Resource and Marketing Manager, Dave Laltoo, Demerara Bakery is keen on its interest in community-based development of its employees.

He added that they cater in their employ for youths from within the village as well as single mothers. In fact, he said that their packing department operates from 16:00hrs to 20:00hrs in which about 20 to 25 single mothers are employed.

Laltoo stated as for school drop-outs they have a programme specially designed for them and most of the youths that work at Demerara bakery are from Land of Canaan.

He pointed out that the programme is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the youths in their employ since they will soon be International Standards Organisation (ISO) 22000 certified.

Laltoo told the Pepperpot Magazine that

the company is also serious about its corporate social responsibility to this country as such, they are the key sponsor for Miss Earth Guyana, a brand they have been supporting for a safe, green environment.

Demerara Bakery recently launched its bio-degradable plastic bags in promotion of marinating a clean and green environment.

Laltoo related that they also have a bereavement camp for children whose parents passed away as a result of cancer and they also provide free screening for cancer during their Health Day activities.

The Demerara Bakery Manager told the Pepperpot Magazine that the bakery is geared towards becoming Guyana’s premier bakery since their products are unique and 100 percent natural with no additives and 100 percent vegetarian.

Laltoo stated that all ingredients are locally sourced because they support local and their products which includes, tennis rolls, bread and pastries are on the shelves of shops and supermarkets in almost all the regions.

Meanwhile, Demerara Bakery Sales Manager, Dr. Omesh Balmacoon, said although their products haven’t reached some places just yet they will be tapping into those markets soon.

He related that their products are prepared fresh daily and this was verified when the company took the Pepperpot Magazine on a

tour of the facility last Tuesday.

Balmacoon added that their products include a whole wheat line of bread, tennis rolls and pastries which can be consumed by diabetics and others with health concerns.

The Operations and Accounting Manager, George De Freitas said Demerara Bakery is aiming to uphold the highest standards and they have policies in place to do so and these policies are often reviewed.

“I am tasked with the general day to day operations of the production area and I deal directly with employees even though they have Line Supervisors in place to overcome any challenges that may arise from time to time,” he said.

De Freitas stated that they are a bakery with a difference because they produce wholesome products which are healthy for the body and they adjust their products based on customer feedback.

He noted that they are also worker-friendly where they allow employees to take home their products and give feedback as well, in an effort to produce the best products.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN Demerara Bakery was established in 2014 – on May 26 to be exact- the same day

Managers of Demerara Bakery Operations and Accounting Manager, George De Freitas, Admin Manager, Dave Laltoo and Sales Manager Dr. Omesh Balmacoon

Guyana celebrated its Independence.

It was initially called ‘Doolie’s Bakery’ before being renamed in January 2018.

The idea of opening a bakery in Guyana was conceptualised when Peter Abai visited the uncle of his wife, Sharmella in 2011 in the United States of America.

There, the relative of his wife used to repair baking equipment for a living but due to illness he was unable to continue, and as such, had to scrap his machines and close the workshop but before that happened he invited Abai to tour the warehouse.

Back then, Abai was in the mining business and when he saw the machines and thought it would be destroyed he decided to ship it to Guyana and open a bakery.

Within months, Doolie’s Bakery was operational at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara and today the business provides employment for many persons in the village.

Fleeing Venezuela in troubled times Family returns to settle in Land of Canaan

By Shirley Thomas

GUYANA-BORN Ann Fredericks, now in her late 40s, was just about nine when her parents took her across to Venezuela where life seemed promising. She raised a family and together with her husband, brought up three wonderful children.

Throughout the years, they never thought of returning to Guyana except for visits. But with the eventual change of fortune in Venezuela -- with the people being caught up in a vicious cycle of poverty; skyrocketing prices; violence; no money to buy food; the inability to access money to pay transportation costs and other issues that have hit the economy, Fredericks knew the family had to make a move. “When you work there, you money can’t mind you because the food and things too expensive. Every week you work, the money changing, you don’t know what to expect. What we looking for is a better life and if you work and the money can’t buy your essential needs, then it’s no use staying around. But worst of all is being unable to access medical care, even in times of medical emergencies,” Fredericks told the Pepperpot Magazine.

It was this major concern that drove the family to make virtually an overnight decision to return to Guyana, leaving behind everything that they had acquired over the years.

“My eight-year-old son fell ill and was sick with terrible belly pains and high fever for about eight days. I desperately tried to

Ann Fredericks and her nephews and grandson recently returned from Venezuela and are seen enjoying the scenic beauty of the water passing through the Land of Canaan five-door sluice (Delano Williams photo)

get him treated by a doctor. That had its challenges, but then I realised that being seen by the doctor was not the ‘be all and end all,” she said.

She said it turned out that the doctor, though being compassionate, could not immediately say what was wrong with the child. Eventually, they found out that the child’s ailment was a case of appendicitis, but even then, they could not treat him because of a lack of the requisite medication; nor could they perform surgery.

“At that point, death stared my eightyear-old son in the face and based on what was happening, I realised that my son had only about eight days left to live, then he would be gone forever. All this time my son was crying for belly pains and his temperature kept going up,” the distraught mother told the Pepperpot Magazine.

The family hurriedly packed basic essentials and set out for Guyana via the Brazilian border, from whence they would travel to Guyana by the trail. She contacted

a brother she has in Guyana and told him that they were coming home to Guyana and two months ago set out on the journey, not realising what was in store for them. “It was me, my daughter and grandson, and while in Brazil trying to get over to Guyana, people robbed us. They take away our clothes, our money, my daughter’s baby things. We were robbed of thousands of dollars which we were hoping would put us on footing, at least initially, when we arrived in Guyana,” the distraught woman recalled.

Fredericks said on arriving in Guyana she informed the police officers who were very sympathetic towards them and other passengers on the bus. “The people were kind and gave us clothes, biscuits and other things to eat, and things for the baby. Without money, it is not a nice thing. Our food, our water and such things those people gone with,” she said.

“But thank God … God is in front of everything. When we reached my brother in Guyana, he paid the bus and when we checked what we got from kind people on the Brazilian route, we were no longer short of anything, so God is love,” she gratefully acknowledged.

They left Venezuela in May 2019 and two months later have been able to settle in Land of Canaan with her brother. The mother and daughter of a fourmonth-old baby have also found themselves jobs and are now happy about making the decision to travel home to Guyana.

“No matter where I go, Guyana will always be home for me,” Fredericks said, with an air of gratitude and satisfaction.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

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A developing Land of Canaan

Residents find creative ways to beautify community

By Michel Outridge NIGEL Felix, who has been residing in the community for the past 25 years, wanted to do something to enhance the village and he saw it fit to construct a recreational spot near the five-door sluice at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

“This piece of land was just sitting there and when the tide was high it used to be flooded and it was an unattractive sight, so I decided to beautify this area,” he said.

Although he is originally from the West Bank of Demerara, he moved to the East Bank corridor 25 years ago and wanted to leave a mark. With his carpentry skills, Felix started about three years ago to slowly prepare the land to what it is today.

Felix told the Pepperpot Magazine that he began by clearing the plot and filled up the once swampy area with truckloads of sand and dirt.

He added that he then acquired dozens of used truck tyres and built up the revetment to prevent erosion; he then constructed a picket fence around the place and later planted some flowers to enhance the plot.

Felix said he then constructed two wooden benabs to accommodate people for recreational purposes and all this he did alone in his spare time, when he was not doing his normal job as a truck driver for hire.

“This place is by the roadside and it was unsightly, being swampy, so I decided to develop it and it is what is today, because of my bit to enhance the environment and today

The old truck tyres that were used to prevent erosion ( Delano Williams photos)

Nigel Felix and his friend Austin Lyte at their favourite spot

all are welcome here.

But I don’t tolerate any swimming, because it is dangerous to do so considering the strong current and the plot is just for people to come, sit have a snack or a cold beverage,” he said.

The place has become the ‘liming spot’ for residents of Land of Canaan and workers of Gafoor’s, who would often visit to put on a pot over some drinks and carry on a lively conversation with those gathered.

“On weekends, this place is full of people, even those that pass can come and we have a friendly, outdoor atmosphere where people can just relax in a good way,” Felix said.

He plans to have a little shop where people can get a cold drink along with some chips and barbeque. Felix has already constructed a washroom for visitors and maintains the plot to ensure it is refuse-free; he is usually there every day to do something to fix up the place.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he will continue to develop the spot no matter how long it takes, because that is what he wants to achieve in his spare time.

One frequent visitor to the spot is Austin Lyte, an employee at Gafoor’s, who would go to the place after work to relax and chat with Felix.

“By visiting this place I became friends with Felix and I would come every day to ‘gaff’ with him and keep his company over some drinks of course,” Lyte said.

He explained that from the inception, Felix built the place from scratch and he can testify that it wasn’t easy work; he did it alone and he is proud of what the place is today.

“Anybody can come here, free of charge of course, but you must behave yourself and there is strictly no swimming, because we are not responsible for that and it is risky to do so,” he said.

A passion for fashion

By Shirley Thomas WITH a passion for fashion, always at the sewing machine putting together some novel creation which she would take pride in personally modelling, it was evident that Indra Samaroo was destined to become a seamstress after leaving school, and so did she.

But more than that, what started out as a mere hobby for her at age 16 or so, has turned out to be her main source of income and indeed a lifetime career, following the death of her husband about 24 years ago.

