The drive to do better
Looking at pioneer and businesswoman Ayodele Dalgety-Dean
Ayodele DalgetyDean, wife, mother and inspiration
Sunday, August 04, 2024
There is healing in creativity via art and craft
THINGS from the home and environment that would have otherwise gone into the trash are being recycled into art pieces in the form of up-cycled art by the talented Alvina Naughton. These include glass bottles, designs for clothing, and bookmarks.
Naughton has a safe space for girls and women to express themselves via arts and craft, and she provides services in canvas art, bottle art, Guyanese art: the 592 collection, wearable
art and customised art.
As a small-business owner who doesn’t have a large income, she said that she manages the “Village Nook” located on the East Coast of Demerara, an arts and wellness centre to assist persons in healing from trauma through creativity.
The mother of two told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is originally from Victoria, East Coast Demerara, but relocated to Cove and John village. After she attained a degree in visual arts from the University of Guyana (UG), she wanted to assist people who have been suffering from gender-based violence
and other forms of trauma.
Naughton works with girls and women mostly in an open forum as they come, and it provides a safe space for them to display/sell their hand-made pieces in art and craft and promote local products.
She related that she would also assist the girls and women to become creative through arts and craft, and make things from scratch to showcase their talent and enhance their abilities.
The pieces produced by Alvina Naughton (Yohan Savory photos)
Alvina Naughton and her products, all hand-made
A different side of Emancipation
A spiritual journey through African roots
By Shaniya Harding
Emancipation is many things: a true display of tradition, culture, creativity, and another aspect the Pepperpot Magazine explored this week, spirituality. Pelham Granville is among hundreds of Afro-Guyanese who consider Emancipation more than a holiday. For Pelham Granville, Emancipation means connection to his roots in a unique way.
Coming from the community of Stanleytown on the West Bank of Demerara, Pelham has dedicated himself to learning about the intricacies of many different cultures, but African spirituality was of unique interest to him. Today, he is a religious leader in his community, and every year, Emancipation presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Pelham to share, experience, and educate others on the history of his ancestors.
This year is no different; Pelham and the rest of his community hope to bring tradition alive with their emancipation celebration. Keeping true to his roots, Pelham’s observation of Emancipation is as close to historically correct as possible, with a grand display coupled with various religious activities.
Describing them, Pelham stated, “On the 3rd of August, we’ll be having our spiritual work. Some people call it spiritual work or invocation where we invoke our ancestors. We’ll start with a libation ceremony at 6 o’clock, using palm, grain, and dark water. The next day, we ask Mother Oya, the orisha in charge of the cemetery, to
release our ancestors so they can be entertained. After the libation ceremony, we entertain them with gandha light up, dance, and prayer, asking for their guidance and healing. Our ancestors are our guiding angels.”
Everyone has an appreciation for their past. But Pelham takes a step further, seeking to break stereotypes and educate others on the lesser-known topic of African gods. As he states, “The ancestral work and the orisha work are different. We entertain Papashango with a bonfire near the water, invoking Mother Ocean, the goddess of wealth, for our needs. We acknowledge Olódùmarè, the supreme goddess, and sing spiritual songs, as the Bible instructs, because ‘a body without the spirit can’t function.’ Our culture and spirituality are deeply intertwined, and we must continue our spiritual practices to honour our ancestors and maintain balance.”
Contrary to popular belief, Pelham firmly believes that African spirituality and comparative religion can not only coexist but complement each other. As he stated, “Before planting or building, we pour libation to thank Mother Earth. The pandemic is a reminder to return to our spiritual roots and celebrate in a spiritual way. Comparative religion study shows that without deep spirituality, our culture is incomplete. We must use our spiritual gifts for good, love our neighbours, and remember our powerful heritage. Black is double power, not just for mourning. We must embrace
our spiritual culture, honour our ancestors, and seek deeper understanding.”
Pelham believes that African spirituality has been lost throughout the years. He explained that, like all belief systems, African religions began as a way for its people to gain freedom. However, this intention has been lost over the centuries and is now misunderstood by many.
As he explains, “Our ancestors used to do spiritual work to be free. The Bible says, ‘Faith without works is dead,’ and our ancestors did the spiritual work to gain freedom. Today, many lack knowledge and find themselves in trouble because they don’t continue ancestral practices. Herbs like cannabis were used for medicine and invocation, not just for smoking. In African culture, herbs have spiritual significance.”
However, there are some parts of culture that still remain, drumming being among the most important. As Pelham explained, “Drumming is an essential part of our culture, used to send messages. Drummers must prepare the drum spiritually so it can send the right message. Our ancestors used drums to communicate between villages, and the drums played a crucial role in our culture. Preparing the drum involves spiritual rituals to ensure it can convey the correct messages.”
Emancipation has become synonymous with various things, with dances, music, and food being among the most popular. But Pelham believes that the holiday should be more than that, as
he shared, “Our culture is not just about performances; it’s deeply spiritual. Our ancestors used to celebrate with drumming, cooking, and gathering together. The pandemic has reminded us to return to these roots and honour our culture in a spiritual way. Comparative religion shows that spirituality is essential for cultural completeness. Christianity often misses the depth of
our culture, leading to a lack of knowledge and spiritual imbalance.”
One of the most important and often overlooked practices, in Pelham’s opinion, is libation, the foundation of African spirituality. As he explains, “In African culture, libation is an important ritual. Before any significant activity, like farming or building, we pour libation to thank Mother Earth. This
practice acknowledges the presence and support of our ancestors. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of returning to our spiritual roots and honouring our culture in a meaningful way.”
But above all else, Pelham says that Emancipation is about togetherness; it is an opportunity for every Guyanese, regardless of race, to learn about one of the nation’s many peoples.
Pelham Granville (Samuel Maughn photos)
Young scholar attains worldwide recognition, becoming certified in Advanced Audit and Assurance
- First Guyanese to achieve this status in the accountancy field
By Michel Outridge
AT age 20 while some are still trying to find their way, Chirag Chadwani is the youngest qualified chartered accountant in Guyana and is recognised globally.
As an over-achiever academically, his parents and family were not surprised because they knew he had the potential and needed to focus.
When he developed an interest in accounting studies, his parents fully supported him by utilising extra lessons at a private school, which they paid for and provided guidance.
As he continued to excel in school, Chadwani had his eyes set on gaining recognition in the accounting field by acquiring certificates needed to boost his curriculum vitae.
In Advanced Audit and Assurance certification, Chirag is ranked number four in the world, number one in the Caribbean, and the only person locally to attain this achievement.
He is recognised globally in the ACCA community and is recognised in 178 countries worldwide.
However, Chirag was also accredited Strategic Business Leader (SBL), Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) and Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) by the Association of Chartered Accountants.
Chandwani is also ACCA accredited Ethics and Professional Skills module, an advanced diploma in Accountancy and Business.
According to Devidas Chandwani, father of the Guyanese scholar, his son remains humble even though he has made significant academic strides in accounting among his peers.
The Indian National, who immigrated to Guyana, is a local businessman who told the Pepperpot Magazine that his youngest of two sons is a very enterprising young man who has done amazingly well in his career in the field of accountancy.
