Free and Easy
A village transformed by progress
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Esther and her grandson Prince at their home in Free and Easy.
(Shaniece Bamfield
Photo)
From nothing to something Certified mixologist highlights his journey
LIVING in a suburban village in North Rupununi, Flazo Francis felt limited and wanted to explore the possibilities.
As such, he decided to leave his home village and started high school in Region Four, sensing he was meant for greater things and had to work towards achieving them.
At age 10, he bid farewell to his family in Massara, North Rupununi and went to live with his grandmother in Enterprise Village, East Coast Demerara to attend high school. Francis always knew that achieving his goals would not be
easy, but he did not give up and honed his skills until he was among the best in his circle of peers.
After completing high school, he was fixated on pursuing studies in medicine, but due to financial constraints, he was forced to seek another alternative career.
Even though he didn’t derive from a family of wealth, Francis used the opportunities at hand to make himself somebody, since he was not the kind of person who would sit idly by.
As such, at age 17, he introduced himself to the food and beverage industry, where he secured a job with a Brazilian restaurant in Bartica and spent five years there.
He learned a lot from the job and can now speak fluent Portuguese.
Having equipped himself in the food and beverage industry, Francis returned to the city, where things changed for him; he worked at several bars but felt that wasn’t enough Francis wanted more, to challenge himself, and when he was introduced to cocktail-making, he was intrigued by the process and knew his creativity would be beneficial.
He related that along the way there were many obstacles, but he worked with good people who encouraged him, and he was able to overcome those obstacles. So when an opportunity presented itself when he was
Flazo Francis.
Flazo Francis doing what he is passionate about -- making cocktails at work
SEE PAGE XXVIII
An early start
Six-year-old starts up stationery business with help of parents
SIX-YEAR-OLD
Christopher Joseph Barran’s parentsChanney Wong and Christopher Barran – were all too excited to help him launch his business, Little Barran’s Enterprise (Little BE), at the recent Art of Collaboration event.
The pupil who attends Marian Academy launched the business two weeks ago with his parents’ help, providing children with stationery.
The idea of helping Christopher start his own business started when he’d go to stay with either of his parents after school at their workplaces. He was always intrigued by their work and showed a deep interest in it.
“We were his aftercare, and usually when he’s there, he’s always curious about what we’re doing, and he asks a lot of questions,” his mother Channey shared with Pepperpot Magazine.
“We thought, if he’s so curious, why not let him start his own business? We started teaching him at an early age not just the fundamentals of business but also responsibility and to learn
added.
to save at an early age,” she
Artist Roberta Nichols
invited Christopher to col -
Little Christopher Joseph Barran at the launch of his business
Explaining his business to customers
With his mom and dad, Channey and Christopher
Christopher in conversation with a customer
Some of the items available on Christopher’s shelf at The Sach Store
Local small business showcases Guyana’s history and culture via functional souvenirs
By Michel Outridge
SAUDIA Edghill envisioned being an entrepreneur of a small but thriving business when she started to have conversations on social media about our rich culture and history. Later, with the hope of keeping it alive, Edgill introduced her signature pieces of arts and craft.
As a Buxtonian, growing up hearing stories about our culture and history from her elders, some of whom are no longer around, she aspires to tell others about culture and history through her platforms on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
Coupled with her bubbly personality, zest for life, and desire to explore, Edghill doesn’t limit herself and continues to create more pieces depicting our landmarks, buildings, and other local things.
She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she began dabbling with souvenir pieces a few years ago after she returned from a first-time Girl Guiding Camp, where people from other countries swapped
souvenirs of their respective countries and gave a detailed history about it.
It piqued her interest after the participants were not shy about speaking openly about their history and culture, and she admired their energy in enlightening the group.
She began looking at significant pieces, all ideas in her head, and later materialised into a small business offering functional souvenirs and unique pieces that are ideal tokens for travellers and locals.
Edghill said pushing Guyana’s history and culture through unique, functional, culturally significant pieces and conversations via social media has been rewarding and people have responded positively to her work.
She produces desk and night lights and keychains depicting Stabroek Market, City Hall, St. George’s Cathedral, the 1763 Monument (Cuffy), the Lighthouse and the Map of Guyana.
She reported that so far, there has been a lot of positivity when people see that she is young and what she is about. They have given her
good advice and encouragement to continue to empower
herself as an entrepreneur.
Even though her small business is two years old and she operates from her home in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, Edghill said she would like to expand to have her products at all ports of entry in Guyana, such as the airports and also have a little store to display and sell the products.
Recently, she has benefitted from a multi-agency training programme and she feels really empowered because it targeted entrepreneurs directly and provided the know-how to get about doing a small business.
“As an entrepreneur, it is quite challenging when that business is your sole income earner, and with the cost for production and materials, pricing can be a bit tricky because you want to cover all the bases and still make a small margin of profit as well as, make the product pocket-friendly and not too pricy,” she said.
Edghill disclosed that her focus is to get into business with other companies to sell her products, which can be used as tokens at Christmas-
time or other events to gift employees.
Presently, she creates products based on orders and delivers or arranges for the items to be picked up from her home until a physical store is realised.
Edghill will be participating in the upcoming Building Expo 2024. She is looking forward to all exhibitions to showcase, and sell her products, network, and expand her market.
“I am really pleased by the support of my peers and the wide encouragement I have received since the [sic] established my small business. Despite challenges I have been able to keep my business open and I am positive I will be able to overcome hurdles,” she said.
Edghill stated that she would like her business to be more of a social entrepreneurship, hoping to raise awareness and appreciation for our history.
She added that in her five-year plan as an entrepreneur, she will be positioned to host or collaborate interactive programmes and events.
Saudia Edghill of Bux ‘N Swaps.
The keychains produced by Saudia Edghill.
Some of the lighted day/night lights.
Jamaica and other islands hit hard by Hurricane Beryl
THE recent destruction of many areas in sister CARICOM countries, Jamaica, Grenada, Carriacou and St. Vincent by Hurricane Beryl, should be a sad reminder to Guyanese just how fortunate they are in terms of whether related disasters. Guyana is blessed to be away from the hurricane path. Over the decades, Guyanese have received reports of the terrible sufferings of those who have endured Mother Nature’s wrath of powerful storms and hurricanes. Such things do not happen in Beautiful Guyana. Winds that are little stronger than usual, or thunder that is somewhat louder than usual, are about all mother nature does to us.
The most recent hurricane in the Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl was very powerful and classified as a category 4, a very powerful storm. Such storms usually destroy property, including buildings, vehicles, boats, and even livestock. Services such as electricity and telephone are sometimes terribly damaged and become non-operational for a while until they are repaired. At times, the authorities declare a state of emergency to ensure all repairs are done expeditiously and to bring the affected society back to normalcy as soon as possible.
