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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Short story…

Angel Boy

By Maureen Rampertab

“Shall I play for you, pa rum pa pum pum, On my drum?” Beautiful words, songs of Christmas, jingling of bells and Santa’s jolly laughter. The coloured lights and spectacular decor, a wondrous spectacle of Christmastime.

Aaron stood in front of the shopping plaza on Main Street and stared in awe at the giant, splendorous Christmas tree. He was not a young boy anymore, but even as a young man, the heavenly scenes of Christmas still enthralled him.

He breathed in the warm fresh air. A luxury! No snow and coldness, but the warmth of the Caribbean, where there is always music and laughter.

“It’s so good to be home,” he said, more to himself than the people around him, but they agreed cheerfully, “Sure is!”

He laughed, exchanged words of good tidings, sang a few lines of Christmas Carols with a group nearby, then hailed a taxi for home.

“It’s been such a long time since I was home,” he mused as the car drove along the country road. He recognized the roti and cookup shop, the cane juice vendor, and the pink-and-white lilies in the trenches bordering the roadway. One of nature’s astounding beauties: The sweet water-nuts he often ate when his uncle brought him there to fish as a little boy.

“Good days those were!” he said to himself. The car neared

his destination and he said to the driver in a deep North American accent, “Stop by the house with the huge genip tree.”

The genip tree was a distinct landmark, especially when in bloom. Aaron stepped out of the car, his heart singing with the spirit of Christmas, for he was home after twenty long years. But his excitement and happiness froze as he stared in shock at the empty land. The house wasn’t there; just a pile of old wooden materials and rusted zinc.

Where did his grandmother’s house go? It had been his home from a baby until he was six, when his mother came and took him away. He never forgot his grandmother’s tears that day, and the last words she had said with a quavering voice, “God’s blessing be with you, my Angel Boy, until I see you again.”

He had cried all the way to the airport, and for months he was sad in his new home, because he missed his grandmother, her loving care, her infectious laughter and her cozy, fresh-scented home.

But they wouldn’t send him back, and the years passed, one after another; and he knew when he came of age and had made life good, he would come back home.

Today was that day; two days before Christmas. But there was no house, and no one. The wondrous, excited feeling in his heart dissipated; the songs, the jingle bells silenced. And he shook his head, deeply distraught.

“Please God,” he pleaded silently, “what has happened? I waited so long for this day.”

“Young man?”

Aaron turned around sharply, not sure where the voice was coming from. An old woman stood at the gate, looking at him curiously.

“Are you looking for someone?” she asked quietly.

“Yes, I’m looking for my grandma.” The old woman looked at him for a long moment, as if trying to recognize the stranger but couldn’t.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Aaron, and this was my grandmother’s house.”

The old woman gasped.

“Sweet Jesus! It’s little Aaron!”

She clapped her hands gleefully and shouted, “It’s Aaron!”

Aaron remembered her then, from her laughter, as one of his grandma’s close friends from church.The other neighbours came out to greet him, amazed at how big he had grown, and Aaron felt overwhelmed by their affection; but they had a sad story to tell. His grandmother had grieved for him so much, she had fallen ill, but with the help of friends and prayers, she had recovered and continued her little food business under the genip

tree.

But as she grew older, she Maureen Rampertab became weaker, and the house deteriorated until it was unsafe for her to live, and she was taken to a Home. The little house collapsed five months later, and with nowhere else to go, the Home for the Elderly became her home.

Bitter tears escaped Aaron’s eyes as he looked at his boyhood home that held so many fond memories; moments unforgettable.

The fence had fallen down in parts, and Grandma’s prized fruit trees -- the carambola, sorrel, golden apple and cherries -- neglected over the years, were dying.

The tasty local drinks that she sold were her specialty; the fruit trees her livelihood. His heart grieved at what he saw, but he felt a great sense of relief that she was still alive. And, bidding the neighbours ‘Goodbye’ until another day, he left for the Home.

“How did this happen?” he questioned himself. So often he had asked his mother about his grandma, giving her little letters to post, and wanting to know how she was doing; sending money from the military base in the Middle East. And always he was told, “She’s doing fine; she sends her love.” The unkind lies were now revealed.

The Home was old and somewhat drab, standing forlorn in an avenue where the Christmas spirit seemed to have flown past. Aaron’s face as he walked in was the true reflection of sadness. All the years of waiting -- dreaming of coming home to love and warmth; to songs and laughter; savouring the food, a special delicacy, and the refreshing drinks, fruits of the Caribbean -- had come down to this lonely and sad life, waiting maybe for an angel.

Someone was singing and picking soulfully on the old, worn piano in a dimly-lit sitting area; then Aaron saw her sitting in a corner, a Bible in her hands, aged and lonely. But in his eyes, she seemed not to have aged at all.

“Grandma,” he called her name, softly.

The Bible fell from her hands as she looked up at the young man standing before her, but she did not recognize him. Aaron picked up the faded picture of a little boy that had fallen from between the pages and knelt in front of her, taking both her hands in his. A sparkle lit in her eyes as recognition dawned, and, holding his face with trembling hands, she whispered, “Aaron, my Angel Boy?” He nodded, too overcome with emotion to speak, and she embraced him, crying, “What took you so long?”

“I’m sorry, Grandma; I didn’t know.”

She wiped his tears gently. “It’s okay, my child. God was watching over me, for He knew you’ll come back one day.”

“I’ll thank Him for the rest of my life,” Aaron said. “Now that I’m here, life will be like it was.”

“Our home is gone,” she said, with a distressed look.

“Don’t worry,” Aaron comforted her. “I’ll build you a new home in the new year, and we’ll replant our fruit trees.”

The piano struck up a more cheerful note that got merrier as Christmas Eve arrived with its glitter and glitz.

In just a couple of days, Aaron had transformed the Home into a place bright with lights, songs and festive cheerfulness, celebrating the reunion of grandmother and grandson in the spirit of Christmas and the miracle of love.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

III

By Petamber Persaud

New addition to Guyanese Literature

ON Friday November 22, 2013, the book, ‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’, written by Petamber Persaud, was launched in a special room of the National Library.

That room houses the IT Section, and a number of book and artefact collections. That room was named in honour of the first librarian of the National Library, Ms Emily Murray, who served the institution from 1909 to 1940.

It was a fitting place to launch such a book, because the beginnings of the book started with the library, which was opened to the public in 1909. As the author related during his remarks: “...it all started right here at the National Library. While wading through the books in the Juvenile Section, I was itching to qualify for the Adult Section, and when that time arrived, the first column of shelves that engaged my attention was the one marked ‘Caribbeana’, firstly, because it was right in my face on entering that section, and secondly, this was a different world of books; columns and columns of books, reaching almost to the ceiling. So I was taking tentative steps, and the ‘Caribbeana’ section beckoned me, and I was not disappointed.

“Here, I found books written by our own people, Guyanese and Caribbean people. From Guyana - A. J. Seymour, N. E. Cameron, Sheik Sadeek, Jan Carew, Roy Heath, Edgar Mittelholzer, Denis Williams, O. R. Dathorne, from the Caribbean- V. S. Naipaul, Derek Walcott, Alejo Carpentier, Andrew Salkey, Sam Selvon, Austin Clarke, George Lamming and many others...

“Later I met Caribbean writers like Walcott, Cyntia McLeod, Earl Lovelace, Michael Anthony of ‘Green Days by the River’, Austin Clarke, Nancy Morejon, Lakshmi Persaud, and George Lamming among others.

“What attracted me most in this section were the magazines and journals like Kykoveral, Kaie, Bim and others which later became my primary sources for research.

“Then, in the early 70s, I met two writers who authored some of the books on the shelves – Arthur J. Seymour and Sheik Sadeek, who were the facilitators of the National History and Arts Council’s writing courses. That meeting with living writers in the flesh added a new dimension to literature, and that meeting was a fillip to my interest in Guyanese Literature, which manifested itself when an article I wrote calling for a Caribbean Publishing House was published in the local press. That was in the early 90s then in the new millennium I started to write columns for local newspapers and to produce two television programmes... at this point there was a deeper interaction with emerging local writers, established writers – both local and in the Diaspora and the rest is history now manifested in this book.”

The book is an up-to-date guide, featuring significant literary landmarks from the 16th Century to the new millennium. This 150-page book, including over 100 photographs, is an attempt at bringing to the fore little-known facts about lesser-known aspects of our literature. The big books, the big authors, and the big success stories in Guyanese Literature are also featured.

Another reason for the launch of the publication in the library is the fact that the library played the role of publisher to the book.

The National Library is celebrating its 104th year in service to the nation, and throughout that time, this noble institution continues to explore new areas to carry out its mandate, which is “to satisfy, both nationally and internationally, the informational and recreational needs of the library’s users through the collection, organisation, dissemination and preservation of information in printed and other formats.”

Al Creighton, making remarks on the book, said, “I will not do a close critical review of the book, but I will speak to it; I will speak to it as a very important stimulus to the study of Guyanese Literature and the discourse on Guyanese Literature; I will speak to it as a book that takes us into the world of Guyanese Literature through various windows that Persaud opened through the book; and I would use this as a platform to reflect a little bit on Guyanese Literature – what it is, where it came from, and where it is at the moment, because those are themes at which Persaud’s work aims.