Having ventured into dressmaking at an early age, she began sewing dresses, skirts and blouses and just about anything in the line of clothing. And even though she does not consider herself a tailor, Indra said that from time to time she would take on the job of altering trousers and jeans, either bought or made for persons, but did not fit well.

“And I have always done a good job of it,” she admitted.

In fact, she even played a part in the sewing of her wedding dress, and that certainly

generated a sense of pride in her and the determination to master the art and eventually take on bridal jobs.

“Because I was sewing for so long, sewing eventually became a part of me, to the extent that I assisted in sewing my wedding dress and was very happy that I could be a part of it,” Indra proudly told the Sunday Pepperpot. Thereafter, there was no turning back; she mastered the art and finding it lucrative, she readily accepted bridal jobs, eventually specialising in it.

“Before coming to live in Land of Canaan I was living in the countryside and you know how country wedding is a big thing; there was always a lot of excitement. Depending on the design, sometimes it would take days and nights to complete the job and really give the bride a nice fit. But I was always willing to do it, and saw it as part of my job,” she said.

The seamstress added that eventually she became known for making bridal dresses, and the money came in well, since, following the death of her husband she singlehandedly worked to bring up her three sons, giving

Indra Dhanai at her sewing machine (Delano Williams photo)

them good education and also built the house in which she now lives. “In addition to routine dressmaking, I sew children’s uniforms as well, and the thing is that I never grow tired of it,” she said.

“I am accustomed to working hard.

When I first get married we didn’t have this house. My husband and I lived in a little house in Canaan with our children,” she recalled. Following his death, with shrewd management, she was able to see her three children successfully through school and built a comfortable home for them all.

“As the children were growing up, I

worked even harder and they all did well at school and so they managed to get good jobs.

Eventually, I was able to build this two-storey house for myself and the three boys. But when they grew up, they all got married and moved into their own homes.”

Indra now recalls: “One night I woke up around midnight and was thinking about my sewing. The next thing I know is that it was one o’clock and I was back on the machine sewing until morning. So here am I, sewing as you could see and there is never a dull moment for me,” the woman said.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

Land going like ‘hot cakes’ Another emerging housing scheme on the up and up

One of the first houses constructed in Manumitted Ville, Friendship, East Bank Demerara (Delano Williams photos)

By Shirley Thomas AS the zeal and enthusiasm, coupled with the necessity for more families to acquire their own homes continue to grow around

coastal Guyana, more and more housing schemes are being opened up. For this reason, the demand for land seems to be vastly outgrowing what is available.

One such housing scheme rapidly

catching on, is the “Manumitted Ville” intended to be a private, gated community at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. For that housing scheme, the land is being made available through a private housing developer, Noah Yashuarun.

The scheme, which got off to a start a few years ago, was initially moving at a snail’s pace, but as demand grew and infrastructural works kicked in, the sale of land and construction of houses picked up.

The Pepperpot Magazine recently visited Manumitted Ville and spoke with Yashuarun, who facilitated a tour of the area.

Manumitted Ville is locat-

the scheme get going and flourish, I took some hard decisions. First, I constructed a bridge to allow access to the house lots and later engaged in other infrastructural works,” the developer said.

“That being done, I later personally lobbied -- and successfully so -- for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Guyana Water Inc. to supply water to the scheme, effectively enhancing the building process,” Yashuarun said. Thereafter, there was a resurgence of interest and more people began buying the lands. The homeowners include public and private sector persons, as well as the self-employed.

The land is rich in agricultural fertility so that the scheme already is bearing fruit

Bridges to facilitate housing construction

ed on the left hand of the main East Bank Demerara thoroughfare, running through the Friendship neighbourhood.

The scheme is divided up into some 70 house lots of basically 50’ x 100’ in dimension. Currently, there are about six house lots still available.

There is also provision for a church, community centre, school, and health centre.

Yashuarun explained that the presence of a trench running across the road which would allow access to the housing area greatly hindered the sale of the house lots initially. This was because there was no bridge to link the two sides. As a result, vehicles could not enter the scheme to deliver building materials to enhance the building process.

“But out of interest, and a desire to see

trees, kitchen gardens and flower gardens as well.

Excited at the prospect of being the virtual springboard to jump-start the development of the housing scheme, Noah shared with the Pepperpot Magazine his dream for development of the community where residents would live at peace with each other; look out for each other, safe and sound, in the comfort of their own homes.

It must be an environment where the church and school must be the bedrock of what residents set themselves to achieve, and where little children would live like little children with respect for themselves, their peers and not least – their elders. “ All in all, it reminds me of the days when… it took a village to bring up a child,” one purchaser contended.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

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FILES E S A C T R U O C

PPP won 1953 General Elections Suffered loss of candidate at elections petition

By George Barclay

THE victorious People’s Progressive Party (PPP) headed by Cheddi Jagan won the 1953 General Elections, but suffered the loss of a candidate through an election petition.

The petition was brought by James Graham, a registered voter in respect of the election of Frank Obermuller Van Sertima for the Georgetown North Electoral District.

The hearing by Chief Justice (CJ) Edward Peter Stubbs Bell, lasted 18 days after which the court found in favour of Graham to the effect that the election was not conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Ordinance, 1953, relating to the secrecy of the ballot and as a result thereof, the result of the election was affected.

In his decision, the chief justice had said: “In the result I feel obliged to declare the election held in that district on the 27th April 1953, to be void and I declare accordingly.

I will certify that declaration to the governor as required by the law.

“This is no victory for any political party.

This court is not concerned with the struggles of political parties, but is only concerned to ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with the law.”

At the hearing, the petitioner was represented by Mr H.C. Humphreys, Q.C., C.R. Browne with Amina Sankar.

Appearing for the respondent were Mr. J. O.F. Haynes, Mr. L. F. S. Burnham, Clinton Wong and Rudy Luck.

IT WAS PROVED AT THE TRIAL: (a) hat at each of four polling stations in the area, the arrangements for voting were faulty and lent themselves to the secrecy of the ballot being violated. (b) At all the polling stations it was possible for the polling agents to have seen each voter as he/she went through the act of voting, as distinct from seeing for whom he voted. (c) 295 ballot tickets were marked by presiding officers. Knowledge of that fact became known in the electoral district and some voters expressed the fear that it afforded a means of it becoming known for whom a voter had voted.

Section 82 of the Legislative Council (Elections) Ordinance 1945, reads as follows: 82 (1) The election of a candidate as a member of the Council (Member of the House of Assembly) shall be declared void in an election petition if any of the following grounds be proved:(a) that by reason of general bribery, general treating, or general intimidation or other misconduct or other circumstances whether similar to those before enumerated or not, the majority of voters were or might have been prevented from electing the candidate whom they preferred. (b) If it appears that the election was not

conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in this Ordinance and that such non-compliance affected the result of the election. (c) That a corrupt or illegal practice was committed in connection with the election; by the candidate or with his knowledge or consent, or by any agent of the candidate. (d) That the candidate was at the time of his election a person not qualified or a person disqualified for election as a member.

The chief justice held that the contrivance used at the election was not a compartment of the kind contemplated by the Ordinance and Regulations. In addition, the principles of the representation of the People Ordinance, 1953, and the mode thereunder were infringed and the election was not really conducted under the existing election laws and such non-compliance affected the result of the election.

Delivering his judgment, Chief Justice Bell said, “This petition is presented by Mr James Graham, a registered voter against the return of the respondent Frank Obermuller Van Sertima, a member of the House of Assembly for the Electoral District No. 13 (Georgetown North) at the General Elections held on the 27th April 1953 in the colony.

“The General Election of the 27th April, 1953, from which this petition has arisen, was the first General Election under the new constitution recently granted to British Guiana by Her Majesty’s British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council 1953. The election presented the Law Officers and the Registration Officer ( Mr. H.R. Harewood), who was responsible for the general conduct of the election, with a number of difficult decisions to make both as regards the content of the law regulating the election and the administrative arrangements which were necessary to carry out the law.

“The election was the first one to be held with full adult suffrage and not the least of their problems was to devise satisfactory [arrangements] for the casting of votes by a population very many of whom had never voted in their lives before, and very many of whom could not read and write.

“The existence of such illiteracy is established by what Mr Harewood, the Registration Officer, said in evidence, namely that he had no reason to doubt that the illiteracy rate amongst East Indians in British Guiana was still over 40%. He went on to say:“When we set up the election machinery we did not contemplate ballot tickets being left outside ballot boxes and between them and on the floor. It was quite a surprise.The fact that we had such a high rate of illiteracy controlled the type of mechanical arrangements we had to make. About two-thirds of the total number of voters had not voted before at any election.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

Hand to Mouth Mentality ‘Boy, is how yuh think, not ‘cause yuh poor’

THERE’S a misconception across Guyana and other Caribbean nations that the private sector has all the answers to diversifying our ‘stiff’ colonial inherited economies.

The fact is that business people are fixed in what they know and understand; what has been successful and are not inclined to invest in anything absorbed in the unknown; that will lead them by hand financially into probabilities that represent a maze where they have to depend on a knowledgeable instructor they have no complete control of. Most at the time unorthodox businesses that have emerged as defining successes on the world market today started off as underdogs predicted as fads that would fail.

