Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 21-04-2024

No magic formula for success besides discipline, hard work

- GBTI’s new CEO

Sunday, April 21, 2024

The play I saw last Sunday

THERE are those plays that focus on serious social issues which are universal. Such a play, Shadow Hour, is being staged at the Bowie Playhouse in Maryland, USA. Being in that location, I was taken to see the play.

Let me first say that I have attended previous productions at that playhouse, and always felt very much at home. The theatre is just about the size of our Theatre Guild Playhouse in Georgetown, with an approximate similar seating capacity.

It was a full house when I attended. The majority of the members of the audience were elderly women. Maybe that was so because it was a Sunday mid-afternoon matinee performance. As a theatre veteran, I recognised that probably all the other audience members were theatre veterans who had been attending plays and

other theatre productions for decades.

I just felt a mutual comradery. That was so before, during and at the end of the performance. We were all theatre lovers, and we were happy to be there to enjoy another of the many plays we have seen, probably in different playhouses, here, there and everywhere.

The chatter and laughter quickly ended as the auditorium lights were slowly dimmed and blackened, and the stage lights slowly rose to the required level. It was the commencement of yet another performance of Shadow Hour by Ralph Tropf. As a member of the audience, I was prepared for the revelation of how powerful male politicians generally function in society. It is a male subculture in developed and developing countries; powerful men

dominate almost every facet of society. Many do so with an iron fist as they take revenge on every enemy, real and imagined.

Stated on the cover of the printed programme of the play, Shadow Hour, is the following: “A United States Senator is facing a horrible accusation, and a jury is divided.” Also printed on the front of the programme, just below the image of the courthouse gavel, is the statement, “The truth, it seems, is lost in the shadows...” Sounds a bit depressing! However, the play points out and advocates that although the truth is sometimes somewhat difficult to prove, in the end, the truth will emerge and win out, no matter how long it takes.

So, as the saying goes, “Speak the Truth and speak it ever. Cost it what it may.” This latest production by the Bowie Community Theatre

is yet another star in the sky of a theatre that looks and functions like the glory days of The Theatre Guild of Guyana. The “Glory Days”, to which I refer, were the days

always of an extremely high standard. The quality, in every instance, was that of the West End in London, and

when directors, actors and all the others worked tirelessly for successful productions, and in a voluntary capacity. Their purpose was to ensure the successful production of the play, and to ensure that all the members of the audience were satisfied. Those productions were

Broadway in New York. The actors and actresses were mainly people of the Middle Class who prided themselves on doing what was their principal talent, to the best of their abilities. Some were expatriates who hailed from the United Kingdom, Canada, the

United States, the Caribbean and elsewhere. They made their contributions without any financial rewards. They did it for the love of it. They were happy doing it, and their happiness flowed from the stage into the auditorium and the wider society.

‘Metal is about releasing emotions’

Taking a look at the heavy metal genre of music in Guyana

SOCA, Dancehall and Reggae are musical genres circulating and dominating the Caribbean. With these types, a punchy baseline is the foundation for countless songs. However, there are very few instances of music that glorify loud screaming vocals and bass so heavy it is felt throughout your soul. Heavy metal is a unique genre of music that achieves that very effect. Guyana houses a small group of heavy metal singers. The men and women who are self-proclaimed ‘metal heads’ say that metal is more than shouting; it is a genre dedicated to individuality, and true self-expression, with every note signifying an emotion.

MUSIC AS A FORM OF EXPRESSION

Christopher Ramcharran, known by his stage name, Chris, is a a young Guyanese musician. He has always had a passion for music. He has worked many years on perfecting his melodic vocals. Although his voice is harmonious in his covers of various love songs, Chris loves heavy metal music. As much as an acoustic guitar has its appeal, for Chris, heavy metal is where he feels safe. “A lot of people think heavy metal is

something dangerous, but it is just about expressing your emotions. The heavy metal community is a peaceful one.”

Chris shared that he has long struggled to find his place. Growing up, he held an excessive amount of anger. He said that he developed a temper that was explosive, which made him very unpredictable as a young man. However, this anger caused issues in his schooling, and he changed schools several times before he graduated. “I have no idea why I was so angry, but a lot of things used to

trigger me,” said Chris. In 2015, just a few years out of high school, a young and still temperamental Chris found a heavy metal band and joined shortly after. This was his first experience with music of any kind. He began exploring genres and instruments. Today, he is a phenomenal guitar player who has had the opportunity to work with and sing for many of Guyana’s biggest artistes. From receiving praise from Kush to looking into recording with big producers in Guyana, Chris’ talent is undeniable.

A LOOK AT THE METAL CULTURE

He is also a champion for his genre. Chris is passionate about all music, with his fans having a particular affinity for his acoustic covers of love songs. Heavy metal remains his first love. He describes the field as a welcoming community without judgment and overflowing with love and talent. “I met a lot of good people in the heavy metal community; some are my brothers from another mother. They taught me so much, even outside of heavy metal, and they are the reason

I am a good musician today,” he said.

Chris says being embedded in any musical genre is as significant as culture and tradition. Heavy metal has more customs and norms than most genres. Little is known about the community, but Chris says they could be found everywhere in Guyana; all you have to do is look. “There are plenty of rock and heavy metal bands in Guyana. My band and I used to practise in the Promenade Gardens,” he said. Heavy metal is many things; people are deterred

by many aspects of the genre.

Mosh pits are something that people often point out as a flaw in the culture. A mosh pit is something that happens at most heavy metal concerts. “A mosh pit is where people at a concert either run in a circle or we run into each other; it’s all for fun, and no one ever gets hurt,” Chris said. “If you fall down, we just pick you back up.” That’s what heavy metal is all about; picking others up and teaching them to express themselves, Chris shared.

‘Karate

has played a vital role in my life’ Veteran karate practitioner shares journey

WITH more than 50 years of karate experience, Jeffrey Wong remains a simple man who has invested many years as a volunteer pro-

back then, was a rough neighbourhood and as a youngster, he was bullied and picked on a lot.

moting karate across the country via his clubs. Sensei Wong is the Vice President of Dojo Development International Karate, whose journey in karate began at age 13 years old when he was a resident of Laing Avenue, Georgetown.