He reported that at age 12, Chandwani wrote the Caribbean Council Examination (CXC), one subject, Principle of Accounts, and passed with distinction.
The businessman, who came to Guyana more than 35 years ago, stated that his son was in Form Two when he wrote exams in Mathematics and English Language at age 13 and excelled.
He added that Chandwani wrote the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in Form Three and passed, but he didn’t do as well as he did previously.
Chandwani was a pupil of Mae’s Under 12 School before he wrote ACCA in Form Four, along with his regular school work and passed.
On August 3, 2022, Chandwani and his father visited the Office of the President and had a successful meeting with President Irfaan Ali.
Chandwani placed number 11 globally and is the top performer in the Caribbean in the Audit and Assurance Examination, written during the ACCA December 2021 examinations.
There, President Ali praised Chandwani for his accomplishments and encouraged him to ensure he had a balanced life.
His father told the Pepperpot Magazine that his son, from childhood, he endeavoured to be successful, and he attended Sir Morgan’s private lessons where he was encouraged to do even more academically, and he did just that and some more.
Chandwani has placed among the top 20 persons in the world at the “Audit and Assurance” examination from the December 2021 sitting of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exams.
He placed 11th and landed a Grade I in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certification’s (CSEC) Principles of Accounts examination when he was only 12.
The former student of Mae’s Schools was the top performer for the Caribbean in that particular examination paper, the ACCA confirmed on its Facebook page.
“Of the 119,688 entered for the December sitting, which saw 145,692 exams completed. A total of 4,288 students completed their final exams to become ACCA affiliates. In the face of the continued pandemic, ACCA also offered remotely invigilated exams to 9,809 students across numerous jurisdictions,” the professional body (ACCA) said on its website.
Today, he is a recognised accountant with a private company in Guyana, utilising his knowledge to expand his horizons in relation to on-the-job experience in the workplace.
Guyana’s youngest accountant, Chirag Chandwani poses with President Irfaan Ali and his father, Devidas during a visit at Office of the President
Local philanthropist advocating for equity, justice, and sustainable development
WITH an already established track record of good leadership, commitment to social equity, and dedication to community service and volunteerism, Neil Bacchus, lately elected as the first convenor of the newly established Caribbean Coalition against Trafficking in Persons, continues to make an impact on the lives of many.
Currently Chief Executive Officer of the Indige-
nous Peoples’ Commission in Guyana, Neil’s career is marked by progressive leadership roles utilising his expertise and commitment to social justice. In fact, his journey is highlighted by contributions to various organisations and sectors, with a primary focus on advancing the rights and welfare of Indigenous peoples.
He said that, as the first and only person to date in Guyana and the Caribbean
with a Fellowship in Interreligious Dialogue and Culture, it is an honour to be appointed the first Convener of the ‘Caribbean Coalition.’
The Caribbean Coalition on Trafficking in Persons is a private/public partnership of country agencies, nonprofit organisations, law enforcement, civic groups, academics/ researchers, community leaders and survivors.
The aim is to unify, coordinate, encourage, promote
and carry on activities that eliminate the buying, selling and exploitation of people in the Caribbean while empowering and integrating survivors meaningfully into society.
Born on October 9, 1976, Neil is a volunteer with more than 25 NGOs and is currently offering free CSEC Maths lessons online.
Having completed his early education at Queens College, he pursued numerous certifications and degrees from prestigious institutions worldwide. He holds a degree in Public Management from the University of Guyana and has completed advanced studies in project management, business administration, human rights, and intercultural dialogue. His academic credentials include certifications from the Institute of Integrated Studies, the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, and HarvardX.
Neil is a certified Project Management Professional with multiple Master’s Degrees, including an Interna-
tional Master of Business Management and a Master in Project Management. His expertise extends to specialised areas such as human trafficking prevention, cognitive behavioural therapy, and Islamic economics. He began his tenure at the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission in September 2011 as an Administrative Assistant. In this role, he managed office operations, advised the public, and handled financial transactions. His leadership potential quickly became evident, leading to his appointment as CEO in June 2014.
As CEO, Neil oversees the Commission’s Secretariat, ensuring the effective implementation of strategic goals and managing the Commission’s budget. His role involves liaising with
Neil Bacchus
With his wife and daughter
Community service and volunteerism are some of Neil’s key focus areas
Out in the fields
Neil has served as an educator and trainer across various institutions
Moruca Expo 2024 did not disappoint! – Saw record attendance from residents across Guyana
RESIDENTS from several of the beautiful villages in the Moruca sub-region, Region One (Barima/Waini), were joined by thousands of Guyanese from across the country to experience the 18th annual Moruca Expo which is more like a cultural extravaganza that showcased the vibrant heritage of the ‘Morucans.’
The event was held July 26-27 and was a roaring success with record-breaking attendance since the first one was hosted.
Day One featured a road race, aquatics events, and a beach volleyball competition. Attendees were treated to performances by Guyanese artists Granny Ivy, Vicadi Singh, and Tony Cuttz, who had the crowd laughing, dancing, and singing along.
resenting villages such as Santa Rosa, Assakata, Kwebana, Santa Cruz, Warapoka and Skyland.
Assakata’s Dacia Thomas was crowned the winner with an innovative platform focused on suicide prevention. As the first runner up, Miss Santa Rosa Rhianna Gildari’s platform focused on domestic violence, while the third runner-up, Miss Kwebana Destiny Jose’s platform, focused on drunk driving.
Live performances by Brazilian artist Pepe Moreno were another event highlight, which lasted into the wee hours of Sunday morning. Despite the unfamiliarity of Brazilian music in the sub-region, attendees danced and enjoyed themselves throughout the night,
This was the first time these entertainers had performed in Moruca, therefore adding to the event’s excitement.
Day Two included a cycle race, novelty events, and entertainment for children with a bouncy castle and trampoline. The crab-catching and firewood-bursting competitions were two of the unique activities on display.
One of the expo’s highlights was the Miss Moruca Pageant, with delegates rep-
Canoeing at the Expo
A glimpse of the crowd at the live show
Assakata Dacia Thomas was crowned winner of the Miss Moruca Pageant
Housing Minister Collin Croal (first from left) with the pageant winners and others
Bagotville
COMMUNITIES grow, cultures evolve, and traditions are carried on. The village of Bagotville on the West Bank of Demerara is a vibrant place with a deep history and an interesting way of life. A close-knit community by nature, most of the village’s people are related, crafting a unique sense of togetherness.
Among the hundreds of men and women who call the community home is Troy Isaac who holds interesting insights into the community’s past, current way of life, and the potential future of the village he has known for
over a decade.
Although it is among the oldest villages in the country, not many have heard about Bagotville. A small village on the West Bank of Demerara, it was among the first communities started by ex-slaves. The village has slowly but steadily developed over the years, going from a bushy plot of land tucked away to a hub of buzzing entrepreneurship.
Troy has known the community for more than a decade. First venturing into Bagotville because of his family, he has fallen in love with the village.