Take the automobile versus the romantic coach, train vs stagecoach. Though in WWII horses were used on both sides as an able means of transportation, yet it was useless and a great sacrifice when deployed as cavalry against machine guns --- like the very Gatling guns that were used against African armies in the colonisation of Africa from 1885 onwards.

As young nations, we have got to learn from history and quickly recognise that we need to accelerate because our markets are not necessarily our collective small populations, but the world. Our greatest hindrance is the Creole term ‘Hand to Mouth mentality’ and its nuances. ‘Hand to Mouth mentality’ as interpreted by my father and his workmen buddies, was discussed during a tragic event when a ‘bad man’ who bullied and took money from lesser financially able citizens and subsequently had his hand chopped off.

That tragic incident was so classified, because this man by choice had made himself a screw to be used conveniently in another

man’s toolkit, and would be casually discarded when no further uses are necessary.

After that sad event, none of those he served was by his side, as if saying, step away from the fallen fool. This is applied to governments, in respect to ours in the context of not recognising that each prime resource, rice, bauxite, timber, sugar, gold and diamonds had by-products that were equivalent to a new industry or several of such, and never tapping into the very talents of the people as a significant resource.

In all fairness to President Burnham, he understood this mental state more than any. He didn’t comply with upholding any socialist proletariat caste, of romanticising the poor, but while he was condemned for not fixing enough roads, though he built our major highways, he invested in young Guyana. Institutions such as the Youth Corps, the National Service and Pioneer Corps groups generated a new breakaway mindset of nationalism and the feeling that there was no class sector one could not enter because you didn’t belong to the right school fraternity etc. He wrestled with the beast of ‘Hand to Mouth mentality’ and prevailed in many, but not all the way.

I covered the negative impact of the oil crisis on Sunday, March 17, 2019. A few years ago, a neighbour two houses east from where I used to live on Robb Street was murdered for a property she had through a legal process inherited. The killers were arrested.

But the sponsor of that murder walked free, the provider of the weapons was not even arrested, though everyone supposedly knew who he was. The only fools to feel the full force of the law were the ‘Hand to Mouth mentality’ executioners, too broke to think,

now with decades of their own lives betrayed by their own stupidity. I only hope for their sake that they are too dumb to feel remorse and save themselves the burden that the torturing angel of guilt brings. The execution of the law in many ways is badly fractured, and in that case, it was.

The worst lure that entices the dismal currents of the ‘Hand to Mouth mentality’ according to my old man, is a false notion of entitlement. The foolish idea that there is a shortcut to the nice life without personal ambitions, a credible or not-so-credible career choice, whether you run a CHIC-CHIC board, sell second-hand books or clothes, these are efforts at independence that will evolve and motivate other options, because people need services, not services of destruction.

The old man thought that Burnham was inspired by his favourite American President John F Kennedy, whose favourite quote was, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” This quote also inspired me, but, I also learnt through the years that bigger countries also have many of the obstacles that smaller countries have with respect to instantly responding to out-of-the-box initiatives. There is the accustomed, and our designation of expertise through certification alone is flawed; this has made it difficult for an innovative leader to convey a vision that his subordinates do not have an inherited template of.

It is natural for people to support and exalt a delegated leader by first understanding the programmes that he/she has put in place for the present and long-term sustainment of their livelihood. It took 34 years after Burnham’s death for his nationalist character creation

and ideas to reach home. In Guyana, despite new media and the vision of how this country in 2019 has been transformed, yet the ideal collective development is still shrouded by the miniature mindset of the ‘Hand to Mouth mentality’, exalting the self-serving bribe into legitimacy. This is another manifestation of how it works. I know a fellow by a casual acquaintance who sold various stocks along King Street outside the old Crescent Cycle Store. He had a strange notion of political deeds that he was executing for the PNC. I asked my old pioneer buddy Boyce if he knew about this person’s activism, and he didn’t. Back in those days --- the earlier 2000s --- we were in and out of Congress Place; however, I let it drop because I have met lots of people who say they were here and there but were nowhere. I met him late last year and he said that he had gone across to the other side, because this side hadn’t done anything for him. “What were they supposed to do?” I enquired, I reminded him that there’s the Small Business Bureau that I used time and time again for small loans. What he was doing was overcrowded. Only he could determine the direction of his business, but the ‘Hand to Mouth mentality’ was adamant that somebody had to be responsible for giving him an illusion to hold onto. He also had some delusional ambitions about prescriptive rights for the seemingly abandoned Crescent Store, which I cautioned him not to encourage himself into, however, the tragic arson at the corner building took all that away.

Our Creole equivalent of the biblical proverbs is indeed a source of enlightening guidance as long as we understand what they mean, now we know ‘Hand to Mouth mentality’ and it is frightening.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

Intra-oral cancer PART of the reason oral cancer has such a poor prognosis is that more than half of the cancers have metastasised (spread) at the time of diagnosis. Detecting oral cancer early is the key. As an example, one type of oral cancer, when treated while the cancer is still less than half an inch in diameter, has a survival rate of about 60 percent. The same cancer, if not treated until it is double that size, reduces the patient’s survival rate to only 15 percent on the average. When diagnosed, surgery is usually required with follow-up radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Many times the surgery is disfiguring, and the radiation and chemotherapy therapy can cause severe complications.

The dentist, besides being involved with pulpal and periapical disease, is very much involved with the detection of oral cancer. Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world. Studies show oral cancers are more common than leukaemia, melanoma, and cancers of the brain, liver, kidney, stomach, thyroid, ovary or cervix. Each year in Guyana, it is estimated that oral cancer strikes 100 people, and 90 percent occurs in the over-40 age group, and males are affected more frequently than females. Statistics further show 95 percent of all oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which is related to tobacco use.

Major risk factors for oral cancer include the use of tobacco products (smoking and chewing), the use of alcohol, and exposure to the sun (lip cancer), dietary factors, and exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. All parts of the oral cavity are affected by oral cancer: tongue, lips, the floor of the mouth, soft palate, tonsils, back of the throat and salivary glands. Oral cancers most frequently occur on the lips (usually the lower lip). This is probably from chronic exposure to the sun and is especially prevalent with people with a light complexion. The tongue is the second most affected site. These cancers occur most often on the sides and on the back twothirds of the tongue.

The floor of the mouth is the third most affected site. Cancers on the floor of the mouth and the tongue are the most aggressive and result in the highest death rates because the cancers here spread most frequently to the lymph nodes and then to other parts of the body.

The gingiva (gums), roof of the mouth, and the inside of the cheeks are less frequently affected. But oral cancers certainly can and do occur there.

It is estimated that 75 percent of all oral and pharyngeal cancers are caused by excessive smoking and heavy consumption of alcohol, especially when the habits go together. It is felt by most authorities that alcohol promotes the effects of cancer-producing agents found in tobacco.

Smokeless tobacco (which is not so common in Guyana) is a dangerous substance that has been proven to cause oral cancer. In addition, it has also been proven in numerous heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes and kidney diseases.

Dental health professionals have the greatest opportunity to identify oral cancer while it is asymptomatic, innocuous, and unsuspected. Patients who smoke and drink alcohol can visit my clinic for a free cancer examination at least every six months. It only takes about two minutes to do an oral cancer exam. When examining inside the mouth the dentist usually wraps gauze around the tongue and pulls it forward. He then feels and looks at the tissue under the tongue and inside the cheeks for texture or colour changes, bleeding, lesions, masses, ulcerations, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).

When I was in California last October attending the American Dental Association meeting, the FDA announced that it was currently reviewing a new diagnostic system called OraScan that is being developed by Zila Pharmaceuticals. This system incorporates a series of oral rinse solutions to enhance the visualisation of abnormal tissue. The disclosing agent leaves areas of unhealthy cells clearly defined in blue, allowing the disease to be diagnosed in its early, more treatable stages. A dentist can complete the OraScan diagnostic procedure in less than five minutes as an adjunct to a routine checkup.

However, you - the patient- can look for these other warning signs: 1. A sore on the lips, gum, or inside the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks.

2. A lump or thickening in the cheek that can be felt with the tongue.

3. Numbness or loss of feeling in any part of the mouth.

4. Soreness in the mouth or a feeling that something is caught in the throat with no known cause.

5. A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or inside the cheeks.

6. Difficulty in chewing or swallowing food The value of self-examination is strictly for screening purposes. When questions arise, your dentist is the best source of information about any suspicious sores in and around the mouth and neck areas. If your dentist feels you have a suspicious lesion he will probably do a biopsy. This involves taking a tissue specimen from the affected area and sending it to a pathologist so he can examine it under a microscope to determine the cells present in the area.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

TOURISM ENTERING AN UPWARD SWING THE consumer community has always been concerned with Tourism, because of the many facets it presents to society. In the Caribbean islands when their sugar industry which had been their economic mainstay for two centuries had to be closed, they turned to Tourism to try to keep themselves economically afloat and they have been largely successful. Their Tourism was of the sun-and-sand type and the various islands managed to

have tourist industries of a high standard. Barbados could be cited as a successful tourist island and the evidence of its success is reflected in the value of its currency --- two Barbados dollars were equivalent to US$1 as compared to Guyana, where $G200 were equivalent to US$1.

For many years, Guyana never considered the development of a tourist industry as a great priority, since the

country was blessed with a large number of natural resources such as gold, diamonds, bauxite, forests, and fertile agricultural lands. On these lands flourished agricultural industries, including rice and sugar; these and others engaged the attention of Guyanese far more than Tourism.