Wong told the Pepperpot Magazine that Laing Avenue,

He related that after getting bullied by the older boys in the community, he gained encouragement to join karate class from his cousin, Roy Lowe - who has since passed away.

Wong pointed out that karate saved him and played a vital role in his upbringing as a youth, making him into a well-rounded individual whose way of life revolves around volunteerism and

karate.

He recalled starting as an instructor at the Guyana Karate College with founding members, the late Ian Fung, Frank Woon-A-Tai and others in the early 1970s.

“Karate is a way of life for me. I started at the age of 13 years old and to date, I am still practising. It has molded me into a better version of

myself, and I am always willing to impart my knowledge to others, even if it means going into all communities where we don’t have a karate club,” he said.

Wong reported that hundreds of students have passed through him and he is very proud of them all, even his own daughter, Aliya Wong - a fifth dan karate world cham-

pion - and many others, who have done outstanding things in their life, career and karate.

He has also trained many to attain world-stage competition level. Having competed in many tournaments himself, he remains humble by the mere fact that he is not above others.

Wong is a mild-mannered man who chooses to live simply. Although he is a miner by profession, he has spent more years in karate than in his job, but he doesn’t mind.

In his own words, Wong described karate as an empty hand of self-defence which should never be used as a weapon to harm or kill others in willful encounters.

He added that karate is all about self-discipline, and his own experience assisted him in building his character and evolving into a Master (Sensei).

“In earnest, karate has brought me to where I am in life today and taught me a lot, and it is wise for children to start training from five years plus, not just for six months but all throughout their lifetime since karate isn’t a sixmonth course,” he reasoned.

Today, Wong has established karate clubs in Berbi-

ce, Linden, Hope, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, and they will soon be in Essequibo.

He is a well-known karate instructor in Guyana and further afield. He has attained the reach of 7th Dan Shihan and is the senior instructor at the International Karate Organisation Karate Academy of Guyana, their registered name.

“For me, karate is not about collecting money. I volunteer mostly and often [facilitate] free of charge, but in clubs, it requires money to keep the doors open, and the minimal fee of $1000 per session is required. But if people do not have money, that’s no problem,” he said.

Wong disclosed that his main goal in karate is to pass on his knowledge to others and recalled how he was mentored by karate specialists who contributed a lot in promoting karate, such as the late Ian Fung and Frank Woon-A-Tai among others.

“As long as I have life, in good health, karate will be with me until I am no more because my aim is to spread karate teachings across Guyana,” Wong said.

Hands that heal

GROWING up, Jemima

Crosse always had her eyes set on becoming a physiotherapist because she wanted to help people. To achieve that, she knew she had to work hard without being distracted, and that was what she had set out to do.

Crosse qualified herself, securing a job as a physiotherapist attached to the Ministry of Health Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. She works with children and persons with disabilities.

She is a city girl who has been a physiotherapist for the past six years. She applied for the position after graduating from the University of Guyana (UG) in 2108 with a degree in medical rehabilitation and a major in physiotherapy.

Crosse told the Pepperpot Magazine that she always wanted to help people heal

on a long-term basis rather than seeing patients for just one time like a doctor, so she opted to become a physiotherapist. She stated that she had always been interested in medical intervention growing up and decided to pursue a career in that field after realising it would be a job she would like.

Equipped with the necessary skills, Crosse believed that hands-on practical therapy suited her friendly demeanour. She feels that her role is essential to treat and manage children and others with disabilities, thus helping them regain their independence and fully use their mobility.

Crosse reported that the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre offers a wide variety of therapy to restore people with disabilities to their former state of full restoration.

She added that she deals with various aspects of physical therapy, whether it’s permanent or temporarily

dealing with mobility, speech and language.

“I am friendly. I try to get to know my patients. The children would be accompanied by their parents, and of course, they have a lot of questions, so it is best to address those before forming bonds,” she said.

Crosse related that it is often wise to put the patient and his/her parents at ease by giving them a detailed report of their child’s condition and what is needed to make them better, to guide them since it is not going to be a quick fix. It is more long-term.

She pointed out that therapy takes on a holistic approach, and they look at all the needs of the patients, including social and educational, to link to other professionals to give them the care/ treatment they need.

Crosse disclosed that therapy is also a transfer of services and not just clinical; it requires patience to restore the patient to full mobility. She stated that therapy entails having the

right attitude to meet and greet patients and their accompanying parent/guardian and also be able to work along with them for best practices and the way forward. The physiotherapist told the Pepperpot Magazine that physiotherapy is the healthcare profession that focuses on maximising an individual’s full potential to improve their quality of life through various therapeutic interventions.

“As a physiotherapist, I currently work with children with physical disabilities and amputee patients at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. As a physiotherapist, I promote holistic care where rehabilitation is not just for the clinic but for outside of the clinic in the individual’s school, home environment, recreational environment and much more. This is to ensure that the individual is able to participate fully in all areas to the best of their ability,”

she said.

Crosse pointed out that working with children is a joy and something she envisioned from a young age. Seeing them achieve milestones that were delayed is rewarding. She noted that working with children involves much structural play and adapting to the environment and the child because children get bored easily, so one will always have to be innovative. Crosse pointed out that early professional intervention is key for children to be restored to full capacity in their mobility.

“If you see something wrong, seek help through the medical field. Pregnant mothers need to be screened thoroughly during their pregnancy because daily therapy is key for us to achieve our goals (parents and child) as well as our goals. You must be consistent. Support networks are important to ensure you surround yourself with a good support system and remember that the clinic also offers that support to parents through our support groups. Our social worker is always available to speak to you about your concerns and even the therapists,” Crosse reasoned.

She related that watching a child with no head mobility from infancy to toddler and beyond regain full control of their head mobility is an amazing therapy journey and entails hard work with both patient and parent.

Crosse shared that she is currently pursuing an online 18-month programme at the University of the West Indies, after which she will attain her Masters in physiotherapy, which will better equip her to function in her role at maximum capacity.