Talking to the Pepperpot
A Village rich in history and hope
Magazine about the changes in the community, Troy expressed that the community has changed to resemble a calm residential area. As he shared, “When I came to Bagotville, it was a little more busy to me, but to me, like, economic activity slowed down a little. Like, for instance, it had more business places in front… and we don’t really have much businesses now.”
One area that Troy would like to see development is in youth programmes. Bagotville has many young people, many of whom have no real after-school activities to occupy their time. This is something Troy would like to see changed. As he stated, “The village
develop youths and have more technical skills. Most of the time, you find youths just lying in the house, don’t have much things to do.”
Bagotville has always been a community to rally around its young people. Troy believes that investment in the youth would go a long way in developing the village and region on a larger scale. As he puts it, creating meaningful people in society, he stated that, “They won’t be able to get much input at a young age, when they grow up, they won’t be meaningful adults, like they are, and contribute meaningfully to the community as well.”
Most days could find Troy selling coconut water
because the price is low, and people lose their wealth.”
Apart from being a lucrative venture, Troy is a champion for the health benefits of coconut water.
As he explained, “It is what you call live water. Yeah, it’s very good for the immune system. It’s very good for clean-out in terms of any ailments, internal ailments. It will clean it out and things like that.”
After more than 15 years in the business and in the community, Troy has become a part of the community’s sense of togetherness.
As he stated, “People live, basically, good with one another because you find most of the people, since I’m in
have, like, pageants. That was a big thing. Things like that, you don’t have them now. I don’t know if it’s because the centre has been broken down. They need those pageants to come back and more culture should be instilled into the community.”
needs some more support in terms of development for youth. In the village, we need to
at his Bagotville home. Like so many businesses now up and running, Troy began his venture during the pandemic. Since then, he has become a staple among the people of Bagotville.
Talking about his business, he stated, “I’ve been doing coconut business for about two years now. After they had this big COVID thing, and a lot of people needed coconut water. That’s how I came into it. And I find it profitable. But now it is a little less profitable
the village, they’re related. Right? So, you wouldn’t find much problem with people in that area. They’re very peaceful.”
Cultural activities have always been a yearly highlight of life in the community of Bagotville. Throughout the village’s hundred-year history, emancipation celebrations have always been a major part of life in the community. In recent years, however, the community has been seeing less of these vibrant celebrations. As Troy explained, “They used to
Troy emphasises the importance of cultural celebrations and youth development; his words echo the sentiments of many in Bagotville. The village stands at a crossroads, balancing its rich history with the need for economic and social progress. The return of cultural pageants and emancipation celebrations could be the spark needed to reignite the community’s spirit and provide a sense of direction for its youth.
As Troy stated, “It is very important because people need to know their own, their next of kin. And things like that. Their culture, where they’re from. So that they can know where they’re going in the future. So, it is very important, I stress again, that these activities should be returned to this community.”
Troy brings his famed coconuts all the way from Essequibo (Samuel Maughn photos)
Troy Isaacs
‘Where Emancipation celebrations began’
Bagotville residents share background on the ‘birthplace of Emancipation celebrations’ in Guyana
By Shaniya Harding
BRIGHT colours, the sounds of drums and the voices of ancestral songs, and the story of one of Guyana’s many people.
Every year, Afro-Guyanese come together to observe Emancipation, as we witnessed this past week. Many would say that August 1 is more than a holiday; it is the celebration of a people. As well-known and widespread the event’s festivities are, there is certainly more than meets the eye when it comes to
Emancipation.
This week, the Pepperpot Magazine took a trip to the village where residents consider the birthplace of Emancipation celebrations, Bagotville. Home to several hundred people, Bagotville is a village on the West of Demerara said to have been built by freed slaves. This year, the community hopes to reignite the passion for tradition that they say was started there by their ancestors so many years ago. With races, competitions, music and good food, the birthplace of Emancipation
hopes to come alive once again with traditions, love and the utmost unity.
The birthplace of Emancipation celebrations
A subtle vibrance is one of the best ways to describe the community of Bagotville. The village, located several miles south of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, has something incredibly interesting to boast about.
Residents say that the community is known by many as the birthplace of the emancipation celebrations we
know and love today. A bold but exciting claim, Ashton Crawford told the Pepperpot Magazine the story of the community he has known and loved since his birth, as he stated, “I was born in Bagotville in the year 1950, October 2. I will be 74 years old this year, October.”
For most of those years, Crawford has dedicated himself to learning and preserving the history of the community he calls home. Sharing some of his years of knowledge with the Pepperpot Magazine, Crawford retold the origin of the community. “This village was started in 1848 or sometime around there. It got the name from a man named Bagot, who gave over the lands to some freed slaves. He gave over the lands, and they called the place Bagotville in honour of him.” Said Crawford. The past and history of the village are common knowledge of the people of the village, with the story still being told to children of Bagotville.
From Ghana Day to Emancipation: Birth of a celebration
However, a deeply captivating and lesser-known story is how the famed Emancipation holiday we know now was developed. Among a few other sources, Crawford shared that Emancipation began as a celebration called Ghana Day, a much smaller event in Bagotville. However, over time, the people of
Bagotville sought to create a day to celebrate their roots beyond food, dancing and a few songs. With the involvement of numerous people, ‘Emancipation’ blossomed into a month-long affair seeking to keep countless traditions alive. “They built a community centre. That community centre was built because you had a man from Africa came here. He was named King Ezi. King Ezi came here. You didn’t have no centre or anything. They built a shed with coconut branch and these kinds of things, and built it. And from that day, you call it Ghana Day,” Crawford shared.
In its earliest days, Ghana Day was not well known and was considered a community occasion rather than a national holiday. As Crawford explained, it all began with the Bagotville Song Circle, a small African cultural group. “We didn’t have Emancipation Day in Guyana. But we started with the Bagotville Song Circle. Every year, we used to keep something at the centre. We used to get the Emancipation Celebration every year. And we continued and more people started to come out. But it wasn’t so widely known, but then it grew and spread all over the country. The Emancipation celebrations started here in Bagotville.”
Our Roots and the Future: Harambee Emancipation, like all of our cultural holidays, is
more than a day set aside to remember. It is the act of returning to one’s roots and remembering a time long gone. And in the ever-changing world of today, that is something unique. Bagotville knows all about change. The village has developed from a community bought and built by slaves, into a lively community driven by entrepreneurship. But above all else, the people of the village strive to preserve the past, as Crawford states, appealing to others to cherish their culture. “We don’t really appreciate what we have. We allow our culture and traditions to go. After a while, we might remember what we used to do and bring it back; but then it goes again.”
This year, Bagotville residents hope to reignite the new generation’s enthusiasm with various activities slated for the month of August, with everything from libation to competition. As Bagotville celebrates more than a hundred years of Emancipation, Crawford is urging Guyanese everywhere to remember one of the main principles of the occasion. That is Harambee, a Swahili word which means pull together. As Crawford stated, “I would say Harambee Guyanese people. I won’t say Bagotvilians, but I would say Guyanese people, Harambee, pull together.”
Ashton Crawford (Samuel Maughn photos)
A popular tamarind tree in Bagotville is said to be where slaves gathered
Culture and youth in Bagotville
A Bagotville Woman shares her views on community, culture, and change
By Shaniya Harding.