Many, especially children, are sometimes traumatised by these negative forces of nature, and it is for parents and other adults, such as teachers, to help calm them and give them a sense of safety. This most recent hurricane has been given the name Beryl, and has taken the lives of eleven persons, with dozens suffering injuries. The final death toll figure and the number of persons injured are still being tabulated.
If one were to look for a redeeming side of this most recent hurricane in the Caribbean, it would be that the death toll was smaller than some of the past hurricanes in the Region. Nonetheless, that is poor consolation for the loved ones of those who perished. We offer them our condolences. The main economies of all affected countries are tourism based, and one can imagine the effects of Hurricane Beryl.
As I write this feature article, I am increasingly inclined to find out the source of the storm itself and its name. The name Beryl is Greek in origin. Beryl is also the name of a gemstone. Now, Beryl is down in history as a devasting Caribbean Hurricane in 2024. Looking back well over a century to 1900, we find that a powerful hurricane slammed the city of Galveston in the United States. Nothing of the sort had happened in British Guiana. Nearly 20 years later, the Atlantic Gulf had a powerful hurricane, but nothing like that had occurred in British Guiana. On Labour Day 1935, the Florida Keys - a string of beautiful islands ‘hanging’ from Miami in a southern direction - had the frightening experience of a terrible hurricane.
There was a hurricane in New England in the northeastern area of the USA in 1938. Many of us would recall hearing of hurricane Gilbert in 1988, Hugo in 1989, Andrew in 1992, Mitch in 1998, Floyd in 1999, Keith in 2000, and the double whammy Charley and Ivan in 2004. In all of those incidents, Guyana was not affected. Aren’t we living in a really blessed country?! Let’s thank Mother Nature.
Farrier on a beach in Jamaica some years ago, when the weather was fine.
A place of expression
DISHA Henry is glad she had an opportunity to see the importance of art in everyday life; how it touches people, uplifts, and can be used to address taboo topics that people may not readily want to discuss. As such, she has decided that she will organise events that can bring people together every year.
For four years now, she has been hosting the ‘Sip and Paint’ event, which has been getting a good response to date. The latest Hawaiian-themed event is billed for Sunday, July 28 at the Tiki Bar on Waterloo Street, where a trained artist will be on board to guide participants through.
The 24-year-old grew up in Tiger Bay, an area with some amount of stigma attached to it. However, Disha’s parents always ensured that she took up any educational opportunity that was available to her.
So when School of the Nations moved into the com-
Young creator to host fourth ‘Sip and Paint’ July 28
munity and began offering free classes to children in the neighbourhood, Disha was surely on board. A pupil of St. Margaret’s Primary at the time, she attended ‘Nations’
Baha’i classes, their computer classes, every opportunity that was offered!
“They gave me a scholarship because they saw that I had potential,” Disha
told Pepperpot Magazine. “I attended Nations for eight years and that gave me the opportunity to see life outside of Tiger Bay.”
From there, she received
that is appealing to the senses of others and I am very good at coming up with innovate ways to bring people together,”
Disha, now a creative and
things like these. I thought I would take this back home because I never had seen it
The latest Sip and Paint event will be on July 28
a scholarship to attend an art school in Canada for two years. “They’re still doing that for the children in Tiger Bay. The owners of Nations, The O’Toole family, are very good people,” Disha expressed.
Thanks to her training, natural abilities, and love for art, Disha developed a keen eye for art, such as physical art, drawing, painting, music, and the like. “I am able to put them together in a way
events curator said.
For the past four years, she has been hosting a ‘Sip and Paint’ event. The idea was birthed during COVID when she was somewhat stuck in Bermuda and had nothing to do. As soon as the curfew was relaxed a little, a friend of a friend hosted a sip-and-paint party. “It was like a house thing and it was a simple sit down and the happiness you get from bonding with persons over
done before.”
When she returned to Guyana, she got right to it, planning it with friends. “I said I would do 30 spots and I made a post on social media and within the first few hours, half of those spots were sold. The event ended up being 65 persons.”
Since then, Disha has also been doing private events like birthday parties,
Creative and Events Curator Disha Henry
Free and Easy A village transformed by progress
SUGARCANE fields, unpaved roads, and a closeknit community hidden from the bustling world – this was once the essence of Free and Easy, a village tucked away five miles from the nearest main road on the West Bank of Demerara, Guyana. For generations, it was a simple, easy-going farming community.
However, a dramatic shift in the village’s dynamics and way of life has
ty of Free and Easy will take visitors on a commute along the West Bank of Demerara past the region’s more popular villages, like Patentia, Belle West, and Wales. Free and Easy is a calm, quiet village five miles from the nearest main road. Closeknit is an understatement when talking about the village of Free and Easy. Most of the community’s people are connected or related in one way or another. As Esther explained,
nursery school not too far from here, Patentia Nursery School,” she stated.
“This community is a quiet one,” says Esther. The mother of three was born and raised in Free and Easy. Growing up, Esther remembers Free and Easy as a farming community. Found just a few miles from the Wales Sugar Estate, most of the community’s people depended on or worked with the estate in one way or another. For Esther, farming
occurred in recent years. While agriculture persists, traditional practices are now complemented by various jobs and new ventures. Lifelong villager, Esther Thomas, said the community now lives up to its name.
A drive to the communi-
people of the community rarely leave. “I was born and raised right here in Free and Easy. For a piece of time, I moved out and went to live in the next village over, called Vive-LaForce. I like this community, and now I work at a
was a family business.
As she recounted the days she and her many siblings spent exploring the back dams of Free and Easy, “I grew up in farming. I remember going to the back dam, me and my older siblings. The farmers
here were sugar farmers and they would sell their cane to the estate. My father was a farmer, and so were my older brothers. I came from a very large family; it was thirteen of us.”
Today, agriculture has seen a change in the community. As Esther explained, “When I was small growing up in here, it was mostly sugarcane farming. Most people used to do cane farming, but now we have more people doing different kinds of farming. Now we have more bananas, cassava and those kinds of crops.” As much as agriculture has changed in the community, that is not the biggest shift Free and Easy has seen.
The community has recently seen the addition of various industrial projects, the biggest of which is said to be in oil and gas. The new projects can be found just outside of the community, mere minutes away from the
village. This has sparked a ripple effect. People of the village have taken up newer, more industrious jobs, and entrepreneurship is also on the rise. As Esther explained, “Here is a lot happening now in the community. Some people open a small business, and somebody even open a wharf.”
Looking at her childhood compared to that of her grandchildren, Esther expresses that the way of life in Free and Easy has changed. From her days farming to the many new conveniences the current generation has, Esther says, now is not like long ago.