Name and Nature

A look at how the village of Hope came to be

Hope is an interesting name for a village, and there are bound to be a few sayings about the title. Hope Village on the East Coast of Demerara is among the villagesin Guyana where its history lives through its people. The days of colonialism and indentureship are part of every villager, all of whom carry their village’s past with pride. Although very little is known about the name, Hope has evolved through a barrage of eras and has seen countless changes. Going from a vast sugar plantation that housed indentured servants to a diverse community with a blossoming economic sector, there are people who know the story of changes and challenges throughout Hope. But few as much as Roy Doodnauth. Born and raised in the village, Roy first had experiences with both the hard toil of life in Hope and reaping the fruits of his work. Roy sat down with The Pepperpot Magazine to talk about the village’s name and nature.

A quick history of Hope. Roy was born and raised in Hope, but the community is more than a place he calls home. Many people consider Hope a place of historical

significance. It is said to be one of the few places in Guyana where history is

preserved. With history as rich as Hope’s, it deserves to be protected and told.

Most of Hope’s inhabitants are direct descendants of indentured servants. Decades ago, boats landed in Guyana, and thousands of people were on board, many of whom were set to work on plantationsthroughout colonial Guyana. One of these places was Hope. A massive sugar plantation at the time, several families lived and worked there. Roy remembers stories his father told him about his grandparents from India.

In retelling those stories, Roy describes a time long gone filled with hard labour, challenges and agriculture.

for each other. Roy says that not much has changed in that regard, “We still continue to work and live at the estate. We were a dense area, a mile and a quarter away from the main road, and people hardly knew about Hope Estate. But it was a small amount of people living in here, only about thirty-something families.’

People, places and good memories

For many years, Hope was a village unto itself. The little village was still developing and finding its identity. Life in the village was difficult for many years,

jug lamps. There was no kind of roads, we had to walk out without our things. I started working on the estate when I was twelve years old. We used to work and plant, but there was good and bad.”

One of the more unheard-of but deeply interesting aspects of indentureship is the direct strain and pressure it places on families. Roy remembers his parents being threatened when they went on strike in hopes of better pay. He shared that, “I remember when my parents would strike for more money. And they would get a notice

“My foreparents come from India. This community was a sugar estate owned by a man called Walcott. My father came to workhere when he was 10years old on the estate. His parents used to live in logees. I attended school right in here. It was seven of us. Four girls and three boys. And I think it was sometime in 1932 that Walcott sold the land to Sankar. And they converted it into a coconut plantation,” he shared.

Throughout indentureship, the village people had forged a deep relationship with each other in the face of common adversities. This relationship still lives on. Today, Hope is home to several hundred people and one of the biggest communities on the East Coast. In years gone, however, the community was a small hub of closeknit people who looked out

said Roy. “We had a church, temple and mosque. It was really nice. We never had any water, electricity or nothing, but it was nice,” he explained. Interestingly, with all the challenges faced, Roy still considered life in Hope to be good. The greatest thing about his village was never the roads or electricity, but rather the people, says Roy.

Finding work in the community was a challenge. Although work was available, it was extremely difficult and paid very little. This pushed families to send their children out to work as early as the age of ten. Roy began harvesting coconuts when he was only twelve. He was not alone in this endeavour, he said. Many people sent their children to work young. Many young men and women set out to help provide for their families. He shared that, “We used trench water and

saying to stop the strike or move out because the loogees was their own. And when they buy the plantation they buy we too.”

Changes and Development.

The Hope of today is a different community from yesterday. Hope has become the coconut centre of the region and is still making strides in various aspects. As Roy shared, “From them days to now, Hope really changed a lot. Other people have come into the community, and they started to plant, so the whole place is occupied. And here at the coconut estate, this is the central place for coconut. So it has grown a lot. And this is real and true progress because people are going into coconut.”

Entrepreneurship in Hope

GAINDAW and Sumintra

Persaud had the lives and challenges of many families in the Miachony region. Working in agriculture, the couple strived to build their home and future. When the flood hit, however, their life was thrown into a whirlwind. In a region of Guyana where agriculture is the main event, heavy constant rain washed vital crops away. Farms that countless families depended on, the Persuads included, were demolished. Seeking to make a new life, the couple ventured to the community of Hope several miles away. Leaving a life of agriculture behind, the duo sought out new horizons.

Miachony is miles away from Hope, but like most communities in Guyana, they share people and history.

Gaindaw and Sumintra were both born and raised in the Mahaicony area. Their home is a community where people eat, breathe and live agriculture. From vast rice fields ready for exportation to the kitchen gardens everyone’s mother had. Unsurprisingly, Gaindaw has worked in agriculture for most of his life. Farming was generational and was the family’s source of income for many years.

As Gaindaw explained,“We used to work with rice farmers in Miachony Creek. But the flooding

A couple on a mission to grow their business

caused a lot of trouble. My grandfather taught my father farming and he passed it down to me. So, from then, we moved on in life. We moved due to the flood, the water damaged the rice, and we were not getting jobs. So we moved to Hope.”

The decision to move to Hope was a truly brave one. However, the economic situation forced the family to make a swift decision more than a year ago. Settling down in Hope has been a pleasant experience. The family was in a new environment, with unfamiliar neighbours and new schools for their two children. This was a time of adjustment for the pair. But as much as they wanted time to figure out their next steps, they had a family to care for.

Seeking to take root in a new place, the pair turned to the only thing they truly understood: agriculture.

Gaindaw began working with various farmers in Hope, but his passion for planting was something he just could not leave behind. His wife explained that he started small, and the pair grew a kitchen garden. A few plants turned into more, and he began buying vegetables to resell at the market. He shared that, “We started a business with the achar and the plants. We started selling at Lusignan market and Mon Repos market. We started building up our business. From there

we started to expand and my wife started to help me.”

Sumintra plays an integral role in the development of the family’s venture. While in Miachony, she worked in agriculture. Moving to Hope opened up a host of challenges as well as opportunities. She shared that, “We went

through a lot of hard times in Miachony. The flood affected us in many ways just because he was working with rice farmers, and when they lost their crops, we had no job. We had no income.”

The move was a good decision, the family says. Hope is a community that

has offered plenty of opportunities to the duo. A move made purely out of necessity said Sumintra. With the situation they faced in Miachony, moving was the only thing left to do, and it was a good thing they did. She shared that, “We decided to make a move because it was hard for the children. We were not able to provide for them. He started to work with people, and then he started selling at the market. He started planting things in the yard.”