Of recent years, however, Guyanese are now realising that Eco-tourism which is the type of Tourism Guyana offers, could bring not only economic but ecological and social gains as well. Eco-tourism is far more profitable than sun-and-sand and could bring to the Interior communities more methodical ecological conservation and a cultural and economic fillip. It could also bring Guyana to salutary international notice: In March last, Guyana was named the “Best Eco-Tourism destination in the world,” leading such experienced tourism destinations as Mexico and Tmatboey in Cambodia. Then in June, it received the Latin American Travel Association’s (LATA) “Best in Sustainable Tourism” award. This award was conferred on Guyana for “its impressive sustainable tourism practices and community-led tourism framework, which provides job-creation; helps preserve local traditions and customs; promotes low-carbon lifestyles and provides livelihoods for indigenous communities.” To further emphasise the growing positive international image of Guyana, it was featured in the June/ July edition of the Travel Agent Central Magazine with Kaieteur Falls spread over its cover and Guyana being its lead story. A great part of the achievement of the promotion of this magnificent world image for Guyana must be to the credit of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).

The time is now coming to convert these achievements into money and this requires the strengthening of the local tourism base.

In this area of strengthening the local tourism base and driving activity forward, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and its Director Mr Brian Mullis have been playing a major role. The GTA has been in touch with all stakeholders so that they would all have shared ownership. In pursuing this role, the GTA held two round-table stakeholder engagements in June, the first in Georgetown and the other in Lethem. At these meetings, 45 tourism stakeholders representing tour operators, Interior lodges and resorts, hotels, communities and non-governmental organisations were involved. Among these stakeholders were the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Conservation International and the North Rupununi District Development Board. These meetings and engagements were held under the theme, “Tourism Development Challenges and Solutions. We all have a role to play.”

Tourism strategies, priorities and outcomes to date and for the period 2019 -2020 were addressed, as well as critical areas such as reinstating regularly scheduled flights into the hinterland, prioritising policy and critical infrastructural improvements and raising awareness of the importance and value of tourism nationally. Also, and equally important with the growing market, international safety, quality and sustainability standards must be achieved. Mr Mullis encapsulated this approach with the remark: “Only through this level of multi-stakeholder collaboration can tourism realise its potential as a force for good in Guyana.”

Food is one of the most important aspects of Tourism and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has been working assiduously to have the hotels and restaurants provide food reasonably priced food of international standard. Twice each year, they enlist the restaurants of good standard to participate in Restaurant Week. In June, 18 restaurants participated and in November, more than 30.

All the 18 restaurants which participated last month provided two-course lunches at $2,500 and three-course dinners at $4,000 and each restaurant offered its own specialty. The Week was a success and those who took advantage of it were high in their praise of the value they received. It was aptly described as “a culinary adventure, where one could explore, eat and repeat.”

Tourism in Guyana is beginning an upward swing.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Midsommar

natural drugs being used for religious, hallucinatory, or lethal purposes – and these are just the more mundane of the ancient rites that Dani, Christian, and the others come across. Before long, the central couple finds their already decaying relationship being tested by the smiling, innocent-seeming people of Hårga as the community’s midsummer festivities grow more gruesome and the true roles of Dani and Christian in these festivities are revealed.

It is important to recognize the two leads, as they carry the film well. Florence Pugh, especially, is destined to be a bona fide movie star, turning in a sinister picture of a young woman

“Midsommar, 2019, written and directed

by Ari Aster, A24 Films – Image via: IMDB”

ARI Aster’s first feature film was the well-received “Hereditary” which focused on a family that is destroyed from within due to the interference of a demon king and the cult that worships him. “Hereditary” was so good that I count it as one of the best horror films I have ever seen. Aster’s second film, “Midsommar”, focuses on a group of friends who travel to Sweden to experience the local culture when they become embroiled in the deadly rituals and customs of the people they encounter.

Although both films focus on cults, that is really all there is in terms of the similarities between the two films. “Hereditary” is swamped with eerie night-images while “Midsommar” revels in the daylight. “Hereditary” has demons and monsters that manifest in very physical ways, while the threats in “Midsommar” are mostly psychological and rooted in human beings rather than supernatural forces. However, the most significant difference is the fact that “Hereditary” is a bit more fast-paced, and this is enough to render Aster’s first horror film as better than his second. This is not to say that “Midsommar” is not good. In fact, it is a very good film, but, in my opinion, it is not as great a movie-watching experience as “Hereditary” was – and this brings us to an important question. As movie-watchers, we must contemplate the answer to this: do we need to enjoy the experience of watching the film in order to appreciate all that it has to say? I think the short answer is no, and that it is indeed possible to analyze and appreciate a film even though watching it was an unenjoyable experience. I think it might be comparable to watching an old dance style with a valuable history, even though the moves are not comfortable, or to a painting that is too grotesque to be loved, but the painter’s skill and ideas are still good enough to make him/her much lauded. “Midsommar,” with its solid acting and directing, its load of symbols, its garish costuming, and its dense layering of ideas constitute fine filmmaking even though it is a highly uncomfortable viewing experience.

Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor) are American graduate students who travel with their friends into the interior of Sweden in order to find inspiration for their theses or, in Dani’s case, to escape some recent trauma.

When they get to the closed-off community called the Hårga, things are immediately recognized to be out of the norm. The community is a very religious one, with ancient ceremonies involving love potions made from menstrual blood, the burial of the ash of the cremated under a sacred tree, non-stop dancing among the women until there is only one left standing, walking backwards to pick flowers, numerous instances of

in a toxic relationship, a woman who is also battling mental illness and a murderous cult. She cries like someone who is in a physical fight with both grief and death.

The writer/director of the film has referred to “Midsommar” as a break-up movie, and it is true that while the audience wants to root for Dani and Christian, there is no doubt from the very beginning that they are not meant to be together – which is an interesting take on the horror movie couple who are supposed to be so in love that their feelings for each other inevitably conquers all.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

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NGSA and considering its end THE results of the 2019 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) were announced recently and I think the results of this year’s examinations give us a lot of things to talk about openly and use those discussions to think about the way forward.

This year, 14, 300 pupils who would have been preparing for the past few years of their lives sat the examinations. According to statistics provided by the Ministry of Education, 42 per cent of students who sat the examination obtained a score of 50 marks or more in Mathematics; in Science, the pass rate was 42 per cent; in English, it was 57 per cent and Social Studies, 39 per cent.

Taken in the context of pass rates over the past few years, these rates have remained relatively around the same. The pass rate of Mathematics moved from 13.85 per cent, in 2016 to 45.6 per cent in 2017, b e f o r e dipping to 38.3 p e r

cent in 2018. In 2019, it rose again. Now in 2019, Mathematics was the only subject that increased while the other subjects dipped.

Now, following the low pass rate in 2016, the MoE engaged in an emergency intervention for Mathematics and has been placing much attention on the subject subsequent to that.

One of my editors noted that these pass rates tell a more sordid story when you actually examine the figures. About 8,294 out of the 14,300 pupils failed Mathematics, 6,149 failed English, 8,723 failed Social Studies and about 8,237 pupils failed Science. Therefore, it seems just a bit starker when you show the actual number of persons instead of putting them as mere statistics.

Seeing these results gradually improve over the years is one thing, but what happens to these pupils that fail each year while we wait for the Ministry to implement better plans and programmes to ensure that the education system functions better for

these children?

That brings us to this ‘top school’ situation. Many children, at the age of 10 or 11 years, are pressured to work their best to get into one of the six senior secondary schools in Guyana because it is widely accepted that the type of education offered at these schools is of a higher quality. Some also believe that there are better resources offered at these schools, and

not to mention that there is a certain inherent prestige offered here.

But the children get into these schools based on a representative system of ranking, which means that only those children who perform even a few marks better will get into these schools. And not getting into these schools comes with its own set of ramifications, which in my opinion, manifests in stigma.

President David Granger, in a recent interview, said that he believes that the ‘exam’ should be seen as a normal part of a child’s education, and shouldn’t be used to label them as either ‘bright’ or ‘dull’.

Ideally, he related that it is his vision for Guyana to have a completely educated nation and that as far as he and his government are concerned, education is of paramount importance to every facet of life. And to this end, he shared that he is hoping to have a “top school” in each region.

Now the final thing to consider is the possibility of ending the NGSA. This is an idea that has been floating around the Caribbean for some time and which gained momentum last month with the Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley- who was a former Education Minister- saying that her administration would abolish that country’s 11-plus examination (their equivalent of the NGSA).

“We need to ensure that all students have access to

good quality education and not only the few that are successful at the 11-plus [examinations],” Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Justin Ram said in Guyana recently. “It shouldn’t be the case that at age 11, your life chances are made up; too often I see that across the Caribbean.”

He is right. I personally don’t feel that at 11 years old you should be pressured into thinking that your life is made up from that decision.

I’m 19 and thinking about the future can sometimes make me squeamish.

But abolishing NGSA is not just a flip of a switch.

It will require other systems being put in place to facilitate that transition from one level of education to another. It will require that the primary education is brought up to a standard much higher than where about 7,000 students are failing subjects and it needs to take into account the diverse skills and talents children possess.

Finding his niche in photography AS your average teenager trying to navigate through high school, Wei Jun spent some time trying to find that one thing that he could fit into and be good at.