Infrastructure was a major complaint from the community residents the last time the Pepperpot magazine visited the village. Esther stated that, among the new changes in the village, the roads are the biggest improvement. As she stated, “At one point, the road
was mud, but recently they did the road and it is better now.” Talking about the change of pace in Free and Easy, she shared that, “Most of the children here go to school in the neighbouring community. We have more traffic and trucks on the road now and so the children have to be careful. Some walk, some ride and some use bus and cars to get to school.” Despite the changes, Free and Easy retains its close-knit community spirit. The village’s transformation from a quiet farming community to one embracing new industries and opportunities reflects the broader changes occurring across Guyana. As Esther and her neighbours navigate this transition, they carry with them the memories of sugarcane fields and muddy roads, even as they adapt to paved streets and new economic prospects.
Esther Thomas (Shaniece Bamfield Photos)
Esther and her grandson Prince at their home in Free and Easy.
Aim and ambition in Free and Easy Why one young man says he enjoys hard work
By Shaniya Harding
AMBITION is oftentimes one of the defining characteristics the older generation cites as the difference between their era and current times. However, young people like Timon Charles are seeking to change the narrative. A vibrant nineteen-year-old from the community of Free and Easy on the West Bank of Demerara spoke to Pepperpot Magazine about why he wants to be independent and how he plans to get there.
Timon, a jovial and welcoming young man, says his love for hard work began in his youth. Free and Easy, just a few years ago, was a rural community with few roads and even fewer people; his childhood in the village was anything but exciting.
However, true to the spirit of the Guyanese countryside, most of Timon’s childhood days were spent on his father’s farm. Hours spent tending to plantain, banana, and pineapple crops instilled the importance of work. Schooling was also a difficult task at the time. “From nursery to primary school up until grade four or five, I walked the mile and a half to school,” he explained.
Timon said that, at the time, and even looking back now, his challenges with
walking to school did not seem as difficult. He says that is perhaps owed to his time spent farming since he could walk. “I guess it was not hard because I grew up in farming, going on the farm since I was about three or four.”
He shared that community values also played a role in enriching his childhood, and they still do today. Growing up, most work done in the community was done in groups. Families would go to the farm, and friends would walk to school together. The support offered by friends and family made for happy memories. As Timon recounted, “Those days were nice. A lot of us would walk to school together, so we had fun. And then I would go to the farm with my brothers. Those were nice times.”
As the youngest of his four brothers, Timon was quick to pick up the pace to keep up with his older brothers. As much as it was interesting and challenging being the youngest, his family has done plenty to shape his ambitious endeavours. As he stated, “I am the youngest of four brothers. At the time when I was going to school and so on, it was me alone. Later on, when I got older, my brother would pick me up. But I had gotten used to walking and farming by
Agriculture still plays a vital role in Timon’s life today, and he says he enjoys farming. Farming is not a sector or profession in which many youths are invested. Timon, however, feels differently. “I like
farming. We have a farm that we travel to by boat. It is hard work, but I still enjoy it. My father, brothers, and I still do agriculture,” he stated. Although Free and Easy has recently seen a shift towards a more business-oriented trajectory, Timon is still a lover of agriculture.
Additionally, Timon and his brothers are involved in the industrial side of things happening in the community. “Sometimes, my brothers and I work on our truck. We do a lot of things, but we still farm. We have a farm next to the oil and gas project too.” Timon has managed to perfect a balancing act that many people in Free and Easy are currently working
towards. Agriculture continues to thrive alongside modern changes and development.
Timon hopes to continue working the way he does. Coming from an incredibly work-oriented family, he says working independently is his goal. Talking about his family, he shared that, “None of my other brothers went into agriculture. I was the only one that stuck with it. One of them is a civil engineer and the other is an electrical engineer. And another one is a welder.”
Ambition is something that seems to run deep in the family. Timon explained that the hustle and bustle involved in developing oneself has always played a major
role for his family. Moving forward, he hopes to develop a business of his own. His goal is to be independent. As he shared, “I feel like working by yourself is way better than working with other people. That is the main thing for me. I like working by myself.”
Timon is one of many young people with big dreams. He says that although many young people may not see the appeal in work, especially in agriculture, community and family values definitely played a role in his ambition. He says his community is undergoing change, and although the name says Free and Easy, hard work and ambition are a must.
then.”
Timon Charles washing his family’s truck (Shaniece Bamfield Photos)
Coming from ‘Behind God’s Back’
A lifelong resident chronicles his village’s dramatic transformation
By Shaniya Harding
MOST days, Ron Thomas takes the five-minute drive or the ten-minute walk to work. Born and raised in the community of Free and Easy, Ron has witnessed the evolution of the village he has always called home. At 30 years old, this driver by profession is among the many men and women who are part of the most recent significant shift in the community: the burgeoning oil and gas industry that’s reshaping Guyana’s economic landscape.
As a new father, Ron believes few places in Guyana are as comfortable, welcoming, and captivating as Free and Easy. With a hint of pride in his voice, he shared, “They used to say that Free and Easy was behind God’s back, but I don’t think they could say that anymore.”
Ron describes himself as ‘Free-and-Easy born-and-bred’, though he acknowledges that his family moved to the village when he was five. He characterises his childhood as quiet, painting a picture of an idyllic rural upbringing. “I was born and raised here. When I was five, we came to Free and Easy,” Ron recalls, his eyes distant with nostalgia. “It was a real countryside upbringing. We spent our days under the sun, climbing trees, and exploring the area. The community really added value to my childhood.”
Like many of the village’s residents, Ron’s schooling was close to home. He attended school in the neighbouring village of Patentia before advancing to pursue higher education. “After primary school in Patentia, I went on to TI,” Ron explains. Today, Free and Easy bears little resemblance to the quiet farming village of Ron’s youth. The community now buzzes with activity, resembling a mining town more than a rural settlement. Various vehicles traverse the roads throughout the day, starkly contrasting Ron’s school days when transportation was a luxury.
“Now we have trucks and all kinds of things on the roads. We didn’t have that when I was going to school. Without transportation, you had to walk. It was challenging, but after a time, you just got accustomed to it…But now, transportation is easier because you can actually see the road. Especially when it’s dry, though it can get really dusty. But apart from that, getting around is much easier now.”
The introduction of oil and gas exploration in Guyana has been at the forefront of many people’s minds, and Free and Easy is no exception. The discovery of significant offshore oil reserves by ExxonMobil in 2015 has triggered a wave
of change that’s rippling through communities like Free and Easy. According to Ron, while the people generally welcome the investment in their community, they are still grappling with the massive changes.