GUYANA is unique on account of various things about our nation. Our language, history, and bright future all set us apart from the rest of the world. But what truly shapes us is our people. In a land of six races, cultural events are no longer a day for one race and one race only. In Guyana, it has evolved into a celebration of our differences.
August 1st marks emancipation, but the entire month will be filled with various celebrations and events happening all around the country. This week, the Pepperpot Magazine looked at the village of Bagotville, a community built on togetherness and putting the youth first. Community leader, Hazel Williams, shares why the appreciation of each other is still alive and well in the village of Bagotville.
After being a youth officer for over a decade, Hazel Williams has crafted a unique way of dealing with children. Moreover, she has made a name for herself in the community. Known as Miss Hazel, she has been supporting community youths for years and aims to continue. As she stated,
“I’ve worked with children for many years, all over the country and in Bagotville. I love to see children learn and grow.”
What also makes Miss Hazel stand out is her adamancy on inclusivity. Throughout the years, Miss Hazel has worked with countless children from different homes and backgrounds. And throughout it all, she has also made it her mission to form relationships with their families. As she explained, “We would organise camps for children, and I would go to the homes of everybody and invite them out, children, mothers, and fathers. I would like to see them or somebody come along with these children because they must be able to know what their children are doing.”
Although she retired from her formal post years ago, Hazel is still set on developing the young people of her community. As she explained, she has started a new camp for young children of Bagotville and surrounding communities. “I have a camp going on from the 12th to the 16th of August. It is for children from Bagotville and whoever else would like to come. I am doing registration right now,” she explained. The camp is among many ongoing initiatives and efforts in the community.
Miss Hazel has always
been a champion for togetherness. She has also always been someone who values tradition and the preservation of the past. As she explained, she would like to see more young people involved in traditional practices, among them, drumming. “We started teaching drumming, but not many young people were up to it. But we have to have some sort of coaching and get them to do work and get into it.”
She further added, “In Bagotville, we need facilities to get young people more involved in this culture. We need to understand our culture more.”
Bagotville is a large and still growing community. As more people call the village home, more young people are seeking opportunities. People like Miss Hazel and a few others are taking the mantle to educate the village’s youth. This shows that a village is indeed needed to raise a child. Of course, the villagers would like to see more done, especially in the area of culture, wanting to instill an appreciation for tradition in future generations.
Culture is complex, having been made up of bits and pieces from everyone. Miss Hazel believes that one of the reasons why young people have no interest in their roots is because they do not know them, but rather sim-
ply observe what they were taught. As she stated, “It’s not that young people do not appreciate their culture; they do not know it. They only celebrate what they came and met.”
However, she urged people to have a more conscious and hands-on approach to celebrating cultural activities, digging deeper and becoming more connected. As she stated, “We are not conscious about our culture because it was not shown to us before. We are moving in it. Our culture mostly goes into the other side in terms of the type of music, the type of clothing, and all the things that other Caribbean people would be able to do. But when it comes to our culture, we really, really need to be conscious.”
Miss Hazel’s vision extends beyond Bagotville. She hopes that their community can serve as a model for other villages across Guyana. Bagotville and Miss Hazel’s tireless efforts serve as a reminder that cultural preservation and unity go hand in hand. As Guyana continues to grow and evolve, communities like Bagotville are leading the way in ensuring that the rich tapestry of Guyanese culture is not only preserved but celebrated for generations to come.
Hazel Williams (Samuel Maughn photos)
The Bagotville Nursery School
COMING HOME TO PARASIDE ISLAND
MADHU stood on the Parika Wharf, looking across the mighty Essequibo River, the third largest in South America. A glint of excitement shone in her eyes, the sound of the rolling waves, like music that brought a smile to her lips.
Home was on one of the three hundred and sixty-five islands that made up the Essequibo. A place she would not exchange for anywhere else in the world, though she had migrated to America twenty-two years ago, and it lived in her heart every day, for only one place could be home.
The island of Wakenaam!
The speed boat operator called to say they were ready to leave, and she stepped cautiously down the ramp. She was not that young girl anymore who made regular trips across the river on speed boats, sometimes braving the rain and rough waters.
She was now a mature woman in her early forties and mother of two young adult children.
“Time has really moved on,” she mused, “Can’t believe my last trip was so long ago.”
Her heart had ached so deeply that tears had flowed nonstop down her face, but because it had been raining slightly, no one knew how much she cried that night as the boat left her island home.
Now, she sat back and inhaled deeply as the boat sped across the river, riding the waves deftly, the impact as it lifted and hit the water, sending a thrill through her body.
“Gosh, I really miss this!” she said to her cousin who had travelled with her.
“So do I!” she responded.
Madhu had never returned since she left because of her husband’s regular travels to other countries due to his job, then the children were born, and her part-time job as a librarian did not give her much free time. But now, with her responsibilities eased, it was time to visit home.
The boat reached and, stepping out onto the wharf, she literally ran up to the top and stretched out her arms with a cry of joy.
“I am home again, my sweet paradise!”
A sign a little way ahead read boldly, ‘Welcome to Wakenaam’.
She stood by the sign, which was a proud moment for her, and called to her cousin, “This is where we start, and I want pictures of everything!”
“Sure, this will be fun.”
the drive, along the way, she recaptured in her mind the farming life of the rice, coconut and plantain farms. The modern houses were beautiful, a change to the landscape, but the old houses interested her, for those would tell stories of her life growing up.
The rich vegetation and natural beauty of the island had always enthralled her. In her mind, as a little girl, it was like a place in the fairytale stories. She had never thought about life anywhere else beyond that until a handsome young foreigner saw her at a wedding.
He had asked for her hand in marriage, but young as she was, she hadn’t been sure, not wanting to leave her little paradise.
But over her canvas, he had drawn a beautiful life in bright colours in different parts of the world to interest her and make her accept his proposal.
A beautiful, happy life it had indeed been, but her heart was never won by all the incredibly beautiful, spectacular and splendid places she saw.
Here in the Cinderella County, on a small island in the farmlands, was her love.
At the family home, a warm reception awaited her with hugs and kisses from extended family members, even the young ones she didn’t know.
The scrumptious food, authentic country style, laughter, and engaging conversations were heartwarming for her, bringing tears to her eyes.
That night, she fell into a blissful sleep in her old room, with the cool wind blowing in from the farmlands. She awoke early the next morning and stood on the veranda, watching the glorious sunrise as its golden rays spread across the rice lands and streamed through the branches of the coconut palms.
A serene scene, blushes of nature’s finest moments.
As the days went by, she visited some older families, old friends, her old school, and church, and she reconnected with the people. One day, she stopped under a big, old tree at the side of the road where she and her friends would stop to rest sometimes on their way home from school. Once, on a rainy day, their clothes were half wet, and they had carved their names on the tree trunk with a caption, ‘Wakenaam Girls’.
Madhu passed her hand slowly along the tree trunk and
was surprised to see the carved names still there.
“Gosh!” she exclaimed quietly, “This brings back such beautiful memories.”
Her two friends, Kamla and Priya, had left for the city, became successful businesswomen, and got married.