Years later, in retrospect, he would have never imagined that his niche would be in photography “After I got into high school, I had wanted to find an interest I can be passionate about and would be able to stick to it for a long time,” a now 20-year-old Wong said. But this proved to be a tad bit more difficult than you would think.

First, he tried out with lawn tennis, table tennis and even some cricket, but soon realised that sports were probably not his forte.

Then, he gave music a try and attempted to play the guitar and the steelpan. He got through with the basics but discovered that he wasn’t musically inclined either.

While he was actively searching for something he would enjoy and also be very good at, his ‘A-HA!’ moment finally came.

“One day while casually browsing YouTube, a video from digitalrev, a Hong Kongbased photography store came up. I watched

on and I was riveted by camera reviews and photography tutorials,” Wei Jun said.

And that was where it all started. He became, quite literally, obsessed with photography.

He began watching videos of some YouTube famous photographers such as Chase Jarvis, Kai Man Wong, Peter McKinnon and many more and tried to learn about the art of photography. He also discovered the local photographer community and found the Facebook group ‘Guyana Photographers’. In this group, he was able to admire the work of local photographers and draw inspiration from them.

“I finally came to the decision to buy my first camera,” he recounted, but that decision would bear fruition after he saved some money for about two years and got a little extra help from his family.

And after those two years, it was a done deal- he got his hands on his first camera.

“The day came. I was extremely excited I was able to unbox my camera. I took it out the next day to start shooting and never regretted it.”

That day was four years ago, and since

then, his camera has never left his side. It was like when you heard the name Wei Jun, you would immediately look for the camera or when there was a photography event, you’d look for him.

His love for the field has grown over the years, just as he has been able to refine some of his skills. And naturally, you would find him with his white camera pointing at objects and ‘shooting’-- that’s him in his natural habitat. Candid photos, in fact, are his favourite.

Right now, he’s pursuing his first degree in Chemistry. He hopes to land a stable job soon enough as well, you know, because camera gear is pretty expensive and with new technologies being developed every so often, no photographer wants to be left out of the fun.

As a young photographer, he would like to see schools of all levels put more effort into their creative subjects or have museums and university art courses to have more workshops to cater for more learning. Or, he would love to see more frequent competitions for artists to be recognised and encourage more to join

Wei Jun Wong the creative arts. His reason for calling for these is because he believes that there are so many people like himself who are waiting for that little push to find out that photography is their niche as well

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

The road to the education nation: Ensuring equal access

EVERY child should be able to attend school and complete their education. This is the founding principle of President David Granger’s Public Education Transportation System (PETS).

Shortly after taking office in 2015, the President started this programme in order to combat high drop-out rates and improve education accessibility.

This is a special edition of Government in Action celebrating President Granger who, on his first birthday as President, gave the children of this country a gift: a chance to get to school safely, quickly, and free of cost.

THE PETS PROGRAMME “There is no better investment in this world than investment in children. We… see education as the gateway to the good life. We see that by providing these buses, boats and bicycles that we will improve access to schools; we will improve attendance and in so doing, we will improve achievement. We want to see ‘A’ students and those are the ‘A’s we are working towards today: access, attendance and achievement… We want to make access for education easier for children and we want to create a more equal society so that the children in Mabaruma… in Jawalla… and Aishalton would have an equal opportunity to education as the children in Sophia,

Industry or Cummings Lodge,” the Head of State said at the commissioning of three David ‘G’ buses in August 2017.

In its early stages, the PETS programme was known as the Three Bs, which stood for Boats, Buses and Bicycles. Later on, with the addition of the Breakfast and Books, the programme developed into the Five Bs. The now fouryear-old programme boasts a fleet of 29 buses, 12 boats, and over 1200 bicycles spread across all Ten Administrative Regions of Guyana that help the nation’s children to open the doors to their futures.

During an interview, Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally explained the inspiration behind the programme.

“While we were in Opposition, Mr. Granger visited a number of communities…I can recall we were in Essequibo in the Pomeroon and himself and First Lady gave a child a gift… and this gift was a book…

When the child was given the book, the child said, “thank you, but I cannot read.”

“So, [the President] said, “Well, why can’t you read?”

“And the child said that she cannot read because she doesn’t go to school. It is very costly to go to school. It is from the Pomeroon River to Charity and her parents couldn’t afford it.

“Then we outreached again to

West Coast Berbice and there was a child at Trafalgar who told the President, “I have to go to school in New Amsterdam, but it is very costly. It is going to cost me $1000” per day to get to school…” For one child, it would be $5000 transportation cost for the week alone.

“The President was moved with those two instances… As soon as he came to office, it was his birthday… He is a humble person. He didn’t want people showering him with gifts. He wanted to give gifts for his birthday. And so, he started the Bs programme and his first gift was a boat to the children of Pomeroon,” the Minister said.

Minister Ally also explained that the funding for the boats, buses and bicycles all came from the donations from corporate citizens and members of the Guyanese diaspora.

The programme, she said, has contributed to the marked improvement in academic performance within the education sector.

“When we go out there, these people are so happy. You see them embracing our effort when we have the commissioning of these buses, boats, and bicycles… It is with pride that they board these buses… [that] they get into these buses and ride their bicycles to their destination,” she said.

Minister Ally then offered the President a birthday greeting.

“My President has a face for ev-

High Five! President David Granger greets students of the St. John the Baptist Primary School in Bartica Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven). Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry follows.

President David Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger

erything. You see the fatherly love coming out of him. You see the country coming out of him. You see progress coming out of him. You see the want of development coming out of him…I would like to say happy birthday to my President. I would like to wish him well. I want to wish him good health because I think that is really necessary for him at this point in time. And he has a whole country on hand, and I know with him on the helm, come his next tenure, he will continue to deliver for the people of Guyana,” she said.

TACKLING EDUCATION ACCESSIBILITY TOGETHER First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger partnered with ReThink Initiative of Trinidad to provide shoes for students going to school in the hinterland. This is just one of the myriad educational initiatives spearheaded by the First Lady.

“For mainly hinterland children we have the Shoes that Grow project… Years ago my husband and

I noticed that many children went to school barefoot and there are all the issues associated with walking barefoot in the bush… ReThink organisation of Trinidad came up with the idea of the Shoes that Grow project and ran it by me… I was very happy for that because this is a company that makes a shoe that a child can adjust as he or she grows and we have been able to distribute to the children in the hinterland,” the First Lady said.

Mrs. Granger has received generous donations from the Diaspora and the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), and even Caribbean Airlines, who brought in the shoes that grow free of cost.

For the First Couple, it is with great passion that they ensure that the children of Guyana have the tools and means to be properly prepared for the world of work. This is a fundamental principle that shapes the vision of her own remedial education, Information and Communications Technology, and STEM Robotics workshops.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019 “[The Five Bs] speaks for itself because it focuses on ensuring that young people have the resources to get the education that they need. I think we must look at education, not only in the academic, book-learning sense but look at education as something that equips our young people for life… I hope that [Guyana’s] children will enjoy the benefits that will come to this country through the… sustainable utilisation of the resources that we have. I hope that they will understand that they have a great gift that they have to care for but that they can also enjoy and that it will not be just a few people benefiting from it, but everyone in every single square meter of Guyana will benefit from it as well,” She said First Lady offered a birthday greet-

Crowds gather to see the new David ‘G’ boat.

President David Granger shakes the hand of an elated recipient of one of 73 bicycles donated to His Excellency in observance of his birth anniversary last year.

President David Granger ensures that the David ‘G’ bus is ready for its first ride.

like about it.

The bus workers, drivers and warden, also shared their experiences with the David ‘G’ buses, even making a point to encourage students to focus on their studies during the rides.

Mr. Egbert McPherson, Driver: Since I’ve been driving the David ‘G’ bus it [has] been a good experience with the kids. You get to understand them more, you know.

Mr. Seaun McDonald, Driver: I feel great about it because it’s a lot of assistance, especially for the parents… especially [for the] transportation [costs]… bringing the children out in Ithaca, they will have to pay passage at least four times because they have to come from Ithaca, stop… at Rosignol, then get [another] transportation from there to school. So, the buses, now, do a great lot for them…I’d [be] glad to see, at least, they go and get a job… that’s the first thing. Not go around and hide around the place and then get themselves into some problems with the police and they [have] to prison and all those

Mahaica-Berbice Region, with this Five Bs initiative, they’re responding well because they… have mentioned that the money that they have to give their children, that burden is off of their shoulder… the children are able now to attend school regularly and they’re always on time with this initiative…The money that they used to pay the transportation fee with, they’re better able to help with their assignments. Teachers, previously, they used to complain about the children not doing their assignment, but it’s because [of] a financial situation. Now that the bus is on stream, the children are better able to do their assignments and get the work done, and their grades are up because they now have the mon-

President David Granger and a student of the Fort Wellington Secondary School participate in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to officially commission a David ‘G’ bus in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) while Minister of Social Protection, then Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally looks on.

ing to the President.

“I would like to wish my husband a very happy birthday. I would like to wish him long life and good health and many more happy, active, productive years,” she said.

A WORD FROM THE BENEFICIARIES PETS has transformed the lives of students across the country. We travelled to the Regional Democratic Council of Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five), home of two David ‘G’ school buses to hear from the beneficiaries. Here is what they had to say: Delicia Solomon, Rosignol Secondary School: The experience of … riding the David ‘G’ bus is very lovely. The bus is comfortable when you’re riding it… I was able to save more money… The passage I used to pay [to] go to school, I use to do assignments and my other school work.