“Now, this ‘Introduction to Guyanese Literature’ is a documentary; it is a description of what has been published in Guyanese Literature, and it tries to list all of those. It is not a critical analysis ...but it is certainly an extremely scrupulous account of Guyanese Literature, since its beginnings up to the present time.

“It deals much more with the historical importance of the works than is does with current Guyanese Literature as it is. It covers a wide range of areas as I said before reflecting considerable reading...The record is of course not totally comprehensive but it comes near, it comes quite near to being that. We find that Persaud compartmentalises the whole wide world of Guyanese Literature into several small areas.”

Those areas are, namely: Oral Literature, Travelogues and Histories, First Examples of Writings by Guyanese - The Early Versifiers, Modern Guyanese Poetry, Literary Groups, Magazines, Journals, the Short Fiction, Children’s Literature, The Theatre Movement and Modern Guyanese Drama, The Rise of the Novel, Book Publishing, The Cheddi Jagan Gold Medal for Literature, The Guyana Prize for Literature, The Guyana Annual, Guyanese Short Story, Landmarks of Literature - Guyanese Anthologies of

Prose and Poetry...

The Hon. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, in her contribution to the book launch, said, “...I believe this would be a great addition to our literary landscape across the country... I can see young people becoming excited by the snippets provided by this book, and I am glad it was crafted in a way that makes it exciting...”

During the book launch, a significant announcement was made, in keeping with the library’s innovative outreach programme: The National Library is establishing A HALL OF FAME for the literary arts.

The book, ‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’, was well received by those in attendance, and is now available at the National Library, and Austin’s Book Services, and can also be sourced through the author.

(To respond to this author, either call him on (592) 226-0065 or send him an email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com)

WHAT’S HAPPENING

• ‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’ is now available at the National Library, and Austin’s Book Service. This book is an up-to-date guide, featuring significant literary landmarks, from the 16th Century to the new millennium. This 150-page book, including over 100 photographs, is an attempt at bringing to the fore little known facts about lesser known aspects of our literature.

The big books, the big authors and the big success stories in Guyanese Literature are also featured.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Christmas gift-giving and other traditions

By Michelle Gonsalves

CHRISTMAS, for many people, is about giving and getting presents. Children almost explode in anticipation on Christmas morning. Far-sighted givers start stockpiling months ahead, whereas the procrastinating multitude flocks to the stores and markets the week before Christmas.

The gift-giving tradition of Christmas has its roots in the Three Kings’ offerings to the infant Jesus when the Magi travelled to Bethlehem to present Christ with gifts. Some Eastern Orthodox churches and European countries still celebrate the traditional date of the Magi’s arrival - January 6, or Three Kings’ Day - with a Christmas-like gift exchange. The Romans traded gifts during Saturnalia, and 13th century French nuns distributed presents to the poor on St. Nicholas Eve. Gift-giving did not become the central Christmas tradition it is today until the late 18th Century.

Gifts were ostensibly meant to remind people of the Magi’s offerings to Jesus and of God’s gift of Christ to humankind. But despite the rationalized Christian roots of gift-giving, the practice ultimately steered Christmas closer to the secularized holiday it is today.

Stores began placing Christmas-themed ads in newspapers in 1820. Santa Claus, the increasingly popular bearer of gifts, started popping up in ads and stores 20 years later. By 1867, the Macy’s department store in New York City stayed open until midnight on Christmas Eve, allowing last-minute shoppers to make their purchases.

Today, Christmas is a bona fide gift-giving bonanza. Stores bring out the tinsel and greenery in early October. Most retailers rely on the holidays to make up for previous slow months, and prepare for the slow sales of the New Year. This dependence has made Christmas, a single day in late December, swell into a three-month holiday season. “The holidays” -- with their sales, decorations and mall Santas -- now reign through nearly a quarter of the year.

Other Christmas traditions also have ancient roots that are pre-Christian roots and originate from pagan winter-solstice celebrations or Roman festivals. Other traditions are relatively modern. Some significant holiday traditions include decorations, activities and food.

Christmas activities

Outdoor light displays and other decorating traditions have created Christmas activities of their own.

Decorators sometimes compete over the most ornate lighting displays, and spectators walk or drive through neighbourhoods to marvel at the exhibits.

Schools and churches often stage Christmas pageants that reenact the Nativity. Saint Francis of Assisi started this custom in 1223, believing a life-size staging of the Crèche would make Jesus’ story clear and accessible.

Christmas activities might also include traditional carols, which are still sometimes sung door to door by groups of friends or neighbours in some countries.

Christmas food

Christmas decorations With people spending billions on decorations – yes, billions - it’s clear that tinsel, green trimmings and electric lights are an important part of most people’s holiday. Evergreen trees and garlands were used as decorative symbols of eternal life by ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Hebrews; and European

Traditional Christmas food constitute a delicious combination of harvest feast foods like turkey, squashes and potatoes; and winter festival foods like roasted meats and an array of baked goods that outdo any other time of year.

So this is Christmas?

Although most persons celebrate Christmas on December 25, there are still those who do not. Some are non-Christians who wish to avoid both the religious and secular aspects of Christmas, and some are Christians who simply observe Christ’s birth on a day other than the 25th , or Christians who do not believe in celebrating the Nativity at all.

Members of the Armenian Church observe Christmas on January 6, the traditional day of the Epiphany in western churches. Russian and Ethiopian Orthodox churches celebrate on January 7. Some American Christians follow their family’s European traditions and celebrate on Christmas Eve. Did You Know?

For people in Great Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, the holidays do not end the day after Christmas. December 26, or Boxing Day, is a time for continued gift exchange and sport.

Boxing Day began as a holiday for servants and other working people who had to serve through Christmas. As a reward, they were relieved of their duties the following day, and given gifts by their employers. December 26 is also the feast day of Saint Stephen, the patron saint of horses.

Source: www. howstuffworks.com pagans sometimes worshipped evergreen trees. By medieval times, western Germans used fir trees to represent the Tree of Paradise in mystery plays about Adam and Eve. They decorated the trees with apples, and later with wafers, to symbolize the host. The trees grew increasing popular in Germany and settlers introduced them to North America in the 17th Century. Many people also decorate with holly, mistletoe and ivy.

Decorators started lighting up their trees with electric bulbs in the 1890s. Those lights have since become an integral part of Christmas decorating.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

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Boxer dies after fight

(Guiana Graphic: October 22, 1962) FOR 27-year-old welterweight boxer, Henry Brown, yesterday evening’s debut as a professional boxer was a successful one.

He won his six-round preliminary bout against 26-yearold Linton John, but died a few minutes later in the dressing room.

As the gong sounded, ending the fight, Brown fell to the canvas, sent there by three left hooks by John.

He never got up, and was carried out of the ring and into the dressing room by his handlers.

Skull stolen from grave

(Guiana Graphic: December 4, 1962) RUIMVELDT Police yesterday started a hunt for ghouls who dug up a grave and carried away the skull of a woman buried eight years ago at Le Repentir Cemetery.

They are working on the theory that the woman’s skull was removed for purpose of voodoo practices.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

(A look at some of the stories that made the news ‘back-in-the-day’ with CLIFFORD STANLEY)

Viewers are seeing things: TV is here (Guiana Graphic: August 18, 1963) SIX Guianese families have sneaked their way into the dizzy band of Television Viewers, and are very elated about it.

Although we have got no television station here, they are “getting the goods”; and that’s all that matters.

Events in several Caribbean countries are now being mirrored on the screens in these six B.G homes.

The owner of one of the six sets is popular archer, Mr. Chic Young, who recently got a first-hand look at the damage wrought by hurricanes and floods in Puerto Rico.

“Reception on my set is generally good,” he says.

An electronic engineer, commenting on the current advent of TV in B.G, said that perfect reception is only guaranteed within a 50-mile range, but beyond that, well, it just isn’t reliable.

He referred to what the six Guianese families are now getting as “freak reception.”

The conditions for TV in B.G are quite favourable, he feels, but such a project would depend on whether Government would be willing to take the step.

Delinquent youth flogged

(Guiana Graphic: October 17, 1962)

A 14-year old schoolboy was flogged in the presence of a magistrate and his parents at Providence Court yesterday.

Magistrate Horace Mitchell was told that the boy not only cursed his uncle, but smashed the windowpanes of his home because the uncle scolded him for not going to school.

“This boy deserves a spanking,” said Mr. Mitchell. ”This may be the only thing to help correct his attitude towards the future.”

Mr. Mitchell said that he did not particularly like to order strokes for such boys, but felt that the problem of youthful delinquency in this community was becoming more acute.

On October 9, Inspector Gooding, prosecuting, said the boy was scolded by his uncle for being reluctant to attend school. The boy became defiant and used filthy expressions.

After being flogged by his uncle, the boy stoned the West Ruimveld Housing Scheme apartment, smashing the glass windows. The boy again abused his uncle when a Policeman arrived on the scene.

After pleading guilty to charges of willfully damaging the panes and using indecent language, he was given six lashes by Constable Robertson, in the presence of his mother, grandmother and Probation Officer Kenrick Williams.