Discussing the impact of this development on Free and Easy, Ron acknowledges the project’s positive aspects as well as the newfound challenges. “The project is a very good thing overall. But the heavy-duty vehicles that pass through the community cause a lot of noise, and we’re not really used to that. It’s been quite an adjustment,” he shared.
Very few villages have seen the scale of change that Free and Easy is currently experiencing. The transformation from a quiet, easy-going farming village to a community at the forefront of a massive industrial project has been a significant shift for the residents.
“The trucks work through the night. And that, of course, causes a lot of noise. I work night shifts too, so I understand the necessity, but it’s still a big change for the village. It’s good for us overall, but it takes some getting used
to.” Ron stated, Despite these issues, Ron recognises the benefits the increased economic activity has brought to the community. Infrastructure improvements have been one of the most visible changes. “They’ve done work on the road,” he says. “It was worse than this before. They’ve improved it significantly. But yeah, it’s still the trucks that are the main issue. I think if they could implement some speed limiters or something similar, it would help a lot.”
As a new father, Ron welcomes the influx of new opportunities for himself and the community at large. As he stated, “I’ve been working with them for over a year now,” Ron shared. The convenience of his job is not lost on Ron. “It’s contributed positively because it’s so close by,” he explains. “I don’t have to travel far at all. It’s like a 10-minute drive or a short walk away. It’s a really good job, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Ron also notes the broader impact on the community beyond just employment opportunities. “Since the project started, and they improved the road, the value of land in the area has increased significantly,” he said. This increased interest in the once-overlooked village is striking, as Ron stated, “They used to call this place ‘behind God’s back,’ but I don’t know what they’re calling it now.”
Ron Thomas (Shaniece Bamfield Photos)
From muddy paths to bustling roads
By Shaniya Harding
NANDRANI Charles is a bustling and friendly 59-year-old woman. Having spent her entire life in the cozy community of Free and Easy, she says she has never seen change so drastic. After opening a small business selling food to the community, she is busier than ever. She hopes to see continued growth in both her community and her business.
Six decades is a long time, and Nandranie has spent nearly that long in Free and Easy. Nandranie, a free-spirited person, describes her childhood as a bit wild. She was a self-proclaimed fighter, stating, “When I was small, I was very playful. I used to fight a lot.” This made for an interesting childhood experience. As Nandranie shared, her days of playing in the village created great memories.
But responsibility was also something she grasped at an early age. The eldest of five, she quickly became familiar with family roles and dynamics, caring for her younger siblings. “Growing up, there were five of us. I was the eldest. My family used to do farming,” she explained.
The community looks drastically different from what it was in her youth. Free and Easy bore little
resemblance to the lively neighbourhood it is today. Historically a farming community, Free and Easy depended solely on agriculture for many years and was among the notable, larger farming communities on the West Bank. Moreover, the village was a major producer of sugarcane for the Wales sugar estate.
Nandranie shared sentiments echoed by many people of Free and Easy: challenges with schooling. The neighbouring Vive-La-Force is the location for the closest school to the community, a little under a mile away. In years past, travelling to school or anywhere outside of the community proved difficult. As Nandranie explained, “We used to walk to school. We would have our shoes in plastic bags. We walked out to Patentia High School.”
After leaving school, Nandranie got married to her high school sweetheart at the age of 19. Talking about her family, she stated, “My husband is from the community too. We grew up together and got married.” An amazing match, the young couple faced many challenges in Free and Easy. “Bushy and Muddy” is how Nandranie described the village in its earliest stages.
Comparing her past to current times, Nandranie emphasised the significant
development Free and Easy has seen in infrastructure, accessibility, and convenience. “Now things are better. We have good roads, more vehicles in the village, and it is easier for the children of the community,” she stated. With the introduction of new projects, the population and business ventures have seen a recent rise. Progress is visible, says Nandranie. Over the years, she says, the community has seen countless changes and
stages. Using the roads as an example of the village’s development, she stated, “As the community sees progress, we have changed. We went from mud to loam. From loam to this road we have now. From pond water to pipe water.”
Nandranie’s snackette has quickly become one of the most famous hot spots in the community. Although it was recently opened, Nandranie’s little business has taken off with great force. Beginning just three months ago, her food has quickly become among the most notable in the community. “I opened the business a few months ago and people like my food; a lot of people come here,” she shared.
The current industrial projects happening in the community have had far-reaching impacts. Going beyond the people em-
ployed, businesses such as Nandranie’s have benefited. “Now that we have the Exxon project happening, there are more people coming into the community and more people coming to the village,” she explained. The very economy of the community seems to have been changed, according to Nandranie, and has played a big role in developing businesses just like hers.
But this is not the only reason for the success of her business. As Nandranie told the Pepperpot Magazine, the quality of her cooking keeps people coming back. “Once you cook good food, people will keep coming back. Most people come here for my cook-up. Lunch times get very busy,” she stated proudly.
At 59, Nandranie still runs her business on her own, accepting very little help in cooking her ac -
claimed Guyanese dishes. “Business is going okay. Some days it is up, other days it is down,” Nandranie shared. In the short time her business has been up and running, Nandranie says that she was surprised to see how much support it has garnered.
While the influx of workers and increased activity due to the Exxon project have certainly contributed to her success, Nandranie’s personal touch and quality food keep customers returning. Her cook-up rice has become particularly famous, drawing people from within and beyond Free and Easy.
As Free and Easy continues to evolve, Nandranie hopes to see her business grow alongside the community. Both have faced challenges, adapted to changes and are now poised for a future filled with potential.
Nandranie Charles (Shaniece Bamfield Photos)
THE CONVERSATIONS, DROPPINGS, AND HYPNOTICS OF THE SMARTPHONEFAMILY COMPLY SLIGHTLY WITH THE MESMERISMS OF THE CLASSICCINEMATIC AGE
This should be part of our current awareness, as long as we are conscious of how the cinemas have hidden and redesigned the world. This was done to appease the social and cultural paying patrons, whether they were conditioned racists or not, whose anger and rejection of a high-end movie, could have subdued, even the wealthiest studio to its knees. So we were shaped by movies like “Pick up on South Street”, a 1953 gangster movie with the late Richard Widmark.
From 1953, popular films like the mentioned and numerous others became midweek shows long after their debut run. The important thing is that there were local conversations that could quote the scripts from movie characters, then internalise and
colonise the anxiousness of the captured film mood into local innuendos, like; “Here’s some dough, go buy yourself a closet full of clothes.” Such films may have influenced the rise of the 65cc Honda motorcycles, as associated with the streets, and G-T Hustlers in the late 60s-70s and the fact of how that happened.
“They call me Mr. Tibbs” will always resonate with the generation that saw Sydney Poitier walk onto the screen, which is even more impressive than “In The Heat Of The Night” from the 1970s, making room for the Afro-American presence.