Rasheeda Mohamed, Number Eight Secondary School: You [get to school] very early… you save money. You help your parents… If you catch the bus in the morning and the afternoon, for the whole week, you save, actually, $600 and that can help the parents. And the bus if very safe to travel in and comfortable.

Yolanda Tyrell, Woodley Park Secondary School: It’s comfortable, relaxing. It saves me a lot… coming to school… It helps me. It helps my mom, especially, as a single parent, saving, helping me with my assignments, doing my SBAs…It makes me feel good.

It makes my mom feel good because she doesn’t have to do a lot of spending because of the savings from the bus [help] a lot… if you add that $600 for the month, it’s a lot of money. So, it helps me a lot… I think most students, especially if their parents are single parents, I think they should make the [effort] to get up, do what they have to do, and get the bus. [It’s] very early in the morning. You [get] to school very early and that is what I

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things. We do a lot of talking with them. I tell them [to] take in [their] education. That’s the very first thing. And then, with [a couple] of them who [travel] here, I told them whoever gets the best percentage for the term, I would give them a surprise or some gift.

Ms. Jonel Dover, Bus Warden: Right now, I’m excited because… Thursday and Friday… school closed. Everybody in the bus was Top Ten. So, that makes me feel proud knowing that I encouraged them to work hard, study hard, and keep the focus on what they do, where school work is concerned…

[There are] kids who would… turn their back when the bus is passing. One day I decided to ask the driver to stop the bus and… I had a talk with [a] young lady… [I told her that it’s] no problem. You don’t have to pay anything.

Take the first ride and from that day, she has travelled every day with the bus. She felt so comfortable because [of the] one [on] one that I had with her.

Ms. Gloria Davidson-James, Senior Schools Welfare Officer: The parents in the

ey to help with the assignment.

Of course, the students and employees were eager to send birthday wishes to President Granger.

Delicia: I want to say happy birthday to the President of Guyana and I do support this lovely help that he’s done for the country thus far. So, he can continue to live [a long] life.

Avindra Beharry. Belladrum Secondary School: I would like to say happy birthday to the President and thank you for serving our country.

Rasheeda: I would like to say a special, special happy birthday to our President, David Granger. He should enjoy his day and have a pleasant birthday.

Yolanda: Hi, Mr. Granger! I would like to wish you a happy, happy birthday. For the past four years, I really do appreciate everything you have done in this country. I hope you live to see many, many birthdays and do have a wonderful birthday.

Mr. McPherson: Happy birthday. You continue to keep up the good work and I hope that the next five years, you’re still in office.

Mr. McDonald: Happy Birthday and wish [you] all the best for the birthday. Good health and strength by the grace of God. Ms. Dover: I must say, Mr. President, happy birthday. I’m happy that this venture that you’ve put out, the [Five B’s], continue, regardless of what happens, continue sharing the love. Happy birthday. Ms. Davidson-James: A happy and blessed birthday.

And I must say that may God bless you and you continue to guide us as people of Guyana. Happy Birthday, Mr. President.

Mr. President, you have done many great things in your lifetime, but, we, the people of this great nation, believe there is still more greatness to come. Happy birthday to you and may the latter 74 years be even brighter, fuller, and more prosperous than the former.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

NAREI exists for our farmers – Who we are and what we do

TO inform readers and remind our beneficiaries, NAREI in Focus will be sharing information on the Institute and the invaluable services we provide to thousands of farmers across Guyana.

By now the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has become a household name. Our local farming community has benefitted tremendously from the agricultural services we offer free of cost. Our services fall under three broad categories: Research, Extension Services

and Quarantine Services.

The Institute was previously known as the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). NAREI was created to develop and extend the necessary technology and support services to facilitate national agricultural development.

We are the premier research and extension institute in the field of crops (excluding rice and sugarcane), fruits and vegetables, biofuels as well as for plant quarantine services throughout the country.

OUR MISSION “To advise, develop and transfer appropriate systems to promote balanced, diversified and sustained agricultural production through adaptive and investigative research using a market-driven approach and a range of regulatory services to the sector.”

OUR VISION “To ensure food security and the empowerment of farming communities and to enhance their livelihoods through improved and environmentally friendly technologies.”

Our Research Department is staffed with qualified and vibrant Research Scientists and Research Assistants. They work assiduously to ensure that accurate, cost-effective technology is developed and tested before being transferred to our farmers through Extension Services.

The Research Department has five strategic areas: Soil Management and Farm Mechanisation Department; Fruits, Vegetables & Other Crops- Seed Technology; Plant Biotechnology & Genetic Resources; Bioenergy; and Plant Pathology & Entomology.

This week we will look at the Fruits, Vegetables & Other Crops- Seed Technology, which focuses on improving and sustaining food production. Our work helps to conserve natural resources and promote healthy and active lives by creating and disseminating knowledge in the Plant Sciences.

We are actively pursuing our objectives: To develop quality seeds of locally adapted varieties.

To breed seeds for tolerance to adverse conditions such as drought, marginal soils and soil acidity.

To develop appropriate production packages for sustainable agriculture.

To conserve germplasm of important crops.

How can we help you?

The department provides the following services: breeding; developing production packages; multiplying basic seed; and collecting, characterising and conserving plant genetic resources (germplasm).

Laboratory services germination test moisture test purity tests Training services Sensitises and inform students, farmers, extension officers/agents and other stakeholders on new and developing technologies.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

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Bullying and Mental Health TODAY, after an email from a young man, I would like to talk about bullying. Many of us see, experience or even participate in bullying on a daily basis, sometimes without even knowing that it’s happening.

Bullying occurs when people try to overpower, influence, intimidate or force others into doing things- it is always unwanted, often repeated and can be physical, verbal or emotional.

Bullying does not only happen to children in a classroomit occurs within people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and statuses and it happens when there is a perception of an imbalance of power. I’ve met many people who were not sure if certain actions were considered bullying so I’m going to clearly lay this out.

Bullying can be physical which involves hurting a person or their possessions. For example a physical attack such as hitting, pushing etc. or breaking someone’s belongings, destroying someone’s property, stealing etc. Bullying does not usually begin with the physical, but rather evolves to it from emotional and verbal abuse. Verbal bullying includes threats, teasing/name calling etc. This is the most common type of bullying and has longer- lasting effects than any other type. Social bullying involves purposely excluding someone, spreading rumours, cyber-bullying etc. Cyber-bullying involves any kind of technological device and therefore includes phone calls, texts, emails or social networking sites such as Facebook or Instagram. Cyberbullying is the type I see most of all and for younger generations, it is the most undetected as there is usually a lack of parental supervision on social media.

Bullying is not a rite of passage- something that everyone must go through once in their life. It is a cruel form of interaction with severe short and long term mental health consequences.

It is easy to see and understand the effects of bullying on its victim. A victim of bullying more often than not feels afraid, ashamed, depressed, weak, isolated, and lonely and lacks self-esteem. They are usually afraid to and unwilling to attend school or work. This results in poor academic performance, high stress levels, anxiety and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities which causes further isolation, social exclusion, aggression/rage and self-hatred – all of which can result in various forms of self-harm.

Individuals who are bullied are also more likely to have trouble eating and sleeping and use excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol. They are more likely to have physical ailments and psychosomatic symptoms such as head and stomach aches. If the bullying is severe, anxiety disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts can be developed.

It causes a cycle of violence, as research on the adolescent years of famous serial killers reports consistent bullying.

Bullying also literally changes brain structure; An interesting brain scan study by Erin Quinlan which examined the brain of teenagers found that those who were being bullied had lower volume in two brain areas- the caudate which processes learning, memory and decision making and the putamen which regulates movement. This means that bullying actually affects normal brain development.

For those wondering, bullying also has severe negative consequences for the bully. Firstly, it is important to understand why bullying occurs in the first place. Much research has shown that jealousy, envy and resentment are the main causes of bullying. Bullies usually have low self-esteem themselves which forces them to want others to also feel low. By demeaning others, a bully feels empowered, that they are now shining light on someone else’s misery so their own can be undetected. People who experience symptoms of depression, poor academic performance, high aggression and personality disorders are also more likely than the average person to become a bully. Let’s not forget the cycle of

bullying, that many people bully because they, themselves are being bullied elsewhere. A bully will further experience difficulty in forming and keeping healthy relationships, increased substance use and abuse and have higher chances of, school drop- out, issues with the law and unemployment.

One study showed that those who were bullies as children were more likely to be members of gangs and carry weapons.

What to do when there is bullying?

As always, prevention is the best route. Hold seminars/ campaigns and educate individuals on the harms of bullying.

Also, step up and say something if you see it happening!

Bystanders play a major role in bullying as well. Bullying can occur in an isolated place, yes, but typically it happens when other people are around as the bully mostly needs an audience. It can be difficult and maybe even dangerous to step in but you do not have to do this on your own.

If there is a complaint to you about bullying, keep it

confidential. I’ve seen this too many times in schools and workplaces where the person who made the complaint is named. This is not helpful and just increases the chances of them being a victim.

How many of us make fun of people without even noticing or simply thinking it is harmless? We need to pay attention to our behaviour and how it affects others (and ourselves). It is so prominent that I truly believe that if you are not being bullied, you’re probably the bully and you probably don’t even know it. Pay close attention to your words and actions!