His mother was then ordered to pay $5.70 to the Central Housing and Planning Authority as compensation for the smashed windowpanes.

Cheers for Mackenzie Singers of the Year

(Guiana Graphic: October 17, 1962)

MR. Dennis Barker and Miss Claudette Joseph were elected “Mackenzie Singers of the Year” before a packed audience at the Mackenzie Recreation Hall on Wednesday at the Mackenzie Concert Lovers Group talent jamboree.

Solos, duets, quartets and group songs were heard, and the audience showed their appreciation with resounding applause.

Among the others who won prizes were Mrs. R. Braithwaite; Mrs. C. Carew; Mr. Morris Grant; Mrs. Ivan Doris; and Mr. Nathan Hinds.

Mr. Barker thrilled the audience with his own composition, ”I am telling you now”.

Alfred Marks (Gerry) and Nathan Gibbs (Tom), Mackenzie’s two comedians, added their contributions to the night’s entertainment.

The leader of the Mackenzie Concert Lovers Group, Mr. Mike Joseph, was presented with a surprise gift by Mrs. Braithwaite for his service as their trainer-leader and accompanist.

BG zoo asked to protect rare animals

(Guiana Graphic: October 22, 1962)

saving places in our time” that can give suitable shelter to animals threatened with extinction.

In B.G, wildlife experts have also predicted that the country’s rare animals will be wiped out, if they were not protected by law.

Two weeks ago, Government announced that Legislation would be made to have more protection for wildlife.

Several birds and animals, including the manatee, are today threatened in B.G.

THE B.G Zoo has been asked to help protect and safeguard rare African animals, which are now threatened with extinction.

In an appeal received by Mr. Stanley Lee, the local Zoo Superintendent, the Animal Defence Society of Denmark said that these animals were threatened with extinction as a result of increasing demand on land for agricultural purposes.

The Society argues that while many animal defenders wanted to disassociate themselves from the zoos because they felt that they were (Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at unnatural places for animals, these institutions appeared to be “the only cliffantony@gmail.com or by cell-phone # 657 2043)

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Appeal Court denounces admission of confession statements

THE matter had to do with convicted appellants, Oswald Gobin and Boniface Griffith versus the State, who were convicted but freed on appeal, after it was found that their convictions were based on wrongly admitted confession statements.

The Appellate Court was constituted by Chancellor J.O. F. Haynes, Chief Justice Harold Bollers, and Justices of appeal , Victor Crane, R. H. Lukhoo abd Dhan Jhappan.

The hearing of the appeals, which began on February 27, 1976, lasted 13 days.

The facts of the case disclosed that these two appeals containing, as they do, related questions of law on the admission of confession statements were, by consent, consolidated and heard together.

In Oswald Gobin’s case, the accused and his uncle, Harry Samsair, were drinking bush rum together when there arose an altercation between them over the lighting of a lamp, whereupon the accused threw kerosene oil on Samsair and set him alight.

Samsair died as a consequence of the burns received and the accused was charged with murder.

He made a statement confessing his misdeed and at his trial , objected to its admissibility on the groundd that it was not made by him nor on his instructions.

He alleged that the signature was elicited from him by threats of violence , and by actual violence, he was forced to sign and write on the statement.

The trial judge admitted the statement without holding a voir dire telling the jury that as the accused was saying it was not his own statement, its admissibility was a matter of fact for them (the jury) to decide.

In Boniface Griffith’s appeal, the accused objected to the admissibility of a confession statement to the

effect that he had stolen two typewriters on the ground that force and violence were used in order to obtain it from him.

He alleged that he had been pushed about, cuffed in the abdomen and as a result was induced to sign the confession.

At the voir dire, it turned out that he was complaining that the statement had been prepared beforehand by the investigating officer and he was ill-treated in the manner described to sign it.

Whereupon, the trial judge halted the trial within a trial and ruled that as the accused was not saying he was beaten to sign a statement of which he was the author, but a statement concerning which another person in fact was the author, it became a question of fact for the jury whether or not the statement was that of the accused. He thereupon refrained from ruling on voluntariness, although he admitted the statement and caused it to be read to the jury.

Chancellor Haynes with Justice of Appeal Jhappan concurring Held: (1) In each case (abovementioned), the trial judge erred in ruling that the objection did not raise the issue of voluntariness; and in not ruling on all the evidence upon the voir dire, including the defence evidence of inducement , whether the statement was voluntary or not.

(2) In each case, reliance was misguidedly placed on Williams v-Ramdeo and Ramdeo and Herrera and Dookeran v. R which laid down law contrary to well-established common law rules.

(3) In each case the majority opinion in Harper v.

The State was erroneously distinguished or disregarded.

(4) In each case the objection raised challenged the voluntariness of the written

statement and a ruling after a trial within a trial was essential upon all the evidence including the evidence of the accused (if any) of any compulsion exercised by any police officer to induce him to sign it.

(5) I n e a c h c a s e t h e omission to rule was a fatal irregularity.

(6) In each case, as a result ,the confession was received in evidence although not duly shown to be voluntary. In Gobin’s case it was legally impermissible to leave it to the jury to determine whether or not it was voluntary.

(7) The court deprived itself of the opportunity to learn facts relevant to determining whether or not to exclude the evidence on discretion, even if voluntary.

(8) ( p e r C R A N E a n d LUCKHOO, JJ.A.) In Gobin’s case the trial judge was wrong in ruling that the admissibility of a confession statement was a matter of fact for the jury to decide, because admissibility of evidence is always a question of law for the trial judge and not for the jury to decide on.

(9) In most cases, if not in all cases, a trial within a trial, should be held to decide and rule on the admissibility, i.e., the voluntariness of confession statements.

(10) It is not the law that the accused must raise by way of challenge objection to voluntariness by alleging there was an inducement to him to confess , so as to entitle him to a voir dir and ruling thereon, because no matter what the ground of challenge , the accused is entitled to a ruling on voluntariness vel non..

Voluntariness of a confession statement automatically arises whenever admissibiity is in issue.

(11) T h e j u d g m e n t o f Harper v.The State, on the one hand, conflicts with those of The State v. Fowler and the

State v. Dhannie Ramsingh, on the other. The ratio in both the latter cases is harmful to the spirit of a fair trial and repugnant to the proper administration of justice, and must be overruled.

(12) ( p e r H AY N E S , C.,CRANE, R.H.LUCKHOO and JHAPPAN,JJ.A) The principle underlying stare decisis in the Guyana Court of Appeal is not the same for criminal as for civil cases. In criminal cases it is less rigid. Jurisdiction of the court to overrule previously decided cases is a continuing one . Our court will exercise judicial review whenever there is to be determined “some broad issue of justice, public policy or question of legal principle”; and in a criminal cause or matter which is plainly wrong and manifestly unjust will overrule it without hesita-

tion.

(13) (per BOLLERS,C.J. dissenting): The decisions of the majority in Dhannie Ramsingh and Fowler were correctly made and ought not to be disturbed.

The doctrine of stare decisis must prevail. Alternatively, even if those decisions are wrong, it is better that the law is certain rather than perfect.

(14) The trial judge’s direction in Gobin’s case was clearly wrong as admissibility of evidence is never a question for the jury, but always for the judge. The trial judge erred when he took no preliminary evidence on voluntariness in the presence of the jury and gave no ruling on the matter..

(15) T h e t r i a l judge’s procedure was wrong in bringing the voir dire prematurely to an end in Boniface Griffith’s case for the objection was based on the ground that force and violence were used to obtain the confession. All evidence

VII

By George Barclay should have been heard on the issue and then a ruling made on the voluntariness of the statement.

The Appeals were allowed. The decisions of the High Court were set aside.

The five member Court of Appeal had referred to 118 cases.

Mr. R.H. Mc.Kay, S.C. with Mr. B. Prasad S.C.and Mr.Stanley Moore , appeared for Oswald Gobin.

McKay S.C. with Robert Hanoman and Mr. Stanley Moore represented Boniface.

Mr. G.H. R. Jackman¸Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, with Mr. L. R. Ganpatsingh, Senior State Counsel (ag.) represented the State.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Thirty-six graduate from Kuru Kuru class of 2013

By Shirley Thomas

THIRTY-six students graduated from the Kuru Kuru Co-operative College recently, having successfully completed training in various disciplines. They are today equipped to enter the world of work, or pursue tertiary level education.

for best graduating student in Human & Social Biology (pass with distinction).

Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. John Seeram, in congratulating the graduands, asserted: “This is your moment of glory. It is the culmination of a period of time – months and years of dedication, determination, challenges and hard work,

Board Member Ms. Penelope Harris presents trophy to Valedictorian 2013, Emmanuel Forrester (Photos by Adrian Narine) The graduating students were accredited as follows: • Diploma in Secondary Education (7 graduates) • Diploma in Digital Photography (5 graduates) • Certificate in Leadership Development Skills (11) • Co-operative Board of Directors Training (5 graduates) Valedictorian (best graduating student) was Emmanuel Forrester, who topped the Diploma in Secondary Education class with four Distinctions; two Grade Ones; two Grade Twos and one Grade Three (9 subjects).