Peppersauce is the most recent endeavour the two took up in Hope after Gaindaw came up with the idea. Neither of them knew if their business would strive. The business idea was sparked by Gaindaw, who pitched it to his wife. In a new community with different challenges, they took the risk and made their first batch of pepper sauce, and it was a hit among locals.

Sumintra explained that their business has grown

from the first batch of just a single bottle. Although not branded, the couple’s product has impacted people. Consumers from all around Guyana have supported the couple’s business. As she explained, “I do not know if he saw other people doing achar, but he came home with the idea, and we started doing it. And I said we should try it. It went from one bottle to five and then 10 and 20 and they sold out. Now we have customers ordering from us.”

Sumintra and her husband are prime examples of what good cooperation can achieve. The two have expanded their business endeavours and are making sauces with everything from mangoes to tamarind. The two can be contacted via 657 7830 for a homemade sauce of your choice. The two say that they have no immediate intentions of leaving Hope. The community has become more than a home. It is the place where they rebuilt their life.

Hope Coconut Industries

At the forefront of coconut production in the Caribbean

COCONUTS are everywhere in Guyana, from the sweet water Guyanese relish to the husk used for several purposes. These resilient crops are a part of a larger industry. Tons of coconuts are exported and traded daily across the world. In Guyana, however, this massive industry is rarely explored. From the coconut man in the heart of Georgetown to the large scale operations of international trade, the coconut industry is growing.

The industry is also fighting a great foe: climate change. Like all agriculture, coconuts depend on the weather as much as we depend on the coconuts. With the extended dry season, major players in the industry are making big changes. Delving deep into the captivating world of coconut production, the Pepperpot Magazine ventured to the heart of coconut country in Guyana, the vil-

lage of Hope.

HISTORY AND COMMUNITY TIES

Hope Coconut Industries is among the oldest and longest surviving estates Guyana has to offer. The estate began many decades ago in colonial times. The land Hope Coconut Industries lays on today was once an extensive sugar estate, home to many indentured servants. The estate passed through many hands before it was given to the government. Today, it is the largest coconut producer in Guyana and among the largest in the Caribbean. General manager Ricky Roopchand spoke on behalf of the Coconut estate. Hope Coconut Industries is intertwined with the heritage and history of the community.

There may not be a village with an agricultural past as vibrant as Hope’s. The community and wider region have strived in agriculture for many years. Beginning with

the first set of villagers who sought out farming as a way of life to the massive industrialised farming we see today.

According to Ricky, Hope Coconut Industries stands out among its counterparts and is one of the largest coconut producers in the Caribbean. They have amassed enough influence and resources to

offer help to other Caribbean countries.

As Ricky stated, “We are the leading producers of coconut in the country, and that is our main income source. These nurseries have the capacity to produce 2600 seedlings per annum. Not only are we the leading coconut producer in Guyana but also among the Caribbean.”

Although Hope Coconut Industries is still very much on top of its field, coconut production across the community is not what it used to be. As Ricky explained, “Hope was once known as the leading producer of coconuts in the country, but that is not the case now. People have cleared their lands over the years, and coconut was not in demand so we have rice cultivating now, cattle and cash crops.”

CLIMATE CHANGE AND CHALLENGES

Climate change can be felt as much as it can be seen. Hope and the resulting coconut estate have long places of agriculture. For many years, a variety of crops have taken root in the community. Beginning with sugar and evolving into coconut production and rice farming, which are still a big part of Hope today. Countless agricultural endeavours have taken place in

Hope, and the majority have been wildly successful. In recent times, however, farmers and agriculturists alike have noticed a drastic shift in the weather. As much as farmers will water coconut beds and let water into rice fields, the unpredictable ferocity of the so-called ‘El Niño’ seems to be causing more harm than good.

Walking through one of the many beds of coconut, Ricky reflects on the damaging effects of the sun. Many of the coconut beds at Hope Industries are suffering under the sun. Ricky explained that, “We have farmers than water at least twice a day, and still the beds continue to dry out. This has caused us many loses.” The intensity of the sun and the unpredictability of the weather are things that farmers everywhere are contending with. But Hope Coconut Industries has a plan they believe can solve their problems, and the results seem promising.

Although not much can be done to dissolve the sun’s heat completely, there are a few solutions the estate is looking into. Shade houses are the next step. Although costly, compared to unshaded beds, shaded houses are 80 percent more productive. As

Why Literature, like Math and English, should be

a

compulsory pass subject in our schools

SOME years ago, RESCU, a group I had initiated and which was aligned with the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), paid a few visits to schools to address the drug problem that has become prevalent. A particular headteacher in South Georgetown asked the group to have a discussion with a difference: to address particularly the ‘young males’ whom this worried ‘educator’ had insisted were in trouble. That teacher’s concern was correct, based on the findings of our engagement. One group of young males had one character that we rec-

ognised, which echoed the obvious negative responses to our questions.

During my service on the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), we visited a location in Essequibo where we observed a library overtaken with dust and obvious lack of use, if any use as the state of things alluded, had ever occurred. Upon enquiring at a community meeting about the closed library not much later, within the same location, an official confidently informed us that theirs was a cattle rearing community, and learning to read was unnecessary. This was unbelievable, but that was how it was in this person’s consciousness.

But in contrast, we did visit the home of the location’s lone poet, which echoed in our minds that perhaps between the elderly writer and this frightening young official, as opposing stations of social methodologies, all may not be lost, depending on who claims victory, subject to the part society plays.

Gone are the days when automaton labour was done without research and the habit of exploring the environment. The very methods of that labour can be described as functional, without curiosity or some aspect of the need to know more. The current deception that everything can be accessed easily

on a smartphone is a common error of our day, based on the multiplicity of most items and knowledge-based subject matter that require the awareness of nuances at every level of engagement that can otherwise be taken for granted.