Thanks for reading! Please continue to write to caitlinvieira@gmail.com and let me know what you would like to talk about.

Suicide Helpline: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896. Do not be afraid to reach out. Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

XXX

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

It’s okay to wear your art pieces on your skin IN Guyana, people who have tattoos are stigmatised by others in our society. It is safe to say that when someone does not conform to the norms of our country, they are seen as outcasts; the same can be said for people with tattoos. I remembered always hearing the talks, “people with tattoos are in gangs or were prisoners” or “women with tattoos are party animals and filled with promiscuity.” While those talks might be less today, it’s still faint amongst Guyanese. I have many friends and family with tattoos and I can tell you that none of them are a part of the stereotypes or stigmas I just mentioned. I know of persons who have to constantly wear long sleeves or cover their tattoos with makeup when seeking employment and still have to do it after they have the job—if they get the job that is, because employers usually class someone with tattoos as being “unprofessional.”

You know, for a country and even world that encourage freedom of expression, we’re still quick to judge people with body art. People have tattoos on their skins for many reasons: to express themselves; to observe a major life event; to remember loved ones who’ve passed away or even to cover up scars. Perhaps the most beautiful social media thread that I’ve ever seen was pictures of persons who had scars and transformed those very scars with tattoos (scissors tattooed on a cut, quotes on self-harm scars, flowers on breast cancer survivors and so many more). There was even a tattoo trend, with people tattooing a semi-colon on their hands to signify their awareness of suicide, depression, self-harm and anxiety. Today, the people who get tattoos are from all circles of life—breaking down those stereotypical walls.

Art comes in many forms and tattoos should not be an exception. People may also have a problem with this form of body art because of religious reasons, having their perspectives based on myths or just a general distaste for body art. I am not pleading with you to develop a liking for tattoos, but I would ask you to not judge and disrespect others because of their choice to have one, or two or even a sleeve. I personally admire persons with tattoos for many reasons—for the unique ideas and concepts they come up with, their bravery to not let normality confine them as well as, their ability to commit to one piece of artwork on their body for the rest of their lives. Having a tattoo does not make you less of a teacher, lawyer, university student, friend and most importantly—it does not make you any less of a human being. If I am to call out a list of the professions in Guyana, inclusive of my very own; social work, the newspaper would not have had enough pages to print other stories this week.

According to my research, tattoos are a choice people make, which makes it a controllable stigma. My question is, “Why is it still even a stigma?” As far as I am concerned, tattoos can bring sight to who a person is on the inside—their personality and beautiful soul. Tattoos have been a part of our culture for a very long time.

From the Amerindians tattooing their tribal symbols on their skin to the temporary henna tattoos adorned by Indians on special occasions and these are acceptable forms. We can somehow pick and choose which form is acceptable and which form isn’t?

My general advice to everyone is to look at tattoos as a form of expression rather than just ink that stains the skin forever. I remember a quote I once saw: “Some people hang up their art pieces on their walls, I wear mine.” That, to me, is how many people who have tattoos see it as well. If you’re planning to get a tattoo, make sure you go to a professional tattoo artist where they practise good sanitation and cleanliness. This will make sure you do not receive any infections. If, by chance, you are not the committing type, there is always temporary realistic tattoos.

Whatever the case may be—I do hope you can wear your art without being judged.

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EPA partners with WWF to strengthen management of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) industry in Guyana THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas – Guyana Country Office, with support from the Netherlands Commission on Environmental Assessment partnered to successfully execute a one-week training workshop from July 8-12, 2019. The workshop which was facilitated by two experts, Giel Hendriks and Peter Nelson from the Netherlands Commission on Environmental Assessment aimed at building capacity of local organisations to strengthen management within Guyana’s mining sector. Approximately, thirty-five (35) participants representing seventeen (17) agencies in the environmental conservation and management arena benefited from a training workshop focused on increasing human resource capital and capability to undertaken Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the ASGM and other sectors.

Through the lens of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) Undoubtedly, Mining contributes significantly to Guyana’s Socio-economic landscape; however, it comes at a cost, one mainly bored by the environment. Biodiversity loss, reduce water quality and quantity, social conflicts resulting from land use as well as, acute and chronic health risks, are some of the issues associated directly or indirectly with mining. Therefore, in an effort to make more evidence-based decisions to transform the sector, this partnership comes as at a critical junction; as the country rolls out its vision for a green and inclusive economy through its Green State Development Strategy: vision 2040 (GSDS). The GSDS promotes three key messages; management of natural resource wealth; support for economic resilience and building of human capital and institutional capacity. This training was poised to help environmental planners and managers take a more strategic and evidence-based approach when devising solutions to the issues and challenges in the environmental management arena with focus being placed on Policies, Plans and Programmes.

Speaking on behalf of the EPA at the opening ceremony, Senior Environmental Officer Mr. Collis Primo lauded the partnership particularly, as the EPA continues to strengthen and increase its ability to respond to its evolving work portfolio, as it prepares to monitor and regulate emerging sectors, principally Oil and Gas. Country Manager of WWF Guyana Office, Ms. Aiesha Williams said the exercise was nestled in the EPA’s governance of thematic areas, specifically under the Shared Resources Joint Solutions Programme. “This programme aims to safeguard international public goods around climate resilience, food security, and water provisioning.”

Also delivering remarks were Mr. Carlos Todd from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Ms. Uma Madray from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

The EPA and the ASGM industry Further, the EPA under the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana and complementary Regulations has the responsibility to regulate all activities related to mining and its development. Noting the position of the GSDS and EP Act and given the continuous expansion of the ASGM industry, it is critical that the EPA develops a mechanism to ensure that all ASGM operators are regulated.

It is against this backdrop that, the need for specific training on the development of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the ASGM industry was seen as a critical need for the Agency.

In that regard, the EPA sees the SEA, as a tool that can be used to identify critical environmental and social safeguards to be incorporated into any plans, permits and policies for the industry and to strengthen the overall regulatory framework.

WHAT IS A SEA? Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes prior to their final adoption. The premise of SEA can be simply stated: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on

its own is not enough. Only a relatively small proportion of the proposals and decisions made by governments are subject to examination. SEA rounds out and scales up the coverage from projects to include policy, plans, programmes and other proposed strategic actions with potentially important environmental effects. The objectives of SEAs are to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to promote

sustainable development. Optimally, SEA is a proactive tool to anticipate and prevent environmental damage.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

The mind is a battlefield Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion WHILE in Florida recently I decided to visit Dania Beach with my friend Bibi. The sunshine was beautiful and it seemed like a perfect beach to enjoy. About 15 minutes after leaving home the weather began to change and by the time we got the beach, it was raining. We had a few options if we still wanted to enjoy a day at the beach and one was to feel a bit depressed or two to create our own sunshine. I said to Bibi “We all have sunshine within so we can create our own sunshine.” We sure did and have a blast. It shows you how powerful the mind is. We are in control of our mind even though sometimes it can be extremely difficult because some major battles are constantly fought. I am no expert in the field but I know sometimes very simple things can push you over the edge.

I was invited by the Sylvia Ward, President of the Association of International Women to be the guest speaker at the gathering in Pembroke Pines. I also got the opportunity to show off the gorgeous designs from my new collection. Sylvia is one of the phenomenal women I met along this journey and I am honoured to have her as one of the Co-Authors from the Women Across Borders Anthologies. Brio Restaurant always provides a sophisticated atmosphere for an interactive and empowering evening. We had a nice mixture of age, ethnicity and nationality which is always interesting because of the different viewpoints.

What was clear at the end of the evening is depression or mental illness has affected us more than we probably want to discuss or admit. Most people don’t like to discuss the top openly of fear that people will judge them. Sometimes many people don’t even realise what is happening which can potentially get the situation worse. Some of the ladies shared experiences and I was happy about that because it created that safe healing space.

I shared with the group my bout with depression. I was depressed for a major part of my first pregnancy and the main reasons were because I was separated from my daughter’s father after four months of conception and it hit me I did not imagine at age 20 my future that once looked so promising would be looking so bleak. Living at my mom’s and pregnant without a job? My family who believed in me and the little faith at that time pulled me through but that was not the only time.

There are many people I know who are suffering from depression and my friend Hilda Bournes is one. Hilda who is the bestselling author of the book ‘Nell’s Nightmare’ has been battling depression most of her life and she shared a part in Women Across Borders-Rising from the Ashes. “In the latter part of 2018 and the beginning of 2019, I fell into a deep depression. My son had a terrible accident and I hadn’t worked on myself for three months. Therefore, my body, my mind and my spirit were all exhausted. When his accident took place, my mind and emotions broke. I had to recognise, first that I had fallen into a depression and made the choice of self-care. Many don’t know they are in a state of depression or have a mental illness.”

I know that my positive mindset and more than a little faith contributes to me dealing with situations differently.

Think about someone you can support through a season of depression as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XIX

“It did not occur to us to have the poll clerk come to the compartment and see that the vote had been put into the box, We did contemplate having the vote cast behind a screen with a poll clerk within the screen, but we abandoned that as it would lead to the many difficulties.”

The chief justice went on to state that the election authorities had reproduced as accurately as possible the conditions as they were on election day for inspection by the court and lawyers on both sides.

The chief justice, who along with lawyers and other court officials visited the four polling stations, added, “I am of the opinion that at each of those four polling stations, it could have been possible for polling agents (either by accident or of set purpose) to have seen how the ballot boxes were grouped together behind the screen; what position each had occupied in relation to its fellow; and what was the position occupied by each box in relation to the length of the screen behind which they were placed.

