Thoughts of a minibus traveller

 The 14th conversation about domestic violence in Guyana explored the lessons learned from the Guyana Women's Health and Life Experiences Survey (2018) (GWHLES) The conversation was held on 28 October, 2021 and it was led by Carlotta Boodie-Walcott and facilitated by Vidyaratha Kissoon. The survey The Guyana Women’s Health and Life Experiences Survey examines the nature and prevalence of violence against women and girls in Guyana (particularly intimate-partner violence). The conclusions of the survey include (quoting from the report) :- 55% of the women surveyed who had ever had a male partner have experienced some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime The global average is 1 in 3.  38% of the survey respondents experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Only half of those who have experienced IPV have ever sought help. Barriers to help seeking include  lack of knowledge of available help being blamed or stigmatized by their situation becoming known...

  Diwali evening just before sun go down and the flowers close up. I go to pick one of the ixora from the bush I had not planted and I see three lilies blooming and one or two dropping where none were expected nestled under the bush. Beautiful peach pumpkin colour with yellow inside and I go back in my mind to check if these were ever there. Feeling a bit scared as I also realise that I should have seen these earlier that maybe my mind is now so all over the place looking in past and future and uncertain present that I am not noticing nice things around. I pass this spot every day and never noticed them .. Wondering if it is wild, or brought with flood waters but then the flood never really reached this part.  Birds don't really pass lily bulbs, thinking of the yowri and so who come to fight with the cats some nights and wondering if maybe they passed it here. Grateful for things blooming in the yard as I know that my hands must not touch them or they will not bloom or die. ...