Runner-up was Alford Callender, with two Distinctions; three Grade Ones; three Grade Twos and one Grade Three (9 subjects).

Additionally, Forrester was adjudged Best Graduating Student in Office Administration and in English ‘A’, and he also shared joint awards as best graduating student in Agriculture Science (double award) with Alford Callender.

He passed that subject with distinction.

Moreover, Forrester shared joint ownership of the ‘Laura George Award’ for the best graduating student in EDPM with Alford Callender and Merissa Prescott. He shared joint award for best graduating student in Integrated Science with Alford Callender, who, like him, obtained a Grade One pass. He also shared joint award

during which time you stuck to your tasks in the face of numerous challenges.”

Albeit, he reminded the graduands that they are now at a crucial stage of their career, although some distance from their desired goals. “Therefore, I caution you graduates that your achievements should be taken in the spirit of modesty and simplicity,” he cautioned.

He further admonished the graduates to be ever mindful of the support they got from others. “You should always remember all those individuals who have contributed to your causes, including your tutors/ lecturers, parents, guardians, relatives, friends and associates.

While some aided you by way of imparting knowledge and skills, others would have provided financial, material, moral and other support in order to help create a conducive learning and teaching environment for you.”

After outlining the options at their disposal should they wish to pursue higher education or enter the world of work, he reminded them: “You should not overlook seeking employment with co-operatives, for example credit unions, fishing and consumer cooperatives, only to mention a few. However, even if you accept job opportunities now, I urge you to pursue higher education in the long run.”

Some of the options he See page XXV

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Executives pose with graduates of the Kuru Kuru Training College on their Graduation Day. Seated from left are Chairperson, Ms. Dana Nestor; Administrator, Ms Myrtle Richards; Board Chairman, Mr. John Seeram; and Financial Manager and Consultant (Partners of the Americas Shadehouse Project), Mr. Terrence Mc Kenzie.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

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CRY FREEDOM! A firsthand account of life under Apartheid

By Jimmy Roos I WAS born in the former South West Africa, now called Namibia, a country that was illegally occupied and ruled by the white South African Government, and that was subjected to its system of apartheid, as were all people of colour who lived in South Africa.

Apartheid is an Afrikaans term that means “separateness”.

It refers to the system the South African Government designed and implemented to separate whites and blacks from each other in every facet of life, except in the economic sphere, when they were working together.

The system of apartheid was introduced in 1948 by the National Party in South Africa to uplift the condition of poor whites by creating an artificial barrier between blacks and whites. Once the system of apartheid was created, the South African Government began to divert a disproportionately larger percentage of the country’s resources to the minority whites, while giving scraps to the majority blacks.

When the white National Party introduced the policy of apartheid, South West Africa was already under the control of South Africa. It all started during the First World War, when South West Africa, a German colony at the time, was invaded by South Africa, which of course was aligned with Britain. When the war ended, world powers at the League of Nations conferred a “mandate” to South Africa to administer the territory on behalf of the League of Nations.

However, South Africa disregarded its obligations under the mandate given to it when it implemented the policy of apartheid in the territory. Later, the United Nations, successor to the League of Nations, rescinded the mandate and demanded South Africa release the territory to administration of the United Nations.

South Africa, of course, refused.

Life under apartheid

tween whites and blacks. Anyone, black or white, who broke the law was dragged before the courts and sent to prison.

Moreover, whites preferred to be addressed by the Afrikaans terms “baas” or “miesies”, which meant “boss” and “Mrs” in English.

Segregated bathroom

Levels of racism Apartheid wasn’t just separation between whites and blacks, but also separation between people of colour. The South Africans knew that united people were harder to control, so they emphasized the differences between the different racial groups, and sometimes

because years of service meant they were treated a little better than a new maid would be.

The economy The economy was totally controlled by whites, who gave tenders and contracts to white firms. All managers and most supervisors in the public service and private sector were white, while all the lower level workers were black. Those blacks who were educated could work in government offices as well as in private white owned companies. However, they were allowed to advance only up to the level of supervisor, but not beyond.

Those blacks who were uneducated, and this meant most of our parents, worked as maids and gardeners for the whites.

Administration Whites had one education system to administer education for all white children, whereas blacks had a myriad of administrations to control the education of their respective ethnic group. For example, South West Africa had seven official black ethnic groups, with each group having its own administration controlling its education system. The people who were put in charge of those entities were those blacks who were friendly with whites and accepted the status quo.

The white administration gave funds to those entities after they had submitted a budget. I have no idea what criteria was used to decide how much money to give to each, but either way, it was up to those ethnic administrations to decide how much money they would further distribute to the different departments under them, which included education and social welfare.

Living under apartheid was a dehumanizing experience, as whites often treated their animals better than they treated black people. If a black person were standing in a line at a supermarket, one of the few places not segregated, and Schools a white person arrived, the white person was often served first, even though he/ There were separate schools for whites and blacks. The she had come late. If the black person schools for whites were bigger and better edifices with protested, he/she could be arrested.

Apartheid museum entrance See page XV Interactions between blacks and whites were limited to places of employtreated them differently. A case ment, such as government and private offices, as well as white in point is how they treated the residences. One constant in all those interactions was that mixed race people, also known whites were always in charge. The only whites who interacted as “coloureds.” Those people with blacks socially were a few “liberals” and those who came were treated better, had better from abroad. benefits, and earned more than During the earliest years of apartheid, there was actually the Africans. And soon they a law that prohibited social interactions and relationships bebegan to see themselves as better than the Africans, which was exactly what the whites had in mind.

In South Africa, they did the same thing by treating the Indians better than they treated the Africans, hence pitting the one race against the other.

Our mothers who worked as maids were often raped by their white bosses when the mistresses were not around. The children who were born in the black communities as a result of those couplings often had a fairer skin and more pointed facial features than their siblings, giving neighbours something to gossip about. However, those children were never acknowledged or supported by their white fathers.

Mentioning to the “miesies” that she had been raped by the “baas” would surely be ground for an African woman’s dismissal; and most African women would never dare do this, Segregated public facility Beach reserved for whites

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

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British photographer brings to light Guyana’s rich, flawless beauty

By Alex Wayne

GUYANA is an exceedingly enthralling country, with vigorous waterfalls cascading down rugged mountains that rear majestically in sprawling savannahs or amidst dense, almost pristine jungles.

Its flora and fauna are rare treasures that evoke a vortex of spiralling amazement, before realization besets the viewer that he/ she is beholding sights that constitute one of the best kept secrets from the universe of the concrete jungle.

That, of course, is minus the garbage so ubiquitous in what is supposed to be the Garden City of Georgetown, and generally along the Low Coastal Plain.

There are indeed a number of very talented and aggressive individuals who, from time to time, would travel from distant lands to explore our tropical paradise, before returning to their climes to tell the story of Guyana’s unmatched beauty.

Not so long ago, I was fortunate to bump into an international photographer from England, who was telling brilliant stories of majestic Guyana through beautiful postcards he creates, each depicting captivating Guyana in one way or another.

Taking a look at his work, I was totally blown away by his creativity and the intricate manner in which he finished his product. I looked with great admiration at postcards showcasing the Kaieteur Falls, the Brickdam Cathedral, and aspects of our rich flora and fauna.

Ian Charles Brierley travels around the world, creating magic with his cameras and selling Guyana to the universe through his postcards. Into photography in Yorkshire, England from the early age of sixteen, Ian attended an art school and, luckily, one of the subjects on the school’s curriculum was photography.

Although a lover of the fine arts, Ian nevertheless thinks that clicking a button is the quicker and more accurate way to create an unforgettable picture.

Upon acquiring his degree in photography, Ian ventured into

the field of tourism in the late 1990s, working with the British Airways doing in-flight magazines.

Ian loves his job, and is completely dedicated to it, despite the challenges it can bring at times. “My job brings me ultimate satisfaction. Taking a good photograph is rewarding, especially if it makes people happy and they buy it,” he said.

Ian’s work has taken him to Africa, Europe, USA, the Middle East, and around the Caribbean; but he has certainly taken a liking to Guyana’s compellingly alluring beauty. “I have visited many places around the globe, but I am certainly smitten by Guyana’s rich, pristine jungle; majestic mountains, and many historical landmarks,” he disclosed.

Describing himself as a photographer/adventurer, Ian said Guyana’s terrain provides him with a natural habitat to fuel and unleash his adventurous side. And he says Guyana is quite a tourist attraction, with its happy people and colourful culture.

This talented photographer attended the Percival Whitley College of Arts in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, where he did a two-year foundation course in art design.

He developed on that foundation to become the celebrated photographer he is today.

In his profession, it’s always important to understand the camera and have the camera always ready, since one cannot reset a scene.

He advises aspiring photographers not to play around with the angles, but instead to get the shot first and capture the essence of the scene.

There is one little bugbear plaguing Ian: it’s very difficult for him to sell his postcards here; and, as such, he is appealing to Corporate Guyana to assist him in Photographer Ian Charles Brierley poses with a few of having his work showcased in offices and in the lobbies his postcards that depict the riches of Guyana of banks and other commercial edifices.