“I wonder if they remember this tree?” Madhu questioned, smiling, “I’ve got to get together with my old friends.”
Time, she knew, could not be rewound, but she could recapture some things of the past in the present time. She walked barefoot in the coconut farms, drank the cool, sweet coconut water and sat on a tractor behind the driver as it ploughed through the rice fields. Her relatives looked at her, bemused but concerned, “You should not be doing these things at your age.”
Madhu laughed, “Age is just a number. There’s a spirited young girl living inside of me.”
She was having a wonderful time, and as she looked back at her young days, just the same when she got older, she would look back at her time now.
The tide and time of life.
The days were going by so fast. Madhu was happy she had come for a three-month vacation. It was long overdue, so she enjoyed every day on the island to the fullest.
In the second month of her vacation, she invited her old friends for a get-together, and that day, the joy and laughter, no sophistication nor talk of wealth or travels, just plain simple country girls reliving their beautiful memories, was something precious.
On the last week of her vacation, she travelled all over the island, saying emotional ‘goodbyes’ to the people and the place, “Until I visit again.”
She did not cry this time when the boat left the island, though she felt sad, for there was an overwhelming joy in her heart of recapturing her life on that island, her name carved on the old tree, her footprints not erased from the farmlands, the fairytale place she loved so much.
She made a promise to herself to visit often now and that she would tell her children that when her time is up, they must bring her back home to her paradise, “The Island of Wakenaam.”
On
The drive to do better
Looking at Pioneer and businesswoman Ayodele Dalgety-Dean
By Shaniya Harding
OUR personalities are our gifts to the world. Whether it is your sense of humor, bright smile or love for others, we all have a role. Family Therapist, Finance Analyst and Community Volunteer, Ayodele Dalgety-Dean, left Guyana for the United Kingdom in 1990. There, she was educated and completed post-graduate work in Systemic Practice with Children and Families. She worked as a finance analyst for eight years before having a career change into family therapy and project management.
As a family therapist, Ayodele managed programmes for families in the UK, recruited, trained, and supervised staff, and developed care plans, services, and activities for service users (children and families) living under difficult circumstances. This week, the Pepperpot Magainze spoke to Ayodele about her passions, family and ambitious endeavours as our Pepperpot Personality.
A Family Woman First
For Ayodele, businesswoman and vibrant pioneer, family still comes first. As she told the Pepperpot Magazine, “I’m at that stage in my life where I’m very comfortable and happy with me,” she shares with a warmth that radiates through her words. “I am me, and then I’m a wife. I’m a mother of three fantastic children.”
Her journey as a mother has been both challenging and
rewarding, particularly as she navigates the world of autism with her youngest child. “I’m a proud autism mom,” Ayodele shared. This experience has shaped her personal life and informed her professional endeavours.
The dynamics of raising a family, especially with teenage daughters, have provided Ayodele with a unique perspective. “I’m raising teenage girls right now. And you know, when we are teenagers… it’s quite something different. If I thought raising children would get easier, no, it gets harder the older they get,” she laughs.
Despite the challenges, Ayodele approaches motherhood with joy and enthusiasm. “I’ve got two teenage girls, they are 14 and 16, and then I have a boy who’s eight and he has autism. So, overall, I think I’m getting the full mommy experience.”
This contentment in her personal life, Ayodele believes, is the
Ayodele Dalgety Dean, wife, mother and inspiration
foundation of her success in other areas. “I think because I am really content and happy with myself, the decisions I make, and the things I do unapologetically, it helps to make me.”
Blossom: A Passion for Protection
While family is her foundation, Ayodele’s professional life is equally important and impactful. At the heart of her work is Blossom Inc., a non-profit organisation that she founded to support victims of sexual violence. “Blossom is my passion when it comes to work,” Ayodele explains.
Blossom Inc’s mission is clear and while the work they do is crucial, as founder, Ayodele shared, “Blossom supports children and families affected by sexual violence and exploitation. We provide services to those children and their non-offending families, but also further extend to supporting adults of gender-based violence, mainly, again, sexual violence.”
What sets Blossom apart is its comprehensive approach to support and inclusivity.
Ayodele explains that “For the
THE CHALLENGES OF THE RELUCTANT EMANCIPATION-ABOLITION OF CHATTEL SLAVERY
I COINED Emancipation as the ‘Genisis of Modern Guyana’ during one of ACDA’s Emancipation festivals. I probably stand to be corrected, but I have explored aspects of its history and maintain that it was a struggle that no former enslaved person could have anticipated, which followed this Act, that they could not have foreseen the depth of malice within the community of the Plantocracy.
Malice emerged from the very manifestation of the legal ramifications of the abolition of slavery. The planters in the colony and those in the old country saw their man-made economic heaven of slave labour diminishing, and some 300 years of enslaved wealth was grinding to a close.
Following the Abolition Act, the plantocracy decided that an extended period of free labour must be imposed on the Afro-plantation community, which would be masqueraded under the nonsensical title of “Apprenticeship.” Immediately, this was recognised, and Damon, a once-enslaved man on the Essequibo Coast, protested this Act by leading a protest with some 700 former slaves. He barricaded himself inside the Trinity Church yard at La Belle Alliance, raising a symbolic flag of freedom to oppose the mockery of “Apprenticeship.” For this, the presiding Governor Carmichael Smyth had Damon arrested and tried for disobeying his dictate, and he was hung on October 13, 1834, on the premises of the
Public Buildings.
Abolition did not entirely emerge as an edict, exclusively of conscience. It was an economic response to changes in the development of industry and what would be expected of the British colonies. The fact, however, was that the main skills on the plantations were the very African enslaved, who managed the production also of sugar. The planters were in charge of management systems. The conclusion of this fouryear “extension” of slavery in 1848 was followed by more efforts to frustrate the freed slaves from purchasing lands, while a massive plot to extract extra taxes from the Afro community was hatched on imported commodities that they used, while imports used by the
planters were exempted from taxes. The African-bought villages were suffering under the allotment of taxes that went into the interests of the planters, withheld drainage to the villages, resulting in floods, loss of crops, and sewage fluids flowing into trenches. This resulted in the loss of life, added to that of income and victuals. This latter consequence should be enquired upon to add a numerical value to posterity no less upon this loss of income and lives. The dark crusade by the plantocracy that plotted with the Portuguese indentured immigrants to circumvent their service and retail businesses in Georgetown was later to be imposed on the villages. Portugal was not a colony of England, neither did the English see them as equals, so as far as records allow, Gov-
ernor Light commented, “Of those who arrived in 1835, 236 died. The Madeirans in particular proved vulnerable,” and Governor Light admitted that “they died so fast that common humanity would not let us do it. Their importation was discontinued for a while.”
However, it was the Portuguese citizen-immigrants who were used in the Plantocracy’s plot to undermine the manumitted African small businesses in the hope that they, the African colonial subjects, would return to the plantation labour force.
“In 1847-48, the withdrawal of labour had stemmed from an even greater sense of outrage and injustice. The Afro-labourers could not escape the knowledge that immigration was financed by the taxes, that
they were forced to pay, sensing that the immigrants were brought to lessen their incomes. The Planters, in a petition of January 17, 1848, noted that several fires had taken place of megas logies, whereby these costly and indispensable buildings have, with their large stock of fuel for manufacturing the products of estates, been entirely destroyed.”