“My reason for holding those views are these: each of the four rooms in which the actual voting compartment was placed was quite small, with the result that when seated in their places, the polling agents were in no case at any greater distance than say an average of 20 feet from the voting compartment. It shows (at least in my view) that the arrangements were faulty and lent themselves to the possibility of the secrecy of the ballot being violated at those four stations. I accept it as proved,” the CJ had said.

The CJ also pointed out that it has been established beyond any doubt, that 295 ballot tickets were marked by presiding officers in Electoral District No. 13 on polling day, the 27th April, 1953, with the registered number of the voter or some other mark, whereby the voter might have been identified. I have no reason to believe, however, that as a result of that irregularity it became known during polling hours for whom any voter had cast his vote. I am, however, quite satisfied that knowledge of the fact that tickets were being so irregularly marked became known in Electoral District N. 13 (Georgetown North) from early in the morning of polling day and that a number of persons in that district were openly talking about that irregularity and expressing fears that it afforded a means of its becoming known for whom a voter had cast his vote.

After viewing all the circumstances, including the various irregularities, the CJ declared the North Georgetown election void. ◄◄◄ From page XXIII

Dani and Christian are the exact opposite of that. She is needy and mentally fragile, while he prefers the company of his friends and is unable to interpret her emotions. While Aster does include murder, flaying, torture and all the other elements of cult-horror, the true scares come from seeing yourself in the quickly disintegrating relationship of the central duo. It is a reminder that love actually, logically, cannot conquer everything and that the choices couples make often having long-lasting effects, as seen in how Dani and Christian constantly propel each other towards their final outcomes due to the personal, individual choices they make for themselves and not necessarily for each other or with each other.

There is a lot of beautiful imagery in the film. The costumes and the use of symbols are particularly impressive. The lush countryside and the dancing girls wearing flower-crowns give the impression of freedom, ecstasy, and nature. However, in “Midsommar,” the imagery also serves to underscore the unknowability of Hårga and its people; it functions as a reminder that all is not as it seems and that there is a layer of terror and ugliness beneath the beauty. While the film cannot be classified as a traditional horror, it can definitely be regarded as scary in certain ways, particularly through the use of Aster’s images. So while you will not find jump-scares or ghosts in this movie, you will find chilling bits of imagery.

The sight of a character wearing another’s flayed skin, for example. A deflowering that is at once ritualistic, sensual, and macabre. A still-living character strung up in a chicken-coop with flowers in his eyes and the lungs torn out of his back. A troupe of youthful girls wearing pretty dresses and dancing in a drunken daze in the midday sun. A deformed child scribbling into a holy book. And these are only a few.

This movie is not for people who lack patience, nor people who have recently gone through a rough break-up.

I don’t think it’s for people whose idea of great horror films are the Freddy Kreuger or Jason Vorhees movies.

I don’t think it’s for people who are easily squeamish. I don’t think it’s for anyone who has any idea of what a horror movie is supposed to be like. But if you do fall into one of the groups above and you still want to give “Midsommar” a chance, then maybe it is for you, after all, you and the rest of movie-goers who fall into the category of being open-minded.

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English

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Dear Student, If your handwriting is clear and readable it will be a help to your examiner. An illegibly written script is not normally deliberately penalized. But, let it be explained that the examiner is a human being and he is going to be irritable if, because of difficulty in reading your handwriting, it takes him two or three times as long to

read your script as it does to read another candidate’s script of similar length, content, and quality. Be wise.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE Someone had ‘borrowed’ Sylvie’s Dalmatian, Ralph, without her permission and taken the dog to the country fair. The dog,

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

which had been tied up outside the in the peasant weather, had been The priest who slew the slayer, taken and returned without anyone noticing. Instead of going to the And shall himself be slain. fair as she had originally planned, LORD MACAULAY (1800-1859) Sylvie had been at the library most of the day studying for a difficult The Battle of Lake Regillus, 10 test. When she got home, Sylvie got a call from a friend who had happened to see Ralph at the fair. b) If you are not careful, you will fail to “Hey, I saw Ralph with the blue ribbon – make it clear to what or to whom the pronoun nice going. How come you let a crazy head refers. take him, though?” the girl asked. c) Some contexts do not make a clear “Blue ribbon! Crazy head? Ralph at the point of reference, so the reader needs to be fair! What are you talking about?” Sylvie had helped. When a pronoun is not clear, a noun exclaimed. needs to be substituted for it.

“You mean – uh oh! Listen Sylvie, I’m 1. “Are you youngsters ready to follow me not a snitch. I have to go now. ‘Bye!” and to death?” the cult leader asked. she hung up.

2. “If you do not move from here by toSure enough, Ralph had a blue ribbon morrow,” the policeman said, “I shall have to pinned to his collar. Who was the mischief compel you to do so.” maker? Sylvie thought of the three crazy 3. “I do not believe,” declared the referee, heads she knew. Terry loved animals, espe- “that the centre-forward was off-side when he cially Ralph, but she was supposed to be at a scored the goal.” camp. Eugene was mischievous and loved to 4. I asked, “Where do I go from here?” poke jokes, but he was a little uneasy around 5. “The political situation now,” I argued, dogs. Finally, Sylvie’s younger brother Ran- “is never what it was last year or what it will nie was a little crazy, too. But he owed her a be next year.” favour, not a trick!

6. Diana asked, “Do you know that oil of eucalyptus, as well as many other remedies, SOMETHING TO DO is poisonous?”

This passage is about drawing conclu7. “It was rumoured that Agustus was sions. Choose your conclusion. Underline caught with his hands on twenty pounds of the clues that enabled your decision. cocaine,” idlesome Esther informed the raga) Terry came back and tool Ralph to the ged gathering. fair.

C. Decide upon the correct verb form in b) Eugene decided to overcome his ner- each of the following sentences. vousness around dogs and took Ralph in order 1. Oxygen in the three small cylinders to play a trick on Sylvie. (is, are) dangerously low for the life of the c) Rannie took Ralph. He thought of it as patients. a favour, not a trick – especially when the dog 2. The parents’ hurt (was, were) tremenwon the blue ribbon. dous over the death of their only child.

3. Prices for halibut (has, have) risen.

GRAMMAR 4. A tamper-proof stopper (has, have) We are still in our bid to help you con- been put on new medicine bottles. struct better sentences to enhance your com5. Bar-B-Cue chicken and wild met (is, positions. Continue to pay attention to your are) popular with drinkers of alcoholic bevuse of grammar; it makes a great difference erages. in your structures. Follow the exercises of 6. The contents of ten gallon-bottles of the past weeks. soy oil (was, were) stolen from the storage A. Rewrite the following sentences, cor- strong room. recting any errors or obscurities that you find 7. The pliers (is, are) rusty. in them.

8. A group of swaying piglets (was, were) 1. Another cause of road accidents are displaying their skills to the circus crowd. cars with dazzling white headlights.

2. The shortage of steel timber and textiles WRITING IMPROVEMENT have hitherto prevented widespread construcParagraph revision tion of houses and roads.

In the selection below, indicate by num3. Not one of the receipts were stamped. ber, the sentence or sentences that do not 4. In the ‘personal letter’ competition the give information that fits the flow of ideas candidate did all that was expected of them expressed in the rest of the selection. with the help of their teachers.

(1) At one time the wooden tobacco pipe 5. On reaching the age of eighteen young- was a common sight in our fore-parents’ sters begin to think about marriage partner’s homes. (2) I’ve never seen one, but my faseriously. ther has. (3) Its gradual disappearance was 6. There is a saying that when one takes caused by improper care. (4) These pipes great insults they must prepare to take more. must be oiled inside and outside to preserve 7. I’m afraid you’ve got a bad leg, Mr the wood. (5) Now these wooden tobacco Thompson, explained the doctor. pipes are found mainly in museums and 9. Oh my Lord, I assure you! Parts of it private collections. (6) My only sister goes is excellent! to the interior to salvage artifacts includB. Turn the following direct speech into ing tobacco pipes for our local museum. reported speech. Remember that when you (7) The Barrington Museum in Charlotte are changing direct into indirect or reported Street, with sixty-five wooden pipes, probspeech, the following changes have got to ably has the most extensive collection. (8) be made: Last May we saw similar displays of the a) Let ‘your’ and ‘our’ both become first peoples to enter the mainland of South ‘their’; ‘I’ and ‘you’ both become ‘we’.

America.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 14, 2019

Chicken Balls

INGREDIENTS

For the Cassava mixture 2 cassava 1/4 onion 1 stem scallion 1 stem celery 4 cloves garlic 1 tsp. roasted ground geera ( cumin ) For frying the Chicken 1 small pk minced chicken 1 stem scallion 1/4 onion The mixture for coating 4 tbsp flour 1 tsp green seasoning a pinch yellow food colouring salt to taste black pepper to taste water METHOD 1. Boil the cassava 2. while cassava is boiling blend and prepare seasonings 3. mash cassava and mix in seasonings, make balls and set aside 4. fry the minced chicken remove, let cool and fill balls with the filling by making a hollow with your thumb.

5. make the coating mixture by adding all the ingredients and water, it should be a bit runny 6 heat some oil for frying and keep stove on medium heat 7. fry balls to a golden brown color

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