CRY FREEDOM! From page XIII lawns and sporting facilities, and were located in town and in the white neighbourhoods. The schools for black children were located in the black townships, and were barren and devoid of any sporting or other facilities. However, black schools were further segregated according to each ethnic group. The schools were using what was known as the Bantu Education System, which was designed by white education experts and which made the South African language of Afrikaans compulsory, as well as the medium of instruction.

Students were discouraged from becoming doctors or lawyers, and were encouraged to become teachers and nurses by the white guidance counsellors placed in the schools to ensure that the system was followed. Scholarships to study for these professions were made available as an incentive. The only way a black student could go and study to become a doctor or lawyer was with a scholarship from the Council of Churches or any of the many scholarships offered by international agencies.

Those scholarships were extremely competitive, and one had to be an excellent student or needed to know someone on the inside before one could extend one’s hand. (You know what I mean).

Sign for blacks, coloureds and Asians

Justice The courts were staffed with white magistrates and judges, who handed down judgements based on apartheid laws and regulations. However, anti-apartheid activists were not deterred.

Even though they often lost cases, they continued to appeal and fight through the courts until all options were exhausted.

Police Like every other state institution, the police were controlled by the whites, who enforced apartheid laws and regulations.

Whites could commit almost any crime against blacks and get away with it, even murder. However, crimes by blacks were severely punished, especially crimes against whites. Blacks who killed whites were guaranteed to receive the death sentence.

Black policemen often brutalized their black brothers to gain

favour with the whites.

During the early years of apartheid, the police enforced the pass laws. Each black person above a certain age was issued with a pass (permit) to work in a certain area. That black person had to carry that pass on his/her person at all times, and present it if stopped by the police. Failure to present your pass upon request often meant being locked up.

Neighbourhoods Neighbourhoods were separated along racial lines, with neighbourhoods for whites and townships for blacks. Whites were given huge, subsidized houses with large yards; their streets had lighting and their roads were tarred and had

pavements on the side; while blacks were given tiny, four-room matchbox houses with no ceiling, and the township streets were just unpaved, dusty, gravel roads.

If you go to town or into former ‘whites only’ neighbourhoods, you ran the risk of assault for no reason other than that your skin was black. And you couldn’t go to the police, because the cases would usually not be investigated. Or even if the cases are investigated by the black lower rank police, it would be quashed by their white superiors.

Racial segregation as an official policy ended in Namibia on March 21, 1990, when we gained our independence.

Since then, we have made massive strides as a nation and as a people. However, the scars of apartheid remain in our minds, and still hold many of us back from truly taking our place in the world.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Suicide and Society --A professional’s take on the issue

By Jimmy Roos

GUYANA currently has the highest suicide rate in the CARICOM region, and one of the highest such rates in the world.

This has been Guyana’s situation for some time, and it doesn’t show any sign of improving. Region Three alone has seen a documented rate of 184 persons attempting to commit suicide for last year, and this figure doesn’t include those who actually succeeded, according to Mr. Robert Singh, a Social Worker employed by the Health Ministry’s National Aids Programme Secretariat at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Singh’s responsibilities have been primarily limited to attending to persons with HIV/AIDS, STIs and tuberculosis (TB). After a week of noticing a steady stream of suicide, rape, domestic violence and child abuse cases which have not been dealt with, Mr. Singh obtained the permission of his superiors to start attending to those cases as well. But by the end of 2006, the caseload became too much for one person, and an additional person was employed.

According to Mr. Singh, suicide is not caused by one single factor, but is rather a series of factors which become too much for the person to bear, at which time that person see suicide as the only option.

The number of factors that drive someone to take his/her life are usually at least four, but can be as many as 20. It is also not something that happens just suddenly, but is rather the culmination of a process that can develop for longer than 30 days before the person takes the fateful action to end his/ her life.

It first starts out as something one only thinks about.

However, when things around us don’t improve, but instead deteriorate because we attract what we dwell on, the thoughts begin to turn to actually committing the act. Once the person has decided to commit the act, he/she next chooses the method of execution and the time.

At this point, the person just needs a slight push to go over the edge.

Many people who have lost a loved one to suicide have concurred that the deed itself had been preceded by what seemed to them a frivolous argument or disagreement. They often see the reason as not enough to commit suicide. And they are right, because that last argument isn’t really the reason for the suicide. Just as a fire that has been burning for a period of time doesn’t need much fuel to cause it to expand, so someone who has been contemplating suicide for a while needs only a slight nudge to commit the act. Sometimes a push is really not needed, just an opportunity presenting itself, and the person decides to commit the act then and there.

In 2009, Aliya Bulkan, a 23-year-old woman from an affluent family, jumped to her death while on a visit to the Kaieteur Falls with other tourists. Prior to that fateful mo-

ment, her family didn’t notice any warning signs. To them and everyone who had known her, everything appeared normal, until that moment when two Korean tourists who were with her on the tour saw her jump off the cliff.

Just a mere 23 days after this young woman’s death, Lisa Prashad, a 16-year-old girl who apparently knew Bulkan and had even attended her wake, shot herself, using her father’s firearm. Again, there were no outward warning signs.

Suicide is said to be a cry for help. Those who attempt suicide don’t really want to kill themselves; they do it because they don’t see any other way out of their situation. In speaking with Mr. Robert Singh, I was able to gain an understanding of what people who attempt suicide go through.

It’s easy to judge someone if you don’t understand their situation. By learning about and understanding another person’s situation, we can have more empathy for that person, and in many cases that is enough to bring them back from the brink.

According to Mr. Singh, all those who attempted suicide

and then underwent the intervention programme offered by the Social Services facility at the West Demerara Regional Hospital have a 100% success record. That means none of those who went through the programme again attempted killing themselves.

This can be attributed to the fact that close family and friends of the patient are also part of the intervention programme.

The intervention process can take between one and three weeks, and sometimes can take up to one month, depending on the case. Mr. Singh says that people who commit suicide don’t really want to die.

Their despair slowly builds up from a low 10% of wanting to die vs. 90% wanting to live, until their ability to cope is totally depleted. At that point, the percentages change to a high of 90% wanting to die vs. only 10% wanting to live.

Government’s response Mr. Singh felt that Government’s response to suicide in the country, and in particular Region Three, falls short in several areas, and he suggests

Social worker, Mr. Robert Singh

the following steps: (a): Treat suicide as a national priority issue, and establish a mental health unit to deal with issues of suicide similar to the HIV/Aids Unit and other health units established to deal with serious health issues. (b): Appoint a psychiatrist in Region Three and in other regions of the country where there are high incidences of suicide, so that those who suffer from depression can easily have help without having to travel to Georgetown. (c): Train members of different communities in intervention techniques, so that they can spot those who may be suicidal, and talk to them before they take their lives. What one says to a suicidal person, and how it is said, can make a huge difference in how the message is received by the other person. (d): Create a suicide hotline and employ more social workers to deal with the issue. (e): Repeal the 1930s act which deems suicide as murder, as well as train police officers to see those who attempt suicide as persons in need of help, not as criminals who should be arrested for attempted murder. (f): Finally, monitor the activities of NGOs and other organizations who may work with suicidal persons, to see if they follow proper intervention procedures.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

XIX

Vreed-en-Hoop --A spanking new township in the making

By Alex Wayne WE were drawn this week to the striking village of Vreed-enHoop on the famous West Side, where the hustle and bustle of villagers and outsiders passing through lent a certain air of ‘township’ to the village; and the startling colours and striking shades of merchandise being displayed by vendors lining the roadside leading to the market augmented that feeling.

Clothing, fruits and vegetables were being displayed in abundance, and there were tons of Christmas goodies to choose from in every shop, store or roadside stall.

Everyone was rushing about in pursuit of his/her own business, and a continuous traffic jam reflected the spectacle that has become an everyday norm in Vreed-en-Hoop as in the city of Georgetown.

Location Vreed-en-Hoop is located on the western estuary of the Demerara River. It falls under the administration of Region Three, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, and is location of Region Three’s Regional Democratic Council’s office, making it the administrative centre of that region.

Vreed-en-Hoop encompasses some smaller communities, among them New Road, Plantain Walk, Crane and Coglan Dam. Its name derives from the Dutch term “Vreed en Hoop”, meaning “Peace and Hope” in English.

Passenger boats(speedboats) traverse the Demerara River to moor at the Vreed-en-Hoop ferry stelling, thereby directly linking Vreed-en-Hoop to the capital city of Georgetown, but vehicles use the Demerara Harbour Bridge to commute between the eastern and western banks of the Demerara River.

There is an attractive market at Vreed-en-Hoop, and there are also several shopping stores. It has, moreover, an educational institute for children, and a college where teachers go for training.

passing the Two Brothers Gas Station, and the minute we got to the Public Road Junction, there was this attractive village sprawling before us.

Our taxi driver was very patient, and even filled us in with information each time we made a stop to conduct an interview.

Definitely transforming I was amazed at the definite appearance of ‘township and commercial hub’ this village was rapidly taking on.

We are accustomed to the normal scenes of vendors squatting by the roadsides plying their wares, but this Christmas season seemed to have brought them out in large numbers.