It would take the struggle into the new century, with the 1905 riots and the birth of the ‘Union Movement’ to enact a semblance of social balance, but not of equitable opportunities. It would take two World Wars to diminish, but not exterminate the ghosts of the old plantocracy.
Reference to explore-see; THEMES IN African-Guyanese History -Free Press
Moruca Expo 2024 did ...
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creating a memorable experience for all.
Through his interpreter, Pepe Moreno expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and stated that he had never performed until sunrise in Guyana before. He praised the beauty of Moruca and its people, expressing his desire to return for future shows in the community. Attendees did not hold back from expressing themselves
and were happy that they were not disappointed by the event. Some fellow Morucans even brought friends and family for the first time to Santa Rosa Village, where the events went down.
Overall, the Moruca Expo 2024 is said to have been a huge success, bringing together people from all corners of Guyana, such as Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Charity, Pomeroon, Supenaam, Parika, Bartica, Georgetown, and even from the Rupununi.
With record-breaking attendance and a lineup of exciting activities, the event has reportedly left a lasting impression on all who attended and set the stage for future expos to come.
Pepe Moreno’s live performance at the Kumaka Recreational Ground, Santa Rosa Village
Beach volleyball in progress
Photos:
ALL ARE HOPING TO WITNESS THE FLOWERING OF THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ETHOS AND THE BIRTH OF NUMEROUS SMALL BUSINESSES IN GUYANA
UNTIL the 18th century, wealth in all societies was centred on land ownership and the incomes derived from agriculture. The manufacture of cloth and other hardware used by society was done by tradesmen. Then, about the middle of the 18th century, came the Industrial Revolution, whereby science and machines were applied to agriculture and the production of goods of everyday use. With the
Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions, production became quicker with uniform quality and cheaper. The persons who organised these new production techniques and were able to mobilise and supply the
requisite capital for these ventures came to be known as entrepreneurs, and the techniques they employed became known as entrepreneurial techniques. The advent of the Industrial and Agricultural Revolutions was solely confined to the efforts of private enterprise, and the state played no part, but in the 20th and 21st centuries, the state adopted entrepreneurial techniques in various aspects of governance.
If one peruses the daily newspapers, one will encounter reports of various Ministries of Government making efforts to stimulate and encourage the adoption of entrepreneurial techniques. The raison d’etre of doing this is promoting self-employment, increasing incomes, raising living standards, and strengthening the non-oil economy, so that Guyana would avoid falling into the syndrome of the Dutch Disease. The Dutch Disease occurs when a new oil-producing country focuses almost wholly on the lucrative oil industry, neglecting the other industries on which its economy formerly rested. These industries fall into decline and become unprofitable, and when oil reserves contract or prices fluctuate or fall and revenue from oil diminishes, poverty and distress overtake that country, since its former economic mainstays have been lost. Venezuela’s collapsed economy and widespread poverty demonstrate an example of a country suffering from the Dutch Disease.
The state of Guyana, as a new oil-producing country, is determined to avoid the syndrome of the Dutch Disease and is committed to maintaining its present industries, which are mostly agricultural, and extending
into new ones. The aim is to have the non-oil sectors of the economy contribute more than the oil sector in both income and employment :
The sugar industry, which was regarded as being on the verge of expiring four years ago, has begun to revive itself with the injection of capital, technology and modern management techniques, and the country has safely avoided being a sugar importer and plans to satisfy the sugar needs of CARICOM in the next three or four years.
The rice industry has been increasing in production every year as a result of inputs such as fertilisers, new species of rice, improved drainage, and even planting techniques, and it expects to continue expanding its exports.
Livestock farming is radically changing: improved poultry species have been imported from the United States and poultry farmers are now having larger and healthier birds with improved egg production. Several thousands of Blackbelly sheep have been imported from Barbados, and Holstein breeding cattle have been imported in the form of actual animals and semen banks. Improved species of pigs have been imported to improve the quality of the local stock.
Soya and corn production have already begun in the Intermediate Savannahs, and Guyana will soon meet its needs for animal fodder.
Experimental tropical wheat and millet acreage have been successfully cultivated with great prospects for local and Caribbean usage.
Fish Farming has been successfully introduced, deep-sea fishing has been expanding with radar, and a few policing boats have
been introduced to prevent illegal fishing in Guyana’s waters.
Training in various aspects of modern agriculture is being undertaken continuously with the help of various external agencies and local efforts. This would include the thousands of Goal Scholarships awarded annually. Training in tourism is also being conducted methodically to meet the needs of the growing tourism industry.
Financial grants, concessionary loans and guarantees have been widely distributed among the farming communities. For example, in 2023, 2500 grants for a total value of $ 680 million to small and medium-sized ventures were made, and an agreement was made with the Small Business Finance Trust for $100 million for concessionary lending to small and medium businesses. A loan- guarantee regime is also offered.
Extending these and other facilities to youth and women is one of the measures that are focused on developing the non-oil sectors.
A new entrepreneurial and self-employed class is being birthed among ordinary citizens, especially in the agricultural and related industries and even in the non-agricultural industries. When cheaper power becomes available with the gas-to- energy project, it is expected that competitive production of the more traditional industrial products that Guyana now buys from Trinidad and other foreign markets will take off. Guyana is entering a phase of self-generating development and has been assessed to be on the threshold of being a first-world country in four to five years.
Do I decide or my dentist?
IF the dentist asks the patient to choose between two types of filling materials, should the final decision rest solely with the dentist? Patients should make some practical choices when it comes to restorative dentistry. So, you may say, “I floss properly, and I will eat a balanced diet. I will even give up my nightly chocolate bar while I watch TV. But what about the five cavities I now have?” People say that dentists are only trying to help, but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, I have to get into that dental chair, and it is my mouth they will be shooting up with local anaesthetic and how I hate that needle! Well, patients, you do have a choice.
Start thinking in at least semiprofessional terms. Your dentist does not call the work he does on your cavity “fillings”. He calls it “restoring”. His job is to restore form and function. Anybody can be taught relatively quickly to fill a hole, even in a tooth, after the dentist drills it out, cleans it up and dresses it ready to build. However, only a dentist is taught how to properly restore form and function.
Ask your dentist about “comfort linings”. These are linings or bases, usually medicated, placed under restorations to keep teeth from being sensitive to cold or hot, especially cold. If the restoration is made from silver amalgam, it will certainly conduct temperature changes in the tooth. If the restoration is quartz composite, the chemicals can irritate the pulp or nerve, as you call it. The comfort liner acts as an insulator cushion and medicated layer, protecting against pressure, chemical irritation, or temperature changes – all of which add up to comfort. At your introductory interview, your dentist knows that you know what to expect and that you do expect it and will not settle for less. If the outcome is not right, you can be sure that he knows it. If both of you know better, surely you can take the opportunity to have the situation corrected.