Fast forward to now, on social media,don’t look for an overflow of cinematic-like, intelligent, memorable language with depth.That has competed with the topics attempted to bring into discussion with the intent to influence. On social media, you will engage single convincing opinions that ‘should’ lead
you to explore and verify whether what is said is genuine or not. Topics on Facebook, etc., command you to explore, while the cinemas offered you concepts and dialogue to go with it. These were already defined but were, in many cases, incomplete.
What we have not established now is the necessity to explore because everything we are challenged to understand today, through what is said in a few words on social media, has an additional narrative attached to it. Every magical body shaper, every potency tablet, whether it is politics or entertainment, do not be mesmerised into swift conclusions; explore. In its high favour, social media has the absence of rebuttals that reflect immediate opposing views.
The advantage of social media is its volume of worlds to explore while digesting an influence from seconds past. I refer to that condition as men -
tal indigestion without a proven antidote. I grew up in a time when there were terms drilled into the awareness like- “Read between the lines” and “And so, compare to what is said as against what is done?” The absence of that advice todaycan easilyleave you open as prey to many influences, including legions of cyber-crooks. Do not think for one moment that the items on your smartphone are bad unless you’re into something you shouldn’t be into- yep, ‘Big brother is watching you’.Source and read the book that the quote came from. Youneed to know what we’re talking about. Neither the S-Phone nor movies are going anywhere. But don’t make this technology your only source of defining knowledge. You need to read books. They’re full of recommendations for further clarification. This era we’re in is rooted in need to know, so get the ball mentally rolling.
Joanna
SHE stood in the shadows on the pavement, waiting for her friend’s cue to step into the light. She was a girl of the night, a brown beauty with a provocative flair, attributes that attracted clients with rich wallets.
The unprecedented nature of fate sometimes causes detours in a person’s life.
She had been living a simple life six months ago, working in a popular restaurant and having a nice so-
came with a price, and in her mind, she grew a strong desire for something new.
Sometime later, she had found something dangerous and unconventional.
She stepped out in the light at her friend’s signal, dressed in a short, body-hugging dress and walking in high heels. She swayed her hips just a little for that natural gait. He had pulled up in a Lexus, impressed with this lady of the night and smiled expectantly as she stepped
different; at school, he had to tolerate the jests and taunts of other children.
His mother, a tolerant woman who was strong in her Christian faith, could not answer all his questions.
“Why?” he had asked, “Was I born this way?”
“It’s God’s will, son.” She had answered.
“God’s will,” he has scoffed, “God’s will to be teased and taunted?”
“You have to be strong, Jonathan.” Close to tears, his
cial life with a few special friends. She was, though, a poor girl with life being a continuous struggle, living in a small house in a depressed area. Her mother, a woman of God, never complained and continued to work hard, holding on to faith and hopes for a better tomorrow.
“When would that happen?” Joanna had wondered, because her small salary was not creating much change for a better life.
The patience she had exercised being an obedient and good young person had started to wear thin. As she grew older, she knew success in life sometimes
into the luxury ride. On her sojourn tonight she would begin something the church deemed immoral.
Joanna glanced at the man beside her and said silently, “Forgive me, mother, but I have to do this.”
She had taken a bold step in life to be what she was not.
Jonathan was the name given to the baby boy whom the mother had brought forth in this world, but he could not be the boy she thought he would be.
He grew up with girlish tendencies and mannerisms, and try as he could to be a normal boy, he failed. Society recognised him as
mother had implored him, “I brought you into this world as my son and I will always love you as such.”
“I tried, Mother,” Joanna said to herself as the car stopped at a hotel just out of town, “I really tried.”
As Jonathan grew older, he had become a little braver to defend himself for who he was, and despite those challenges, he still found some good friends. But he was careful not to walk with anyone on the wrong path until one night at a house party, he met someone new named Jade.
Jade had been walking a different path from a young age. Jade was a transgender,
fair and very good-looking, with a daring, defiant personality and lavish lifestyle who also tried to entice Jonathan into another type of work.
“Call me when you think you’re ready to step out in a new outlook to make some real money,” Jonathon had put Jade’s calling card away, not so brave to take up the offer.
“That will most likely kill my mother,” he thought to himself.
He continued his job at
the restaurant, though he had to face the quiet overtures from male customers on a daily basis.
“There is so much a person could take,” he seethed, Jade’s offer was at the back of his mind.
But he had warned himself over and over, “Stay focused, Jonathan, don’t be tempted.”
But it was not the temptation for something better for himself that pushed him to a life on the streets as a lady of
the night named ‘Joanna’. It was the urgent needs of his family and his desperation to wrest them from the unkind hands of poverty. His mother’s body had become worn and tired from long hours of work as a cleaner over the years as she grappled to provide for her family. The good medication and nourishment she needed, she could not afford, silently battling her illness.
SEE PAGE XXV
The latest Sip and Paint event will also be Hawaiian-themed
A place of...
FROM PAGE VI
bridal and baby showers. This year, she wants to complete six themed events and is trying to collaborate with local businesses.
She wants to offer unique events and experiences to the public.
“People complain that there is not a lot to do in Guyana; nothing outside of the party scene; go to the movies and the mall,
which is very mundane and then there’s a show here and there. So I told myself I will make events that are new.”
Commenting on her upcoming Sip and Paint event, she said: “These events provide an alternative to people looking for something to do outside of the party scene. This is very tranquil, quiet; I usually host it on Sundays so this is something nice to unwind on the weekends, outside of the partying and the drinking and the loud music; nothing is wrong with that but some people are looking for alternatives.”
Disha already has her ideas about the new and exciting events she wants to introduce. One more thing she shared is a drive-through cinema experience. With a venue already in mind and other details sorted, she is hoping this will become a reality by Christmas.
A past Sip and Paint event by Disha
VENEZUELA’S AGGRESSION AND THREATS AGAINST GUYANA NECESSITATE CONSTANT VIGILANCE
THE Venezuelan media and politicians have been keeping their aggressive claim to over two-thirds of Guyana’s territory alive. From time to time, they deploy soldiers and armaments on the border with the threat of invasion. Less than two years ago, their maps showed the Essequibo region separate from Guyana as “a zone of reclamation”; now it is shown as a state of Venezuela and the Maduro government has actually appointed a Governor for the ‘state’!