The Church’s Chicken/Jucci Patti branch at Vreed-enHoop does brisk business

Vreed-en-Hoop, and it would provide the West Side with wider food choices and, of course, jobs for villagers.

Villagers are thankful for the facility of being able to dash from their homes to pick up anything they need with having to

Savouring the experience We began enjoying the ‘Vreed-en-Hoop experience the moment we passed its welcoming signboard. The air was certainly pregnant with the Christmas spirit, and roadside vendors smiled perpetually, giving a sure indication that the season’s sales were good thus far.

The first set of stalls we visited were being manned by some rather shy and reticent ladies, some of whom even ran helter-skelter from the cameras. Nevertheless, the beautiful array of well ripened bananas; big, juicy water melons; healthy-looking sapodillas; huge, succulent grapes that hung from crates, and rosy apples that tempted to touch was certainly cause to revisit the stalls. My stomach growled in anticipation of that revisit.

The place seemed to have in stock every vegetable imaginable, all fresh, and tempting one to cook them. We moved on,

The Christmas rush is on, with its accompanying severe traffic congestion

Villagers delight in keeping this village tidy for Christmas DVD vendor Carlotta Peters and daughter consume a light snack before readying for the day’s sales After some pondering, I had to concede that one could access in Vreed-en-Hoop practically any service or product available in Georgetown.

For instance, in Vreed-en-Hoop, there are two commercial banks, a branch of a popular insurance company, and the City’s Pharmacy to cater to the needs of villagers. Just recently, the new Jucci Patties/Churches Chicken and the Lucky Dollar Furniture Store opened branches at Vreed-en-Hoop; and, of course, persons intent on satisfying their desire for something different in terms of culinary delights, or beautifying their homes for Christmas, were rushing in and out of those outlets. The Jucci Patties/ Churches Chicken joint was busy, as expected, with persons rushing in to savour its tasty pastries and chicken dishes.

Camex Restaurants Inc. of Jamaica are the franchise holders of Church’s Chicken, Mario’s Pizza and Quiznos subs; and their fourth franchise, Jucci Patties chain of stores, is one of the most popular fast food names around, with a total of fifty (50) stores across the island of Jamaica alone. Jucci Patties also has an outlet in Ontario, Canada.

While there are no Jucci Patties retail stores presently in Canada, the brand is extremely popular, and its products, Jucci beef, chicken, vegetable and shrimp patties, are available in some of Canada’s major supermarket chains and convenience stores. Jucci Patties currently has distributors in Cayman and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and in Dominica and St. Lucia.

There is also a Royal Castle outlet to be opened soon at

travel long distances to acquire same, as obtained in years gone by.

Vreed-en-Hoop now houses the Shoppers Super Store, Variety Express Store, Chicken and Burger Delight fast food outlet, New Flower City Store and, of course, a Chinese restaurant. There are also the M & M Snackette, Christine Supermarket for household supplies and groceries, Ram’s Supermarket, Martin’s Snackette, Fatboy’s Discount Store, Cell King Phone Depot, and other small business too numerous to mention.

This village enjoys the security of having its own police station, post office and magistrate’s court.

The Tiger’s Palace Hangout Bar seems to be doing business on a twenty-four-hour basis, since men and youths are always there, drinking alcohol from morning till well into the night.

Then there is this amazing cluster of over twenty-five smaller businesses situated close to the ferry stelling, selling beverages and/or fruits, or just serving as hideouts for nighttime reveling, or playing pools and other ‘men games’. And of course there are three barber shops, so villagers therefore have choices.

This gateway to the West Side is perpetually busy, since all Guyana uses it as a ‘centre point’ en route to whichever destination. They prefer to cross the Demerara river into Vreed-en-Hoop, from whence they acquire transportation, because for many the speedboat transportation is faster and is never plagued with traffic congestion.

Vreed-en-Hoop of old See page XXV

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Cell Phone Shack to open spanking superstore in G/town tomorrow --bringing new meaning to phones and accessories

By Alex Wayne

W

E have grown accustomed to the small and very congested cellular phones and accessories joints popping up all around Guyana; and naturally, we have learnt to cope with them over time.

This trend that has been forced on customers is about to end, because businessmen Zameer Ally and Christopher Low Koan have come to the rescue with a spanking new cellular phone and accessory superstore which has the satisfaction of their supporters at heart. Located at Middle Street in the commercial heart of Georgetown, this new entrant to the era of responsible commerce will be opened to the public tomorrow from 08.00 am.

Cell Phone Shack is certainly a household name which must be given credit for its matchless customer service and foresight in excellent planning for effective commerce.

It is able to deliver the perfect package. And, of course, these qualities go a long way in maintaining the extraordinary relationship shared with an appreciative customer base.

The new facility features more than adequate space for milling around or browsing, and allows for proper and extensive display of the products. This is further accentuated with the presence of friendly, polite, and very efficient staffers.

At last, the time has arrived when every imaginable brand of cell phone and accessory would be available at conscionable prices to deserving customers.

And because Cell Phone Shack has branches in Berbice and Georgetown, members of the public are assured that their interests would be adequately addressed by this giant of a cell phone and accessories retailer. Already, this superstore is offering Guyanese ample opportunity to sample its excellent service on offer through unmatchable bargains during the Christmas season.

Cell Phone Shack appeared on Guyana’s commercial landscape in February 2002 in a small shop that was situated on North Road near Camp Street in Georgetown. Over the years, this business has worked tirelessly at keeping its customers happy, and naturally, has built other branches.

It is certainly the place to be in cellular phones and accessories’ sales and distribution, and has actually been dubbed by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) as the number one agent for the sale of C Point SIM Cards and other GT&T products.

Cell Phone Shack is the certified distributor for the Plum brand cell phone and offers other brands such as, Galaxy, Blackberry, Iphones, satellite phones and related accessories.

What keeps this business flying above its competition is the extra effort it employs in making sure good customer service remains its top priority, and that is matched by its very affordable prices. More- over, its management has become popular for the splendid promotions hosted at Easter, Mother’s and Father’s days, and, of course, at Christmas.

This is their way of showing their appreciation to their supporters and well wishers.

Starting next week the entity will launch its ‘Christmas Bundle Promotion’, which will include free giveaways for phones, and the ‘Red Tag 50% Off Promotion’, which will see a smashing 50% being slashed from the prices on selected phones and items throughout the store.

Current and prospective cell phone and accessories seekers are strongly advised to hurry down to any Cell Phone Shack location, especially the Super Store located at 176 Middle Street, Georgetown, (a door away from Waterloo Street) and enjoy the experience of a life time.

The spanking new Cell Phone Shack Super Store that would be opened tomorrow

Cell Phone Shack is offering bargains on cellular phones and accessories to die for

Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Vreed-en-Hoop...

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From page XIX

Of course I was curious about the appearance of Vreed-enHoop in years gone by, and very anxious to narrate for my benefit was shoes vendor Kenneth Persaud, who seemed to have lived there all his life.

“Boss, since I am living here for donkey years, changes have happened in Vreed-en-Hoop. Yes, we are developing very fast, and quite soon, this will be the next township in Guyana.

The village was always busy, as far as I know, since persons have been using our speed boats on a large scale. Yes, we have more houses and businesses now, but we have always been a busy community.”

Kenneth revealed that the only difference in the village now compared to several years ago is that it has developed much, with the introduction of large commercial businesses, improved schools, increased number of market vendors, and a distinct increase in its population.

He said that many of the business standing lavishly today were actually the result of much smaller businesses that were renovated and extended over time.

She seems uncertain about how to spend her ‘Christmas nestegg’

Vendor chit-chat The most important part of our exploration was our interaction with the bubbly, smiling vendors alongside the Vreed-enHoop Public Road.

Pulmattie Persaud, with whom I am familiar, was certainly beaming with smiles, and was certainly getting that Christmas.

And she had good reason, because sales were really good for her this festive season.

“Yes, meh friend, ah getting the Christmas feeling. What about you? Bai, this Christmas sales bright fuh me, but me nah see you ah come buy anything. Is wha really wrang wid you? Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Well, me ain’t know bout nobady else, but since the

skills.

Shanta, as she prefers to be called, complained a bit that things were not so well with her. But after talking Terrence Forde readily gave us the grand tour of with her, I realised she was not as aggressive as Vreed-en-Hoop other vendors, and preferred to sit under her large was a little more expensive, but he was getting the crowd because umbrella and just wait for persons to come to her. the hassa lovers were passing right under his nose every day.

But, of course, I didn’t tell her that. I didn’t want The speedboat captains and taxi drivers were making a fast to hurt her feelings. dollar too, with the large numbers of persons travelling to and “Sales kind of up-and-down for me. Dem from Georgetown and other areas. people get dem own vendors that they buying from, and I can’t stop them. They have the right Challenges to choose, but I am thankful for what little I make out here,” Shanta said.

Strangely, Vreed-en-Hoop seemed to be the land of great Sharon Woolford seemed to be the fireball merriment; because, save for a few complaints from residents on the market. She was selling vegetables and in Plantain Walk and Coglan Dam, everything seemed to be fine fruits, plus she had her little glass-case with hot otherwise. Residents in those two areas said there is still need for black pudding, egg balls, puri and channa ready improvement in drainage and irrigation and, of course, proper for hungry shoppers. maintenance of their communities.