Most of my youthful

peers could read and read books. It can be argued that we had no TV or smartphones, but reading was on the timetable of studies, and reading was not the same as reading Literature. Literature was what we explored, understood and executed at examination time towards the

collective marks we accessed to move on to a higher class. Reading constituted class participation, and could be taken from what we called a storybook or from the newspapers, based on the teacher’s

Earth Day

A Call to Action Against Plastic

HAPPY Earth Day! Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated each year on April 22nd. It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. However, our Earth faces numerous challenges, including climate change, deforestation, and pollution, which pose severe risks to human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. Climate change, driven by the release of greenhouse

gases, is causing rising temperatures, more frequent and severe natural disasters, and the loss of biodiversity. Celebrating Earth Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and encourage action to reduce our environmental impact. This can include initiatives like reducing energy consumption, conserving

Earth...

water, minimising waste, and supporting policies that protect the environment.

This year, Earth Day 2024 focuses on a growing scientific concern: plastics. Once hailed as an environmental solution, plastics have been recognised for damaging the environment, biodiversity, and human health. The theme “Planet vs Plastics” seeks to unite various stakeholders in a commitment to end plastic pollution.

Plastics present a grave threat to human health, releasing toxic chemicals into our food and water sources as they break down into microplastics. Despite these risks, plastic production continues to escalate, with more plastic being produced in the last decade than in the entire 20th century. This pervasive presence of plastics in ecosystems, from urban drains to pristine environments, is profoundly troubling and contributes to the significant plastic waste problem faced by countries like Guyana.

The impact of plastics on the environment is profound, affecting ecosystems in various ways. Mangrove root systems, vital for coastal protection and biodiversity, are often entangled with plastic debris, hindering their ability to stabilise shorelines and provide habitats for species. Marine animals ingest plastic particles, leading to internal injuries, blockages, and starvation.

This contamination extends to the human food chain, posing health risks to those who consume contaminated fish.

Addressing the pervasive presence of plastics requires immediate attention and sustainable solutions. It necessitates a shift in our relationship with plastics, including reducing our use of single-use plastics, opting for sustainable alternatives, supporting eco-friendly brands, and properly disposing of plastic waste. Additionally, community involvement in clean-up activities is essential to ensuring a clean environment for all.

As we celebrate Earth Day, let us remember the importance of protecting our planet and taking action to preserve it for future generations. Together, we can make a difference in safeguarding the health and vitality of our Earth.

No magic formula for success besides discipline, hard work

- GBTI’s new CEO

SHAWN Nathanael Gurcharranis the epitome of success in the finance industry. An accomplished leader, banker and financial expert with over 20 years of experience, his appointment earlier in April as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) is just one more impressive feat, andat the age ofjust 43!

When he was interviewed 14 years ago for a job at GBTI, Gurcharran can still remember the look on the face of the then Human Resources Manager when she asked him what his ultimate ambition was, and he responded that it was being CEO of the bank one day. Taken aback somewhat by his response, she must be smiling today if she’s reading this.

Gurcharran would never agree with those who think that with youth comes failure. In fact, he says the formula for success is quite simple and is one that he has tested and proven repeatedly. “There is really no magic formula other than to be disciplined, work hard, and have faith in God. I have tried and tested that over the years and it still works.”

Humble beginnings

Born and raised at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, he surely did not have everything handed to him. His parents, Roy and Sarojini Gurcharran, workeddiligently to care for him and his three brothers,Jim, Rajesh and Roger.

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, he shared: “My parents both did very hard-working jobs. Back then, my mom had to leave school to help look after her younger siblings and my father had a similarsituation. My dad worked very hard; cattle farming isn’t easy. I’ve seen him work and sweat; literally blood, sweat and tears to take care of the animals we had so that we can have that better life that they desired.”

Even though they did not have the best educational backgrounds, Gurcharran’s parents understood the value of educa-

Welcome to Pepperpot Personalities, a new monthly segment that will uncover the vibrant and multifaceted lives of esteemed individuals from Guyana, the Caribbean, and beyond. While the public eye often focuses on the professional achievements of these personalities, Pepperpot Personalities offers a refreshing perspective, delving into the nuances of their personal narratives. Through intimate interviews, insightful profiles, and candid snapshots, we aim to reveal the diverse layers that define these individuals beyond their public personas.

tion and would not compromise when it came to ensuring that the children got the best of it. Even though he loved cricket, Gurcharran remembers his mom forbidding him just so that he could focus on getting a good education.

“My mom did what was necessary,” he said. “She was a part-time seamstress; I always remembered that when it was around school time, she would work very late into the night to do uniforms and that sort of thing to get some extra money so we could have gotten that education we all needed.”

Having migrated some 20 years ago, his parents are undoubtedly proud ofall of their children.

School days

Gurcharran attended St. Paul’s Primary in Plaisance, a neighbouring vil-

lage. “I’m very proud of that; it really gave me a good sense of living and working,” he said. Coming out as the top student, he pressed on to Queen’s College, even as it was difficult for a young ‘country boy’ to adjust to school in Georgetown. He did well in the Science subjects, but one of his brothers was studying to be an accountant, and that greatly influenced him.So when he chose to pursue the business subjects, some of the Science teachers were disappointed. Again, doing well at CXC and ‘A’ Levels, Gurcharran started working at Jack Ali, an auditing company.

With his disciplined background kicking in, he decided he’d work and study. Although difficult, he invested his money in education. “I finished ACCA pretty quickly,” he recalls, adding, “Typically, persons take about seven or eight years to finish their chartered exams, but I did it in about 2½years.” After ACCA, he did a Master’s with a specialism in Finance from Herriot Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School and then completed a Fellowship exam with a group called the Corporate Governance Institute out of the UK.

A graduate of Wharton’s School of Business Executive Development Programme, Gurcharrn sits on the Small Business Council Board, the GRA’s VAT Appeal Board, is also a past council member of the ICAG, Chair of the Technical Committee, and member of the Students Affairs Committee.

Gurcharran would have never believed that he’d end up in banking. It always appeared to him as a straitjacket kind of job, and he didn’t think he could do it. But as things turned out, moving from an auditing background, he started at Demerara Bank as the auditor and then went across

No magic formula for success besides ...

to GBTI. “For sure, I didn’t think I would end up in banking, but when I started studying accounting, I really grew to love numbers and found it quite interesting. Importantly, I found it quite natural.”

Being CEO

With an accumulation of skills in investments, commercial credit, and treasury management, Gurcharran feels most comfortable in leadership. “I have an inclination to do certain things; I believe, naturally, I am a born leader,” he expressed.