I truly believe in that old wonder, the silver amalgam restoration. If that area to be restored is not too extensive, and if the proper technique is employed, the old “silver filling”
is a real marvel. I have seen some of them going fine even after 45 years! But over the years, there has been tremendous improvement to the extent that amalgam fillings now have no place in my clinic. The tooth-coloured composite resin is among the best for front teeth. Unfortunately, it may get discoloured after a few years and may require changing. Chemically, it may irritate the tooth issue, so like all restorations, it should be placed over a cover (tooth-protective) liner.
Important points to remember are the following: -
• Never think about your dentist lectures extensively. When that happens, rest assured they don’t do it for fun.
• Learn about the procedures you anticipate the dentists would execute so you can understand and “level” with them.
• Composite resins and silver amalgams are the most common restoration materials because they have stood the test of time and are relatively cheap.
Did you know that race is a social construct?
THE concept or topic of race is a social construct. It is a concept invented by human beings. This contradicts the beliefs and opinions that most people currently hold. Some people believe the idea of race is biological, but many studies and scientific research suggest that this is not the case. Scientifically speaking, no specific gene or cluster of genes has racial markers. The identification and classification of people according to their racial group has never been fluid. The many definitions of race are not rooted in science. They were not objectively proven, permanent or consistent.
How do we classify individuals according to race? More often than not, it is a physical “classification”. Some people even went as far as associating certain faces as evil (unholy) and good (of god). It is determined by
There is healing in ...
Naughton is also an entrepreneur of Rebrandz Collectionz, where she makes bookmarks, designs clay pots, upcycles glass bottles, and customised personal pieces, be it jewels, bags, clothing, case for iPads, and sneakers, among other things, including graphic designs for business cards, flyers etc.
She promotes healing art sessions, free of cost at the “Village Nook,” and it has seen its fair share of participants, who come and go, forming a sizeable group of girls and women from many East Coast Demerara villages.
Naughton stated that her journey in art and craft began after her father encouraged her to pursue studies in visual arts, since he knew she had a knack for it. Her father paid her tuition fees for the years she needed to study, and she found the art and craft process therapeutic and healing for her. At that time, she was working with clay pieces and sculptural art.
“Art and craft helped me to overcome deep traumatic experiences, and while I was creating a space for my studio, I realised I had enough room to provide a safe space for others to come and heal with art and craft, so I went ahead and established that,” she said.
Naughton thought about making her art and craft into a small business, birthing Rebrandz Collectionz. She benefitted from specialised training and even participated in many local and overseas expositions showcasing her talent and Guyanese-themed- arts and craft.
Her first solo expo was held locally and sponsored in 2023, opening opportunities for her to express herself via arts and craft.
She has since been endorsed by Fine Art Gallery, an online outfit for local art and craft producers to showcase their products.
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Naughton, 42, reported that since her small business is still new, she operates it single-handedly, mostly with additional support from her two teenage daughters and partner until she is well-established to employ others.
“As a beneficiary of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women ‘Road to Growth’ training programme for women entrepreneurs among the 150 women, I feel it was one of the best transformative platforms for women to be able to be exposed to hands-on knowledge to grow and overcome challenges to keep their businesses operational,” she said.
The multi-talented Naughton also has a degree in International Relations, and she is presently collaborating with an overseas-based Guyanese, Tess Webb-Lewis, as a volunteer with the annual summer programme for children held at the Victoria Primary School.
Free classes are held on Mondays to Thursdays, which started on July 15 and will end on August 9, 2024, to promote inter-personal learning in Mathematics, English, reading, health/family, life education and arts/craft.
Tessa-Webb Lewis is an international Mathematics Educator with a group called “Mothers to Mothers” and hosts online tutoring for women and their children at both primary and secondary school levels.
Naughton provides one-on-one visual arts learning to a little boy who was previously unable to read and who is a slow learner.
Local philanthropist advocating for ...
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government bodies, facilitating complaint investigations, and preparing annual reports for the National Assembly. His strategic vision and resource management skills have been pivotal in advancing the Commission’s objectives and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples in Guyana.
Neil has also contributed substantially to education, serving as an educator and trainer across various institutions. He has taught mathematics at the secondary level and provided quality tuition in numerous private teaching jobs. His training expertise is highlighted by his extensive involvement with the Guyana Elections Commission, where he has trained staff for Local Government and General & Regional Elections, ensuring the efficient execution of electoral processes.
Beyond his professional commitments, he is deeply engaged in community service and volunteerism. He holds leadership positions in several organisations, including Head of the Le Repentir Muslim Cemetery Ground Project and Executive Member of the Inter-Religious Organisations of Guyana. His volunteer work extends to mental health initiatives with the Guyana Foundation Inc., and he has been actively involved in addressing gender-based violence and promoting social cohesion through various programmes.
Did you know that...
skin complexion, hair texture or type, ancestry or family. Although there is no structured definition, the concept of race was somehow developed to put human beings into huge social groups. Race should not be confused with ethnicity, as well. The concept of “race” is narrow and based on physical or biological characteristics. In contrast, ethnicity is rooted in cultural experience, expression and origin.
Both of these concepts equally lack structure in their definition and meaning. These categories are based on the context and evolution. Unfortunately, history shows that most of this separation or classification was rooted in colonialism and slavery. Where there is race, there will be racism that exists. The colonisers grouped the races of lower classes and deliberately excluded them from identifying as anything else but those “lower classes of race”.
Have you ever noticed that when a mixed-race American describes their race, they’d most likely mention that they’re “Afro-American”. Even if they’re 50% European and 50% African, they automatically assume the race of the “lower class”. The concept of race reinforces a social hierarchy and stratification of society based on the physical characteristics of human beings. It’s as if your classification and status were already determined for you as soon as you’re born. This further proves the point of the deep-rooted racism and discrimination that is associated with the misguided definitions of race.
A person’s racial identity can also change over time. A light-skinned Hispanic person in their home country might be considered as a “white”, but if they migrate to the United States, they will probably be classified as a “Hispanic”. In fact, a person who is considered as “White” in Brazil is considered as “Black” in the United States. Sometimes, siblings from the same parents want to identify as different races. Let’s consider that their parents are of Afro and Indigenous Guyanese races. Perhaps one wants to identify with the Afro-Guyanese race, and one wants to identify as an Indigenous. They can if they want to because that is what they want to be classified as. If race indeed had a firm structure, that would have never been the case.
Do you also know that when you take a DNA test, it cannot determine your race? It will most likely tell you about your Ethnic (cultural) makeup. These DNA tests will most likely just tell you where your ancestors came from geographically. However, it cannot define your race. I am writing this column to remind you that these definitions of race and, by extension—this discrimination should not limit you. How you look or who your ancestors are—should not be a tag that separates you from achieving and attaining all that you want to do in life.
Race is a human invention, and, as such, it can be reinvented into much more meaningful definitions and classifications. The definition of who a European, Asian or African is has changed drastically over the decades. I know this after reading history textbooks for one of my University classes and seeing what defined “Africans” as Africans. The descriptions might vary from 100 years ago to now. However, I can safely say that discrimination and prejudice have remained the same. Just as how humans created these disgusting concepts, they can be redefined and adapted. I hope these social constructs are reconstructed more positively in the next 100 years. Humanity depends on it.