No one could get her to have her photograph Some villagers are calling for taken, but she was proper recreational facilities for more than ready to youths and children, and for street talk. “Boss, I got lighting in remote areas. to mek it out heah!

Things get a bit Employment and Entertainhard now because ment there is a great increase in the numWhat I know for sure is that ber of vendors on there is definitely no employment the market, and crisis in Vreed-en-Hoop. Almost we are all selling everyone seems to be employed the same things, in one way or another. Young so you can imagmales and even females ply a ine what goes thriving trade in the daily sale of on. Well, what I movie discs. would normally There are the numerous vendo is bring out dors, many of whom reside in my niece and son, the community. Some residents and they would of the community are employed help me to rake as school teachers or manage in the customers. their own businesses (stores, Besides, I would boutiques, snackettes etc). The throw in an extra music carts are increasing steadiplantain or eddo ly, as are the hangout bars. Some when selling, and settle for confectionery stalls, Fresh fish is a sure thing at Vreed-en-Hoop… Anytime the customers get while others sell clothing and fond of me and accessories. return without me having to call market get so competitive, I find a new trick that wukking fuh Vreed-en-Hoop is practicalthem,” she disclosed. me. Nah because yuh selling greens and provision, dat mean yuh ly the Disneyland of the West Saleema Khan seemed to be must look like dem.

Side. Villagers have a wide the only fish vendor along the Suh as soon as I come out heah, I does dash on me lil face variety of locations to choose roadside, so she was making powdah and me red lipstick, and mek sure me clothes clean…”. from for revelry or relaxation. the big catch, but but then Cecil “I get a bright Christmas smile for everyone, and I don’t just While in times gone by the InCrandon was raking in high diviDisplaying clothing for sale on the pavement is sit down, I does go out pon de road and call in customers, bai. dends too, because he was selling becoming a new selling tactic for store owners ner Circle night club was the Suh com buy some pakchoy and some bora and carry home, nuh.” hassa (bush fish) right on the at Vreed-en-Hoop See page XXV This woman surely possessed some real good marketing boat stelling. His species of fish

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 15, 2013

Cooking with Olive:

ONG Production’s latest signature creation

COOKING with Olive premiered on NCN Ch 11 on Wednesday, Dec 11, at 10:30hrs.

It featured international chef, Antonio Da Silva of Canada, who put his skills to the test by preparing meals that are easy on the pocket, and very nutritious for the family.

Season One of ‘Cooking with Olive’ comprises 16 episodes, each featuring a theme under which meals are prepared, for example, ‘Dinners for Mothers on the Go’, ‘Think outside of the Box for weekly dinner’, and ‘Transforming fast foods into fine dining’. These are, however, just a few examples of the concept for programmes.

Season One runs for four months (December 2013 to March 2014). The objective is to be festive for the month of December, since persons like to indulge in all of the foods for the holidays. The month of January kicks off with ‘Starting the new year with less calories’ and ‘Be Budget-conscious’.

For February, the theme is ‘Quick, healthy and affordable for mothers on the go’.

Season One wraps up in the month of March, and would feature episodes that would bring fine dining to your kitchen.

Some surprises are ‘Sexy foods with health benefits’, and ‘Going vegan is not ONG Production’s host, Olive Gopaul, and Canadian chef, Antonio always expensive’.

Generally, the objective of ‘Cooking could use right here to prepare meals that are sold in highwith Olive’ is to “encourage healthy eating end restaurants in Guyana and abroad. by promoting healthy cooking.”

Olive says she is delighted to bring very affordable The programme’s organisers are encouraging cooks at fine dining to home kitchens, especially since the meals home to think outside of the box for everyday cooking. Acare healthy to consume. The concept of ‘Cooking with cording to the host, Olive Gopaul, during a recent interview: “My main reason for the launch of the programme, Olive’ has been created in such a way as to encourage ‘Cooking with Olive’, is that I, too, have challenges when I persons/families to avoid fried foods. Hence the profind myself cooking the same thing on a regular basis. That gramme would be introducing more grilled and panis boring! I know there are many women out there (who) like seared foods.

‘Cooking with Olive’ is a light and enjoyable promyself, who are bored of the same vegetables and methods gramme that brings out the diversity of the television of combining them into good food for the family.” personality in Olive Gopaul, which we have all followed ‘Cooking with Olive’ features a fusion of many culover the last 14 years. In recent times, we have seen Olive tures, such as Mexican, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Indian, and American. Its selling point is that the chef must use in more hard interviews with politicians and private and governmental agencies. ingredients that are accessible in Guyana.

“For me, ‘Cooking with Olive’ is very different.” She A few weeks ago, when Chef Antonio and Olive’s team said.

“At first, I was not sure how to make the switch from began hunting for ingredients to match the recipes which were created, they marvelled at the amount of ingredients hard interviews to a cooking programme (LOL). What I do available in Guyana. So it was much fun for them, and very know is that once I am placed in front of a camera, I adjust mind-blowing for the chef when he found ingredients he to the role I have to portray. It was much fun, and the food

Da Silva at the recent launch of the programme was cooked as you saw it on television.

“The Teriyaki Chicken Stir-fried you saw on the first programme disappeared even before you got to take a good picture of it (LOL). When the programme was premiered, I was very pleased, and for the first time I felt excited. My Assistant Producer, LeShaun Morgan, said, ‘Finally, she is excited! (LOL)’ “Cooking with Olive had many challenges; I do believe that with good energies around you as an individual, any project can skyrocket along with God’s guidance. Since January 2013, we have been working on this project, and there were numerous solid walls in our path. One of the challenges was finding the right chef; that was a tough one. Then when I met Chef Antonio in November, within three weeks I was recording. Before we knew it, the show was premiered.

“Then the other challenge was getting companies on board. Unfortunately, in Guyana, most companies want to see a project mature before they come on board, not realizSee page XXXI

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Vreed-en-Hoop...

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From page XXI

hottest joint, it is now facing stiff competition from a series of smaller hideouts that have sprung up all over the village.

Of course some persons step outside the village for a different taste of fun every now and then, but entertainment is certainly not lacking in Vreed-en-Hoop.

Conclusion

Vreed-en-Hoop is fast rising as Guyana’s next township, striking in its appearance and booming in its commerce, economy and social evolution.

Let’s enjoy its enthralling ambience, or become arrested by its mushrooming air of business accommodation.

For Christmas this year, try changing your shopping location to the exciting Vreed-en-Hoop.

Prices there are better than what obtains in Georgetown, and don’t even try to debate this fact; I checked for myself and made the comparison.

Come experience the Vreed-en-Hoop I have tried to describe for you, and then you will know just how much Shoe vendor, Kenneth Persaud has footwear for things are changing all across every occasion Guyana.

An abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables can be found in Vreed-enHoop

Quality fabric is available at cheap prices for ready Christmas consumption

Hassa vendor Cecil Crandon is assured of great sales this Christmas

Thirty-six graduate from Kuru ...

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highlighted were: The University of Guyana in the areas of Agriculture; Management; Accounting and Economics at the diploma and degree levels.

Administrator of the Kuru Kuru Co-operative College, Ms. Myrtle Richards, joined in congratulating the graduands. She asserted: “You have graduated from Kuru Kuru Co-operative College. You are yet to prove yourselves as worthy ambassadors of the school of knowledge. You have started on this trail, and how well you do on it is dependent upon you. You have to be good listeners. You have to excel in all that you do. You have to keep dreaming and aiming for the stars.”

Ms. Richards, however, forewarned them that, along the path to success, there might be pitfalls; but she said that they need to be ever mindful that “the race is not for the swift, but for him who endures to the end.”

Watchwords she left with them were: Cooperation, teamwork, faith and persistence.

And on a very emotional note, the administrator announced that, as of the beginning of the new year (2014), she would be proceeding into retirement. “It gives me great pleasure to retire on this pleasant note in February 2014, knowing that I have set up the institution to hold its own in Guyana for many years to come,” she said.

She took the opportunity to thank God for directing her throughout the period she had spent with the College. She also thanked: • The Chairman and Board of Governors, for guidance and direction; • All the lecturers and staff of the College, for giving of their best to the institution, and for working as a team with her and the institution • All parents/guardians for the opportunity to be of service to them through the College, and for the confidence they had placed in the institution.

• All students – present and past -- for giving her the opportunity to be of service to them; and • All those who, in whatever way, assisted the College or the administrator through the years “A hearty ‘Thank You’ to all of you, individually and collectively,” Ms Richards affirmed.

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Fourteen ways to beat Christmas weight gain

By Michelle Gonsalves

I RECENTLY posed a question to some friends and colleagues: “What is the one thing you hate most about the season?” Well, there were some who said, “All the extra housework,” and some who mentioned “…the extra money that needs to be spent.” But the most consistent response was “…the weight gain which follows the season.”