As CEO, there’s no typical day. Each day, he says, will provide opportunities and challenges that force you to think strategically and make decisions. “You can’t be afraid to make decisions. You just have to hope that you get more things right than wrong. If you’re fearful of failure, you will never get anything done,” he believes.

Most importantly, though, he believes in helping people be better at what they do. “If you can influence people to be better at their jobs and, even more importantly, better at life, I think you would be a successful leader.”

Even though being CEO can be tough at times, Gurcharran is thankful that he has a good team at the bank that supports him, a team that has unity and vision. “I think it’s an incredible time to be a banker in Guyana,” he said. “When we look at what is happening on the national front, the economy is booming, things are going well, and the discovery of oil has really transformed our country and can continue to transform our country. It is for us to leverage the opportunities that are there. So, it’s a really good time to be CEO.”

Finding your passion

Gurcharran says he feels “tremendously blessed” at his accomplishments so far in life. His faith, he stressed, remains strong, although things can be overwhelming at times. “People tend to believe with youth comes failure, but I know of no leader who would have led something that’s successful that didn’t have moments of failure. Importantly, you can’t stop trying.”

Failure, he believes, doesn’t determine your ultimate destiny. “I believe everybody is born with a purpose; you have distractions along the way, you have disruptions, but I believe there is nothing that can’t be realigned and really help you to move along your path.”

Gurcharran likes to say that he is what he is by the Grace of God. “With hard work, discipline and faith, things can fall into place quite nicely.”His favourite quote is from the Bible:the Book of Philippians Chapter 4, Verse 13, which reads: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

He offered a word of advice to others: “It is important that you find what your passion is; what drives you and work towards that. When one door closes, you have multiple opportunities that exist and once you have life, you have hope. Keep working hard, being disciplined; keep your faith strong and something good is going to come out of it.”

Gurcharran is married to Tiana, an HR Director at GTT, and they have two children, Nathan and Kaitlyn.

ALBOUYSTOWN IS NOW BEING RENEWED AND OFFERS ONE OF THE BEST PROPERTY INVESTMENTS IN GUYANA

ALBOUYSTOWN is today regarded as the slum area of the City of Georgetown. This image of Albouystown is a comparatively recent one. Until the 1960s, Albouystown was a neat suburban village with each yard having a cottage in which the owner lived often with a tenant or two renting the rooms below the owner’s cottage. Every yard had various fruit trees such as genips, mangoes, star apples, coconut, guavas, avocados, carambolas, etc. Since the owners occupied their properties, the yards were kept clean, and the rubbish carts, later trucks, regularly collected rubbish incinerated at the incinerator in the Le Repentir cemetery bordering the village.

The population worked outside the village as vendors in the markets, sawmill workers, fishermen, stevedores, and porknockers, mining for gold and diamonds in the interior. Other village residents were self-employed tradesmen such as carpenters, joiners, shoe repairers, goldsmiths, vat makers, tailors, etc. This multi-racial community was closely knit, and crime was a rarity. In 1906, when Albuoystown was integrated into Georgetown as a ward, it was regarded as an asset and enhancement of the town.

In the 1960s, Guyana was afflicted with racio-political violence and many youths from the East Coast villages with criminal tendencies began to invade the ward, attacking and robbing residents and creating an imbroglio. Numerous Chinese and Portuguese families emigrated to North America, as did some East Indians. Most property owners left the ward, renting their houses at peppercorn rentals, which they were rarely able to collect. The buildings deteriorated, the rubbish collection became a rarity, the yards became overcrowded with illegal shacks, and the streets became potholed. Albouystown had now become a slum area that the Central Government and Town Council seemed to have abandoned.

With the discovery of large oil resources holding out the prospect of Guyana becoming a wealthy and developed country, a spirit of optimism and creativity has overtaken Guyana, manifested by those entrusted with the country’s governance. They have ventured into multifarious social and economic national developments. One of the most notable is accepting the challenge of eliminating the slum area of the capital city of Georgetown.

The Central Government and the Georgetown City Council have already embarked upon renewing the infrastructure of Albouystown, with Independence Boulevard becoming the pride of the place. The Boulevard connects Albouystown with the East Bank, Demerara; the two international airports; with the law courts and the main business area of Georgetown being within walking distance; and also allows easy and quick access to the onshore oil and gas installations on the West Coast Demerara.

A few of the other cross streets are still to be renewed and when Vice-President Jagdeo and members of his Cabinet did a recent outreach to the ward, they promised to complete the renewal of the other streets, prioritising James Street, which runs from east to west in the middle of the ward and parallel with Independence Boulevard. Many householders have begun to repaint and repair their buildings, and this can be seen in the aerial views.

To quicken the pace of the renewal, the Guyana Consumers Association has proposed

ALBOUYSTOWN IS NOW BEING RENEWED ...

the following to the relevant Authorities: (i) The City Council must effectuate the law which gives it the Authority to demolish any structure which contravenes the City Engineer’s By-laws. This would eliminate the shacks, many of which are unoccupied, and those structures which clutter yards and block off air and light (ii) Residents should be encouraged to apply for house lots and to be guided as to the process of so doing and the loan opportunities available. (iii)Taxes have not been paid on many properties for many years, sometimes decades, and the houses on such lots are all ripe for demolition. The City Council has to use the law authorising execution sales of such properties and should do so after advertising the property to be sold for a month and be prepared to negotiate with the owners to waive a part of the interest on the debt owed if such defaulting owners were to make their appearance.

Albouystown once their accommodation is comfortable and safe. The blocks of flats and the new buildings would offer such accommodation.

Property values (as distinct from prices) would have increased by the State’s investment of approximately $3 billion in the Ward and the State’s firm commitment to making further investments in renewing Albouystown and extirpating its slum area image. Secondly, the attraction of prospective tenants who work on the East Bank and on the West Coast to live in the new flats and houses in the ward would begin to make it a middle-class area, bringing good returns on investment. And thirdly, Independence Boulevard is developing into

a business area like Regent Street since it is in the heart of the most populated area in the City of Georgetown. The image of the slum area of Albouystown is quickly disappearing as the tempo of its material development and its recognition as a profitable investment hub grow.