This kind of demented gaucherie would have been considered comical in the 21st century, but Guyana has to take it very seriously since Venezuela lives in a world of the 18th and 19th centuries when states could acquire territory by aggression, once their armies were stronger than their neighbours.’ Examples of this are Prussia’s seizure of Silesia from Poland or Germany’s seizure of Schleswig/ Holstein from Denmark, and the partitioning of Africa. The main reason for this anachronistic state of mind is Venezuela’s devotion to the Bolivarian cult when Simon Bolivar, a quintessential 18th-century man, went over South America after the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815 carving countries out of the decaying Spanish Empire and the other reason is that Guyana, a militarily weak, though oil-rich country, offers a quick seizure by the Venezuelan armed forces which is hundreds of times stronger than Guyana’s. Guyana, on the other hand, lives in the modern world, and this causes it to treat the Venezuelan threat as being resolvable by legal means. However, Guyana has to be constantly aware of Venezuela’s anachronistic cast of mind. Unfortunately, such a cast of minds takes a long time to change, and Venezuela can only be restrained from any adventurism by diplomacy.
The international community is committed to preserving the peace of the world, especially in South America. Accordingly, the OAS, the Commonwealth, the United States, the United Kingdom, CARICOM and many European Community countries are supportive of Guyana. They are also supportive of Guyana because it is clear that Venezuela is the aggressor and Guyana is the victim. They will restrain Venezuela until the International Court of Justice (ICJ) adjudicates on the controversy.
We will briefly remind readers of the background of this controversy: in 1841, the British Government engaged the well-known German cartographer Robert Schombergk to demarcate British Guiana’s boundaries, which he successfully completed. Venezuela then raised an objection, claiming that Schombergk had taken part of their territory. The British did not accept Venezuela’s claim, and Venezuela then approached the United States for support, citing the Monroe Doctrine. President Grover Cleveland, an anti-British personality, had even threatened war if Britain did not come to the table with Venezuela. Venezuela, however, demanded a Treaty of Arbitration, resulting in the Treaty of Washington in 1897 between Venezuela and Britain. Jose Andrade signed the treaty on behalf of Venezuela and it was ratified by the Venezuelan Congress.
The arbitrators consisted of five persons:two appointed by Venezuela, two appointed by Britain with a neutral Chairman. Venezuela appointed the Chief Justice
A call for more youth-centred social groups
IN 2014, I was a part of my church’s youth group, and it was there that I realised my true potential in community development and support. Our small church group would seek funding from community members to execute small projects for the community such as suicide walks or hamper distributions. I am grateful for that opportunity because the compassion I felt from those projects resulted in me studying Social Work at a later age at the University of Guyana. Apart from the projects executed, I also had many mentors and friends who were quite influential in my life.
To this very day, many of those mentors still assist me in my professional and personal journey. As such, I am writing this week’s column with a plea for community leaders to continue the development of Youth Groups throughout Guyana. Many of my colleagues and I gained our support
and even a strengthened identity from youth groups. A successful youth group not only boasts of its projects and initiatives. Youth groups allow young people to develop important personal and interpersonal skills. Skills necessary for the overall success of life such as decision-making or critical thinking can easily be learned in youth groups.
I think the most important aspect of these groups should be the mentorship, the lessons learned and the character development that each member undergoes. Youth groups should have a target group, yes, but should also strive to be inclusive. Too often, I’ve seen youth group members becoming very comfortable with the existing membership, so they do not extend invites for others to join. Youth Groups can target various members and interests, such as sports, religion, music, social development or even academics.
Whatever the target or activities are, they should be led by a team of trained and dedicated individuals who are willing to make a difference in the lives of youth. I dislike the idea of forming a group just to form a group for the sake of it. That should not be the case. I urge all leaders who want to take up this mantle to understand what it means to be a mentor and not experiment with our youth’s lives. If you’re inexperienced, find people who can assist or help you in the cause.
I do hope community leaders take heed of this because many of the young people in our communities are turning to substance abuse, crime and delinquency. This is quite unfortunate, and I believe these are the consequences of the shortage of youth and community groups across Guyana. In fact, while some groups exist, they aren’t all functioning, educational and motivational groups. That is a point I’d like to emphasise on moving forward.
In some communities, the youth group is the only safe space where young people might feel comfortable and expressive—safe enough to be themselves among adults they trust. If you deprive them of that, you neglect their ability to grow safely and comfortably. It also allows young people
to build positive friendships and relationships that will improve their social and mental wellbeing.
If you’re a community leader and you’re looking for a sign to start or restart that youth group initiative in your
community, school, church or village—then use this as the sign to do so. The youth in your community depend upon your leadership, and I trust you will do what’s right in their interest.
Joanna...
FROM PAGE XIII
His young sister wanted to study business management, but the lack of funds halted her progress. There was never enough food on the table for his two younger brothers, nor money for a new bicycle.
Jonathan lay in bed thinking of what kind of job he could get, where he could not be taunted or judged in disapproving tones so he could earn more money when he heard the soft crying of his little brothers. He knew they were hungry, and he tried to comfort them.
His mother’s coughing had subsided for the moment, and as he looked at her, he made a firm decision.
Finding the card, he made that call to Jade.
A few days later, he awoke late one morning and saw his mother sitting at the kitchen table, a tense look on her face.
“Good morning, mother.” He greeted her, but she did not respond and after a long moment, she asked him.
“Where were you so late last night?”
“I went to the theatre with Ricardo,” he lied. She looked at him, a disappointed look on her face.
“I’m a poor woman but I’ve always taught my children good principles, and lying I do not like. Ricardo’s mother said he’s in the interior.”
A guilty pang hit Jonathan, and after a moment, not wanting to lie to her again, he said, “I was out with someone else.”
“Who and why so late?”
“A new friend I’m working with so I can buy your medication, put enough food on the table and pay Sarah’s school fees.”
“Whatever work you’re doing,” she said quietly, a slight worry in her eyes, “I hope it’s nothing illegal.”
“Yes, Mother, I know what I am doing, please don’t worry.”
She served him breakfast, and when she had left the kitchen, he said to himself, as he sipped a well-brewed cup of mint tea, “Against all odds, I tried to be strong for you, Sarah and the boys because I love my family but sometimes mother…” he choked a little with emotion, “The strong stumbles.”
He did not go out again and continued working at the restaurant until Jade called.
“The first client you had has requested to see you again, and he is offering to pay more.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, maybe there’s something special about you.”
To be continued…
An early...
FROM PAGE III
Writing up a receipt by himself laborate with her as one of the youngest entrepreneurs at her event, where he launched the business.
He was able to have a little table with his items laid out without anyone’s help. “He set up his table, put up his little signage, got dressed with his bag and when his customers came to him, he was able to introduce himself and tell them about his business,” Channey recalled.
Christopher was able to write up his receipts, make his customer’s change; he used a calculator if it was a large amount. “He was one hundred percent involved with the business,” his mom said.