The drive to do...
child victims of rape, we provide professional services, so expert services, so forensic interviewing. That’s a developmentally sound way of speaking to a child about what has happened to them.”
The organisation’s reach extends beyond the local community. “We work with both the migrant and the host community, so the host community being Guyanese, but also the migrant population, so Venezuelan migrants,” Ayodele explains. This inclusive approach ensures that no one is left behind in their mission to protect and support victims of sexual violence.
SISPRO: A Challenge for Change
While Blossom represents Ayodele’s passion, her role as chairwoman of SISPRO presents an exciting new challenge. SISPRO is a Guyanese women-led company committed to community development, social responsibility, and gender and social equity in the oil and gas industry.
As she stated, “SISPRO is my challenge…As we steadily progress with SISPRO, it’s about building generational wealth for Guyanese. Not just for my family and my children, but for all Guyanese, so that they can benefit from the wealth that Guyana has,” she says.
This venture into the traditionally male-dominated oil and gas industry is not just about business for Ayodele. It’s about creating lasting change and opportunities for her community. “It’s not just about individuals. It’s about community and ensuring that that happens. And what steps do we need to take in order to make that happen,” she explains.
A Passion for Service
A deep-seated passion for providing quality services is at the core of all Ayodele’s endeavours. “What drives me is I like to provide services, good services,” she emphasized. This commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of her work. “We have to be able to connect the best service available to everyone who comes into contact with Blossom. For me, that’s what drives me, providing effective services to people,” Ayodele states.
Her dedication also extends to her personal life, particularly in advocating for her autistic son. “I’m most proud of ensuring that I track the correct services required for my son, who is autistic, in the Guyana context because it’s not easy,” she shares. “I have spoken to every man Jack, who can help support me in that journey that I can.”
Future Endeavours: A PhD and Beyond
As if her plate wasn’t full enough, Ayodele is on the cusp of adding another impressive achievement to her resume - a PhD. “I’ve just submitted a PhD thesis. I looked at suicide in Guyana,” she stated.
Looking ahead, Ayodele’s ambitions show no signs of slowing down. “You can expect me to build out CISPRO so that we can become an E&P company. That is an exploration and production company,” she states.
Looking at the work of this remarkable woman, one thing becomes clear: Ayodele Dalgety-Dean is not just a Pepperpot Personality; she’s a force of nature, working tirelessly to create a better Guyana for all.
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THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Serves and fears the fury of the ma- ny-headed monster, The giddy multitude. PHILIP MASSINGER (1583-1640) The Unnatural Combat (1639), III.ii
STUDY SUCCESS
Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. Sometimes you are asked to read a text to find the solution to a problem encased in it. This purpose for reading
AUGUST 04, 2024
often leads to a challenging and motivating kind of activity which requires a detailed comprehension of the text. Constantly examine the text. What is it really saying? Perceive what problem it presents and work out the solution. If you find a solution, it is proof that the passage has been understood. Be wise.
Love you.
IMPROVING WRITING
Review of character, setting and plot
Attention to language: A good short story comes alive with language used well; language that does not present readers with much unravelling of unnecessary words and phrases. Just write simply but effectively.
Write about what you really know; this is the key to your story. Include the finer details that stamp life into your characters to make them compelling; also into your events, and passions, and sharpen other aspects of your short story. Description is essential to provoke a credible mental picture and compact what you really know into the mind of your reader.
Attention to plot, setting, character, etc.: Plot is what happens in the story. The setting is the time and place of the story’s events. The characters are those who play a role in the story.
The story conflict is the problem or challenge the main character must face. Theme is the main point of the story. The exposition introduces the setting (time and place), characters and plot and may include background information on these elements.
Something to Do: Write a story involving characters and events which you know well. Of course, you will not use real-life names of characters and setting. Find other names. Also, impress your reader with minute details to fill out what you are saying.
THE PASSAGE
Read the following A and B passages carefully and then answer the questions below each.
A. Homework Interrupted Tabu looked up from his book, in a lazy way at first, to see what had made the noise. At an arm’s length away from his chair, something moved. A shape glided smoothly along the window frame. He saw a flat head held up by a slender neck. A puff adder!
The snake stopped and lay without moving. It looked dead. But it was trying to sense if any food was in the room. Tabu felt trapped in his chair, yet he knew that he must warn his sister. He
thought of what his father had told him so often. He wanted to whisper, but his mouth and tongue were dry with shock. He dared not move. If only she would look at him! Masya must have felt there was something strange about the silence, and when she saw the fear on his face, she swiftly shifted round, looking at his glazed eyes. She moved her head to see what those eyes were fixed on, then covered her mouth to stifle her gasp of terror.
1. What had the snake come for? 2. Why would it stop and lie without moving? 3. What made Tabu feel trapped in his chair? 4. What effects did Tabu’s fear have on him? 5. Why would he wish to warn his sister? What do you think that Tabu wanted to warn his sister to do or not to do?
6. What do you think that Tabu’s father had told him so often?
7. What caused Masya to look at Tabu? 8. Why did she cover her mouth? 9. What would you have done in Tabu’s place?
B. Surrogate parenting is another option that has been explored in the last decade, although the legal and ethical issues surrounding this method have not been fully resolved. Surrogate parenting can take several forms. Typically, an infertile couple will make contact with a woman (the surrogate parent), who will then be artificially inseminated with semen from the expectant father. In some instances, the surrogate will receive an embryo from the donor parents. The surrogate carries the foetus to term, and returns the newborn to the parents. In some cases, women have served as surrogates for their close relatives. Because of the concerns about true “ownership” of the baby, surrogate parenting may not be a particularly viable or legal option for many couples.
1. What is the meaning of the following word groups: surrogate, decade, infertile couple, conception, expectant father, donor parents, foetus, legal option. 2. What is the topic of the paragraph? 3. What reasoning is there in the closing sentence of the paragraph? 4. Write a summary of what is said in the passage.
IMPROVING WRITING
Writing a Loving Story
Here are some important people that you might have already met along the way. There are clues to be noticed as you read. Observe how each character is put against the other to create conflict, struggle, and plot in each of the cases set out below.
(a) His head was small, and flat at top, with huge ears, large, green, glassy eyes, and a long, snip nose, so that it looked like a weather-cock perched upon his spindle neck to tell which way the wind blew. To see him striding along the profile of a hill on a windy day, with his clothes bagging and fluttering about him, one might have mistaken him for the genius of Famine descending upon the earth or some scarecrow eloped from a cornfield. Who is this odd-looking creature? What phenomenon is being described? Are you noticing clues to latch on to for a good story of yours?
(b) After some moments of silence, which not one of us dreamed of breaking, “Gentlemen,” he said in a calm and penetrating voice, “I speak French, English, German, and Latin equally well…. What I now affirm is, that I have a right to speak of these seas, under which, in less than 10 months, I have crossed 20,000 leagues in that submarine tour of the world, which has revealed so many wonders.” If your interest is maritime touring, try this one, then.
What to Do: Choose a stimulus from above and coin a good story, making any juicy additions that come to mind. Write without stopping until you have nothing more to say, then edit, proofread, and rewrite.