At the moment, a half lot (66 to 70 feet by 100 to 120 feet) could be acquired for $18 to $20 million, which is approximately half the price of similar properties in other parts of the City. Sometimes, one may even get a better bargain depending on the location and condition of the structures on the property. For the large and particularly the small investor, Albouystown properties offer the most attractive option. FROM PAGE XVIII

If execution sales are effectuated, the new owners must rebuild properly designed buildings. (iv) If any owner or investor is willing to build three or four-storey blocks of flats, provide security and have gated communities, that investor should qualify for a 10-year waiver of income taxes on rentals and a grant of $5 million in cash or building materials. A half lot would be able to accommodate two or three such blocks of flats.

Albouystown has situational advantages which no other ward has:- it is within reach of the two international airports, the burgeoning business sector of the East Bank, Demerara, the Onshore Oil Centres and within walking distance of the Law Courts and the City’s main shopping centres. People who work in these establishments would prefer to live in

Hope Coconut...

New machinery focuses on the recycling of coconut husk

a trial run, they have shaded a few of their beds while others have stayed out in the sun, and the shaded beds are proving to be far more productive.

FINDING SOLUTIONS AND CREATING HOPE

One may not think that international relations is a big part of coconut production, but it is a rather significant aspect. Guyana’s coconuts have travelled far and wide and have become known for their quality and natural taste. Hope Coconut Industries has also under taken a new venture.

They have begun to implement new species of coconuts. Hope Coconut Industries has invested in coconuts from all around the world, with the most recent coming form Brazil. This is far way from where they began all those years ago. As Ricky stated, “At the time when we began the idea we only had 1,500 seedlings and that has increased. And we could have only constructed five bins.” Ricky is hopeful about the future of coconut production in Guyana. As she shared, “The demand for coconut is very high. It is gender-inclusive, anybody could plant a coconut. The longterm benefits are something you do not see immediately.”

Stop normalising workplace abuse

WE often advocate and encourage survivors of abuse to leave abusive relationships with their spouses or family members—why don’t we do the same when people are being abused or mistreated at their workplace? Why isn’t this more common in our Guyanese culture? Workplace abuse or bullying can be verbal, psychological, physical or sexual. Often, it is a misuse or abuse of power. Every human deserves to be treated with respect in a work environment. If not, employers must be held accountable. Even the simplest forms of intimidation or harassment should always be taken seriously.

No human being will be able to flourish and thrive in an environment of aggression, intimidation or violence. As such, work productivity and quality output will also be prevented if abuse is tolerated. If someone makes unwanted sexual advances to you in your place of employment, this is workplace abuse. If someone shouts and screams derogatory language to you in your place of employment, that is workplace abuse. If someone hits or punches you in your place of employment, then this is workplace abuse.

I believe Guyanese are accustomed to some behavioural traits from their employers or even customers—they don’t class it as abuse. It is abuse, and it should be acknowledged as such. Do not let poor standardised expectations of a safe workplace deter you from the reality that it can be an unhealthy environment to dwell in. “That’s just the way it is” should never be a response from anyone at any time to abuse. Unfortunately, many people are so dependent on their employers for a source of income with a “stable” job they have no choice but to comply with such atrocity.

Perhaps the best method of preventing workplace abuse is for employers to implement zero tolerance for abuse. Whether it be from clients to workers, administrators to workers or even amongst workers themselves. It should never be tolerated. This can be implemented in the form of a policy or memorandum that also outlines the consequences of violence or abuse in the workplace while also supporting national laws to highlight the seriousness of abuse.

If you have been abused in your place of employment—you should find the courage to inform your Human Resources or Personnel Department about the incident. Ensure that you document the encounter and provide proof if possible. In Guyana, we have the Ministry of Labour that provides support and guidance for all matters relating to workplace safety—psychological, physical and otherwise. It is quite unfortunate that these realities exist in this day and age. However, we can start by acknowledging that we can indeed be abused in our work environments. Abuse is not a “custom” or norm. Abuse is abuse.

Why literature, like math and ...

FROM PAGE IX priority.

Most people watch an item on TV or on their so-very-smart-phone, but are they any the wiser at the end of the day as to what the extended, not-mentioned chapters of the item are? Not really, because those details can only be clarified by several books by authors from both sides of the opposing conflicts or arguments based on the subject matter. This includes, for example, matters about the conflict in Africa, specifically the area politically called the Middle East, or the new laws to limit ‘AI’ users from illegal usage of IPR-Artworks.

If you agree with where I’m going, then there should be an agreement with varied Literature becoming a mustbe-addressed subject student selected from a table of areas for participation towards a compulsory test for a must-bepassed subject. Back then, we did compositions to challenge our understanding of the subjects discussed. I think that there even were identified content volumes to be elaborated on, of no less than a specific number of required words to complete identified compositions. That experience pushed us on to explore, as young adults, additional sources for the day’s discussions or just to correct misguided interpretations on limited previously explored and absorbed data.

Reading cannot be taken for granted, nor can the effort to examine what is said before you conclude that you should file it in your library of things known. Some time ago, a member of a group that I was in made a historical comment in the presence of some of our hosts. I got that feeling most of us get when a colleague says something ridiculous that you know and thought that he should have also known. Our hosts looked at him and then at the other two of us in the vehicle. I immediately corrected him, and this brought an ease of tension. My other colleague transformed the tension into humour by alluding that my colleague here just clarified history that we all should know, while our other colleague who spoke first, always remind us that there is history, then there is ‘His Story’. We have no choice. Reading in a world where ‘The Con’ is out of control can be a redeeming decision-making companion.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

It is a custom

More honour’d in the breach than the observance.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE(1564-1616) Hamlet

STUDY SUCCESS

Dear Student,

Welcome dear friend. Sometimes readers are given pictures of what is being described or referred to to help them understand a text. So, it is of great importance to pay attention to the illustrations given and use your skills to relate text to pictures. Provided that

APRIL 21, 2024

text-understanding depends upon directly knowing its accompanying illustrations, then it is only natural that writers provide them for you. Illustrations grasp the reader’s attention and also aid the comprehension of words and ideas. Be wise.

Love you.