Whenever he would need to order items for the business, this is where his parents would step in. They would go online, show him the items and he would point out what he thinks his customers would like.
Following the launch, he was able to get a shelf space at The Sach Store, located opposite Woodlands Hospital on Carmichael Street in Georgetown, where his items are available for purchase.
As a dedicated kids’ stationary shop, Little BE specialises in providing a “magical” selection of stationary items that inspire young minds and bring joy to learning, creativity and crafting.
“At Little BE, we understand that children need more than just functional tools; they need products that spark their imagination and make everyday activities fun and exciting.
From colourful notebooks and quirky pencils to innovative art supplies and fun accessories, our shop is a haven for kids who love to express themselves through writing, drawing and crafting,” Channey said.
As a participant of the recently held ‘Road to Growth’ programme by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and ExxonMobil Foundation, Channey, owner of Mommy and Me Gy, benefited from tools shared to develop her entrepreneurial skills.
As a mom and business owner with a 9 to 5 job, she explained that it was challenging to juggle it all. However, she was able to create a work-life balance.
Her word of encouragement to fellow small business owners: “Do understand that the journey ahead would be challenging, but it is also rewarding beyond measure. Each setback is a lesson and a stepping stone that brings you closer to your goal.”
From nothing to ...
selected for a training course that Ansa McAl Distribution Inc sponsored, he made use of it.
Francis was trained to become a certified mixologist specialising in mojitos with the Bacardi and Latin brands recognised in South America.
However, he used his new-
Some of the cocktails made by Flazo Francis, the certified mixologist FROM
From nothing to ...
FROM PAGE XXVIII
found training to work locally and became recognised for his skills. He has a passion for cocktails, and after some time he twice entered the Guyana Rum Festival Cocktail Mix Off before he finally qualified among the top five.
During this time, he recalled he was working at the Altitude Bar. When COVID-19 hit, he went back home to Massara, North Rupununi, to spend time with his family.
In 2023, Francis won the coveted title of a certified mixologist, and he was elated. He later began working at Froggy’s
Restaurant and Bar and he met Lenny Scotty, now owner of Scotty’s Smoke House at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, who motivated him.
He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was later employed as the head bartender at Scotty’s Smoke House and was promoted to Bar Manager.
“So far, the experience has been good. It’s a team effort and having been promoted in a three-week period that really empowered me to do more and it is a good feeling to be rewarded for hard work,” he said.
Francis stated that despite challenges, he came from humble beginnings, and today, he has utilised the opportunities that came his way and made something of himself. He feels truly proud and blessed to be able to do so.
“I’m truly grateful for everyone who made a great impact and input in my life, who continues to show love and support to my success and achievements,” he said. He would like to give back to the community to help upcoming bartenders and mixologists; even small-business entrepreneurs by providing his expertise in giving them a chance to learn, grow, and invest to add value to Guyana’s food and beverage industry.
VENEZUELA’S AGGRESSION AND THREATS AGAINST ...
FROM PAGE XVI
of the United States and an equally prominent American judge and Britain appointed two equally prominent British judges with De Maatens, a very respected and prominent Russian judge as Chairman. The arbitrators scoured the archives of Spain, Holland, and Britain, conducted thorough deliberations, and made their award in 1899. All parties accepted the award and the Venezuelans were particularly jubilant, even printing postage stamps in honour of the award.
The Venezuelans were particularly pleased that the British lost their claim to the mouth of the Orinoco River. The Venezuelans insisted that the boundary be demarcated with immediacy, and in 1900, a Joint Boundary Commission of British and Venezuelan surveyors went to work and made their final Report in 1905. Venezuela further affirmed the boundary when, in 1921, Mount Roraima was identified as the meeting point of the boundaries of Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela.
In the 1960s, Britain was determined to withdraw from and give its Caribbean colonies, including British Guiana, their independence. The successor independent Guyana Government was expected to be under the leadership of Dr Cheddi Jagan, a Marxist. The USA felt that Dr Jagan would link up with Cuba, a Communist state and a close ally of the USSR with whom the USA was in the throes of the Cold War. The USA accordingly opposed the granting of Guiana’s independence, and Venezuela, then an American client state, in 1962 opposed Guiana’s independence. The justification proffered by Venezuela for its opposition was a posthumous letter written by Mallet-Prevost, one of the junior lawyers at the Arbitration, claiming that the decision was rigged in favour of Britain.
The veracity of Mallet-Prevost’s letter could not be proved, and Venezuelan intellectual circles did not give much credence to it for 12 years after its publication. Britain and Venezuela, however, arrived at the Geneva Agreement of 1966, in which it was agreed that the controversy would be settled within four years. With the Geneva Agreement, Britain was free to grant Guyana its independence, which it did in May,1966.
Guyana and Venezuela decided to use the Good Offices Process under United Nations auspices, and if this failed, the UN Secretary General was tasked with choosing a mode of settlement which both parties would use. After nearly 30 years, the controversy remained unsettled and both parties decided to withdraw from the Good Offices Process. The controversy then reverted to the UN Secretary General and he chose the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to make the final decision on it. Guyana immediately accepted the ICJ as the final arbitrator, but Venezuela challenged this, and the ICJ affirmed its capacity. After Guyana and Venezuela made their final submissions, the Court will decide within a year.
Venezuela continues to make bellicose threats against Guyana and these compel Guyana to always be on the alert.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Plus
The
ça change, plus c’est la méme chose.
more things change,
the more they
are
the
KARRJEAN-BAPTISTEsame.ALPHONSE
(1808-1890) Les Guépes, Jan. 1849. vi
STUDY SUCCESS
Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. Sometimes to help you understand the text, you are asked to use the information contained in it to make decisions. Reading skills needed are: i) the ability to use text information or ideas; and ii) the ability to scan. Check if the text simply brings information or ideas, or if
JULY 21, 2024
it says what to do and influences your behaviour. For instance, it can influence you to follow origami instructions, or try a recipe. Be wise. Love you.
IMPROVING WRITING
Review of short-story writing
A good short story touches the minds and emotions of its readers who need to feel and see its characters and setting, and to participate in the action. We know you agree and will urge yourself to do so.
1. What is the short story about? Well, short stories are a form of narrative writing that contains all the elements of novels -- plot, character development, point of view, story structure, theme -- but only have a short leeway for delivery. Writing short stories excites any writer who wants to show off his creative skills.
Understand that every short story needs a goal, an inciting incident, and a climax. And, if a story has three scenes, then each scene should include tension, because the protagonist (central character) has a desire, and the antagonist (adversary) is a force to be reckoned with.
Anyway, you are trained to use approximately 400 to 450 words in Standard English, but are given allowance to use dialect in character conversation as you respond to the stimulus provided. Be mindful to use language appropriate to the audience, purpose and content. Be mindful of your description.