THE PARAGRAPH

Revising classification

Classification: You will find that details and ideas can be classified, (placed in groups). Do you remember sets in mathematics? You do. So, you understand that things can be placed according to their common elements, the features that they have in common.

Classification order: When you arrange details according to groups that have one or more common elements, you are using a classification order. The type of classification you choose often depends on your purpose and your main idea.

Notice what you do when using a classification order. You do one of the following:

(a) Either discuss several groups within one classification; for example:

There are many sports in which ordinary people can participate. Among them are team sports, including such body-contact sports as basketball and boxing; racket games, such as tennis, badminton and squash; and more individual activities, such as golf, skiing and swimming. …

(b) Or discuss several details about one of the groups in the classification; for example:

Racket sports have been growing in popularity, partly because only two or four people are needed for a game, and partly because very little equipment is needed. Basically, one needs a racket and a ball or, in the case of badminton, a shuttlecock. The size and shape of the racket varies. …

As you put your thoughts into individual paragraphs or even linked ones, you need to employ certain useful signal words and phrases. These include words of connecting and adding details, as well as those used to show time order. Here are some examples: also, as well, another, in addition; indeed, in fact, actually, another; after, before, next; in other words, at the same time, in the same way; altogether.

For you who have an interest in dogs, here are several classifications for grouping details about dogs: breed, group, size, colour, coat, use; special features as work-

ing, herding, hound, sporting, non-sporting, terrier, toy, and the list is not yet exhausted.

Something to Do

List the classifications (given to you above) that you would choose if you were writing a paragraph based on each of the following purposes. Why would you choose these?

(a) To convince people who live in small apartments to consider a dog’s size when choosing their pet.

(b) To give information about kinds of jobs done by the group of breeds called “working dogs.”

(c) To discuss some of the special features of certain breeds.

(d) To describe how dogs look in terms of the different kinds of coats they have.

THE SENTENCE

Recapping two aspects in sentence building

1. Using ‘which’ and ‘that’

These relative pronouns are usually used to refer to animals or things. ‘That’ can be used to refer to people, but ‘which’ cannot. (The usual relative pronoun for referring to people is ‘who’.)

‘That’ is usually used to introduce a clause that gives essential information about a noun. For example:

The cat that cried all night was a Burmese.

The adjective clause ‘that cried all night’ is used to identify a specific cat. It provides essential information about the cat.

‘Which’ is usually used to give additional information that is not essential. For example:

The book about cats and dogs, which has three hundred pages, was a great selling success.

It is interesting to know that the book has three hundred pages, but it is not essential in identifying the book. The prepositional phrase ‘about cats and dogs’ identifies the book. The adjective clause simple tells us more about it.

Something to Do:

Combine each of the following sentences into one sentence. The new sentences should include an adjective clause starting with ‘that’ or ‘which’. Decide whether to set off the adjective clause with commas, depending on whether it adds essential information or just additional information about the noun.

1. We have a dog. The dog snores like a human.

2. Sandra thought about the Dracula movie. The movie was a great box office success.

3. The book is selling well. It isn’t very exciting.

4. The stream runs past Tony’s house. The stream bubbles and sparkles.

5. The magazine is on the coffee table. It has a bold multicolour cover.

2. Placing Adjective Clauses

An adjective clause must come immediately after the noun it modifies. Otherwise, you may run into problems like the following:

1. The animals gazed at the people that were in the cages.

2. The yellow sweater was for the baby that her grandmother knitted.

3. The sun was reflected in the water which was sinking behind the mountain.

Something to Do:

Rewrite each of the above sentences, placing the adjective clauses so that the sentences make sense.

Medical emergencies in dentistry

FROM the time I became a practicing dentist more than three decades ago, the thing I fear most in this profession is someone dying while undergoing treatment in my dental chair. Although dentists have been taught to dread the occurrence of either a serious medical emergency or patient mortality during dental treatment, 10 per cent of all nonaccidental deaths in the general population are sudden, unexpected, and frequently occur in a relatively young age group.

Moreover, as our life span increases, the exposure of aged individuals to routine dental care will doubtlessly increase. This is of considerable importance as individuals over the age of 50 not only have a large proportion of serious, incapacitating diseases but also appear less able to tolerate various stresses and trauma inflicted upon them.

Although not always appreciated as such, the practice of dentistry involves considerable psychological and physiologic (physical) stress to many patients. It has been recently demonstrated that as many as 40 percent of patients subjected to local anaesthesia and multiple dental extractions will have cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Obviously, the bodies of most individuals tolerate such insults very well. However, this is not always so, and it poses a serious problem in patients with certain recognised diseases, the aged, and in people taking certain types of medication.

Some form of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) disease is found in a very large segment of the population, with an increasing incidence in older patients. In fact, various types of cardiovascular disorders represent the leading cause of death, thus making it by far the most important health problem in Guyana.

How is all this directly relevant to a classical visit to the dentist? This is how. Dental patients are frequently required to receive local anaesthesia before most regular procedures. Every unit of local anaesthetic contains a substance whose purpose is to ensure that the principal drug remains as long as possible in the site where the anaesthetic was deposited. If this does not happen, the numb effect will only last for a few minutes.

This substance called a vasoconstrictor, can also elevate the patient’s blood pressure. The sudden elevation of blood pressure can result in a stroke. The second highest cause of death by vascular (vessel) diseases is stroke. Ischemic heart disease, which include myocardial infarction and angina pectoris are simply conditions in which the heart does not get sufficient blood to circulate between the cells of its muscular walls.

Although unanticipated myocardial infarction, collapse, and death are always a potential occurrence, the practicalities of day-to-day practice indicate that certain types of patients are especially sensitive to the stress of dental treatment.

These include individuals with congestive heart failure, angina pectoris and recent myocardial infarction. All these conditions come under the heading of ischemic heart disease, the main cause of death from vascular disease.

Some major factors which make a patient a prospective candidate for death in the dental chair are physical inactivity (“white collar workers”), obesity (excessive body fat), stress or aggression and inveterate smoking. These facilitate heart disease.

Patients who know they suffer from cardiovascular disease, which includes high blood pressure or are on medication for any other illness should inform their dentist of these conditions before beginning treatment. Their life may depend on it.