2. Some useful explanations: ● Character: the story depends in part on the main character or characters and the kinds of people they are.
● Setting: the story depends in part on where and when it takes place.
● Plot: the story follows a goal or ‘mental blueprint,’ or overall plan.
3. The stages of the plot: ● opening situation: whatever starts the action.
● Complications: the situations or difficulties the characters get into.
● Climax: the most exciting event, the ‘big moment,’ or turning point.
● Outcome: how things turn out.
[NOTE: character, setting and plot will be further considered next week.]
Something to Do
1. Go to your last short story to strengthen its description. Re-read it. Consider your bits of description individually and collectively. Do they enable each other to formulate the characters or scenes? Have they been well placed, well worded, slipped in at the right time?
Maybe you need to cross out some descriptions, rephrase some, and only retain those pieces that serve the purpose well. Be persistent at this and you will become better at writing. Try rewriting it.
2. Write a short story based on the instruction below.
Write a story which includes these sentences.
1. “We could feel the angry eyes piercing our backs and then the door slammed. We made our way toward the waiting four-wheeler. We were now on our own.”
2. The father looked. He wiped his eyes twice. He looked again at the screen and was sure he was not seeing right. “No!” Mr. Weinright screamed. “It is not true!”
3. As she stepped through the front door, something felt different. The usual smell of dinner was absent, and she knew something had changed.
THE PASSAGE
Read the following extract from H.G. DeLisser’s “Jane’s Career.” Carefully consider it and then answer the questions below.
“...But some lady is very kind,” said one of the girls to her. “Them treat y’u well. I never work with them myself, but I know some who is very kind.”
“True, my love,” agreed another, “but I wouldn’t like de work: it doan suit me. I prefer to be my own mistress.”
This was the general sentiment, and had Jane been a judge of character she would have perceived that these young women were either of a more independent disposition, or of a somewhat better class than those who remained domestic servants nearly all their lives.
They were rebels; they had no humility in them; in their own way they aspired; they wanted to be free. Most of them (city born) had never been domestics. Some others had early emancipated themselves from that form of service. Overall, they knew very little about it, but that little was sufficient for them. As for Jane, her experience had been a hard one, and so she would cordially agree with the views of her new acquaintances.
At one o’clock they struggled back to work, and from that hour until five they pasted labels and hummed hymns, only stopping now and then to have their bottles inspected and checked. Jane shared the sentiments of her colleagues, that the checker was cheating or wished to be unreasonable and once during the day she even ventured upon a feeble protest. She was quite wrong, but this effort at self-assertion pleased her. She had already begun to feel herself ‘her own woman’.
Working with the Passage
1. Is each of the character’s language suited to the story setting? Explain how you view the characters’ language against the story setting.
2. What hint is there that Jane’s quest for freedom had already started? What obstacles do you think are in her way forward?
3. How does the writer make these characters come alive in your mind? Say, in general terms, how DeLisser does it, and then point each out as clearly as you can see it. When you are certain of yourself, discuss your effort with a study partner.
4. Write a short story about the fate of a young woman in the present Caribbean job market. Try DeLisser’s techniques, and do not overdo the colloquial.
[Remember that dialogue helps make story writing more interesting. It builds up character, setting, and conflict. Try not to regard its use in story writing as an insurmountable challenge. Make dialogue enhance character and story line. A short and suitable chat or two would be enough to embed reader interest in your short story.]
Teeth-Whitening
MOST people want to have whiter teeth. That can happen, especially if the teeth are stained. If you were born with teeth darker than you would prefer, then the solution is laminates, which I will deal with in a later article. There are several reasons why teeth are stained. Foods, beverages, and medications may discolour teeth. Smoking or forgetting to brush and floss on a regular basis may also lead to staining. In other cases, discolouration may be the result of genetics or disease. Microcracks caused by chewing ice or other hard objects can trap stains and are difficult – or more often impossible – to clean. Cut back on coffee to reduce stains. Even with frequent cleanings, stains due to drinking large amounts of coffee may rapidly return.
If your teeth are stained or discoloured, chances are you have gone to some lengths to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Perhaps you have experimented with the variety of toothpastes on the market today, purchased some of the home bleaching kits sold in drugstores and supermarkets, or to draw attention away from your teeth or accentuated your hairstyle or clothing. But unfortunately, many of these efforts ultimately fall short. Today, however, there is no need to suffer from social embarrassment or psychological trauma because of stained or discoloured teeth. Suitable cosmetic dental treatment can provide both predictable and positive long-term results.
What stains teeth? Stained teeth can be caused by drinking cola, coffee, and tea, as well as consuming other stain-producing foods such as betel nuts, blueberries, curry, greens coloured drinks, or red wine. Smoking is bad in every way. The nicotine deposits on the enamel are a very common source of discoloured teeth. These stains are called surface stains.
Stop staining your teeth by Limiting the amount of coffee and tea in your daily diet
Avoid smoking
Make regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings
Brush and floss regularly and properly. Some toothpastes have compounds that can help remove minor stains for a whitening effect.
Plaque can build up on teeth and can cause stains, referred to as soft deposits. This is usually the result of inadequate oral hygiene (brushing and flossing). Surface stains occur primarily between teeth and on surfaces of crooked teeth. They are typically dark brown and are caused by strong discolouring agents such as coffee, tea, and tobacco. It can usually be managed with daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits for professional cleanings. It may be trapped in micro cracks and require a more aggressive treatment than professional cleaning alone. However, bleaching can cause micro-crack teeth to become even whiter or a different colour than the rest of the teeth. Mouthwashes which contain chlorhexidine can contribute to staining.
Soft deposits are caused by plaque – a sticky film that builds up on teeth over time – or tartar (calculus) – a cement-like substance that forms when plaque is not removed. They are often bacterial in origin and may be the by-product of ineffective oral hygiene. It can appear as dark or whitish areas around the gum line, most often on the lower front teeth and typically disappear after thorough dental scaling and polishing. It is useful to use a plaque-disclosing agent to know if you are brushing and flossing effectively.
Intrinsic stains are part of the tooth structure itself. This may result from genetics, disease, or the use of medications such as tetracycline. Intrinsic stains include white spots on the enamel surface and bands of brownish-grey across the teeth. It may be caused by faulty tooth hardening before birth or the interruption of normal enamel formation by medications or disease. It often appears in
people who were treated with the antibiotic tetracycline before the age of eight years or whose mothers took the drug while pregnant. It can also result from using the antibiotic
minocycline or may be caused by advanced decay or old or defective silver fillings (brown or grey stains). Treatment for intrinsic stains includes laminates, veneers and bonding.