No, don’t stop reading. I know this is the time of year to indulge in some black cake, pepperpot and extra cookies, but remember, you never seem able to shed those pounds gained over the Christmas season; they just go over and get interest in the following year.

We don’t want to spoil your fun; we just want to minimize the damage.

1. Don’t starve until the big meal. Eat a healthy breakfast, so you’re not starving by lunchtime. You know you’ll be served some calorie-and-fat-laden foods, but that doesn’t mean you need to load up on them. Besides, you’re bound to overindulge if you wait the entire day to eat. Make sure you eat fibre-and-protein-rich

meals and snacks throughout the day, so that it takes you less time to feel full.

2.

Set rules. Establish some ground rules for yourself before you eat, such as no seconds, only one slice of pie or one serving of mashed potatoes. Make your rules small and realistic; even small modifications can save you some calories.

3. Eat slowly. It’s a holiday, not a race. It takes approximately 20 minutes for your stomach to signal the brain that you’re full. Savour each bite, and make sure you don’t rush to get seconds. Who knows? You may be too full for that!

4. Chocolate boxes: Never have more than one box of chocolates open at a time; and keep unopened boxes out of sight.

They won’t go off, so stagger them over the next few months, if necessary. At the Christmas buffet: Do not hover by the buffet table. Make your selection, then step away from the table. Think about what you’re putting on your plate. Make it one portion, and do not make repeat visits. Choose a smaller dessert-sized plate, and avoid the high saturated fat offerings. Instead, load up on fruit, skinless chicken, and vegetables.

5. At work: If everyone brings in Christmas goodies to

Even Santa worries about where those cookies go share, you can distribute your share among other persons in the company.

6. At the supermarket: Make a shopping list and stick to it.

Avoid the aisles of temptation, and make your Christmas snacks plain popcorn, pretzels, fruits, crackers, and so on.

7. The bird: Turkey is a great source of protein, and is a low fat meat. Most of the fat present in a cooked turkey, as well as chicken, will be found in the skin. So don’t eat the skin.

Holiday weight gain

8. Perfect portions: Even on Christmas Day, when turkey, stuffing, pork and beef are begging to be eaten, make sure vegetables take up one-third of the space on your dinner plate. If you’re in charge of cooking, steam vegetables where possible, or use only a small amount of water. Brussels sprouts, peas and carrots can all be served unbuttered; and (I love this one!) use the leftover vegetables in a delicious soup to help fill you up and keep down the calorie count in the days after Christmas.

9. Healthy options: Want to keep the calories down even further? Try dry roasting potatoes on a non-stick baking sheet, or use an oil spray instead of smothering them in margarine or oil. You can also make gravy using vegetable stock instead of meat juices, accompanied by a fruit-based stuffing.

10. Bottoms down: Who doesn’t drink more at Christmas? At the very least, steer clear of sweet cocktails and creamy liqueurs.

Have a glass of water after every alcoholic drink, to keep down the calorie count. It also has the benefit of leaving you with a clearer head the next morning.

11. Don’t eat ‘just because’. You don’t have to eat every single thing on the table. Just eat your favourites, and stop when you’re comfortably full, not painfully stuffed.

12. Cast away the leftovers: If you’re hosting Christmas dinner, buy some extra containers and give your guests all the leftovers. When you’re a guest, politely decline when offered a plate to take home.

13. Hydrate: Alternate one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage or glass of wine. White wine contains less calories than red; and if you’re drinking hard liquor, make sure to avoid the sugary mixers. Club soda and seltzer water are your safest bets.

14. Walk it off: Walking aids with digestion, so make it a point to take a stroll after your holiday dinner. Even if it’s a leisurely walk, you’ll still burn calories. It’s also a great way to bond with family and friends, so ask them to join you.

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Easy hairstyles for the Yuletide season

By Michelle Gonsalves

AS you prepare for the parties and dinners that are inevitable during the season, hair can be one thing less to worry about.

There is no need to sit in a salon for hours and spend a ton of money.

The beauty of these styles is that they are classic; they have been around for years, and will be around for years more; and they are fairly easy to achieve.

1. The bun: If you have long hair, or even shoulder length hair, the

bun can be worn with either a straight or middle part, straight back or with bangs in an elegant and versatile look. Another wonderful thing is that the sleek look can be achieved, on even curly or wavy hair, by just pulling it tightly and brushing it with a stiff brush and a little gel.

2. Curly ringlets: Curls can be achieved in a number of ways.

Shampoo and scrunch damp hair if you just want a bit of texture; or set damp hair on traditional rollers and blow-dry, braid, twist, or corn-row and then reopen; or, my favourite - setting freshly shampooed, still damp hair on flexible rods or rag curlers, now on the market.

3.

Straight with bangs: Bangs add pizzazz and dress-up appeal to a straight hairstyle. Bangs can be shaped by flat ironing or setting. Don’t want to cut bangs? Don’t fret, the look can be achieved by using a small piece of hair on the weft and attach by bonding or stitching to a single corn-row. The rest of your hair can be made extra straight by flat ironing or wrapping.

4. The Chignon: Don’t be intimidated by the term “chignon”, it’s really just a fancy French term for a bun, and it is perfect for last

The Afro

Long and Curly minute updos. The main difference is that it is more loosely styled than a bun; you can pin it in a variety of ways, leave a few tendrils out and work with your curly hair.

5. The short hair: Whether your hair is curly, kinky or straight, short hair looks amazing with accessories. Try a thin bandeau, dressy headband 6. The Fro: If you have natural hair, flaunt it. Just condition your hair, and make sure it is in fabulous condition.

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ing that to get to maturity, it requires their involvement. I am forever grateful to the few companies which came on board and stayed with the production. These are: Gizmos and Gadgets, Ashmin’s Trading Enterprise, Atlantic Mining, White Water Resort, National Communications Network, Rossignol Butcheries, Integrated Security Services, Creative Designer Drapery, Wolf ’s and Imperial Furniture Stores, Rent-A-Tent, Soltana’s Décor, and Lear Goring for saluting the effort, embracing the idea, and seeing Cooking with Olive come to life.

“For my team -- Le Shaun Morgan, Chef Antonio, Zorina Aziz, Rafiq Khan, Lee Glen, Patrick Ramsammy, Jamal Waldron, Keiron Campbelle, Karime Peters, and Fizul Abrahim -- they have worked very hard and diligent in ensuring every thought and idea was put into motion.”

Olive would also like to thank Ms. Janice Maison, Samara Murphy and Jamel Johnson for the guidance they have provided to ONG Production to ensure that they all get the best end result.

‘Cooking with Olive’ is broadcast on NCN Ch 11 on Wednesdays at 10:30hrs, and is re-broadcast on TVG Ch 28 on Fridays at 9:30 hrs, and on HBTV Ch 9 on Saturdays at 14:00hrs.

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Southampton University supercomputer goes live

A £3.2m supercomputer, one of the most powerful in the UK, has been installed at the University of Southampton.

The Iridis4 has 12,200 processors, each of which can perform a trillion calculations per second - a measurement referred to as a “teraflop”.

The IBM machine also has a million gigabytes of disk space and 50 terabytes of memory.

Home computers generally have between 500GB and 2TB of disc space and about 4GB to 6GB of memory.

There are 1,024 gigabytes in a terabyte.

The university said the new machine would allow academics to work on more projects at faster speeds.

‘Top 10’ Pro vice-chancellor Prof Philip Nelson said: “Staying ahead of the game in high performance computing [HPC] is vital to help the university stay competitive.

“Simulation and computation enabled by HPC are recognised globally as the third pillar of modern research and this investment will ensure we remain world leaders in this field.”

Iridis4 will be used for a range of research, including engineering, archaeology and medicine, as well as computer science.

The world’s most powerful computer is China’s Tianhe-2, which can perform 33,860 trillion calculations per second.

The university said its new computer ranked among the top 10 in the UK. The most powerful is at the Science and Technology Facilities Council in Warrington.

Others are based at the University of Edinburgh, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the United Kingdom Meteorological Office.

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A r i e s A certain higher-up has been on your case pretty hard lately, so you’ve been toeing the line, doing everything just right, and forcing yourself to even work a bit of overtime. Without even being asked. Basically, you’ve been very, very good -- and now it’s time to relax. Yes, relax. Even you need some downtime. Give yourself a break tonight. Chill out.

Taurus It doesn’t matter who delivers the offer or how reputable they seem to be. You still need to remember one thing: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That goes double, especially if your antennae are twitching, which they probably are. Don’t ignore your instincts. When in doubt, ask for help. ‘Buyer beware’ isn’t just a funny old saying, you know.

G e m i ni This is the perfect astrological weather for being you. And you know just how to celebrate, don’t you? Throw an impromptu gathering of chatty, interesting friends. Okay, so maybe it’s a school night. So what? When was anyone ever capable of saying no to you? Especially when you’re offering up the chance to try something, new different and exciting -- which, of course, is always what an evening with you turns out to involve.

C a n c e r The stars are in charge of your emotions right now, and they’re currently persuading you to hibernate. So it won’t be surprising to find you in the mood for nothing more than staying in. Fine -- but no one says you have to do it alone. You can invite someone equally home-loving but still interesting, to join you for a terrific dinner and one of those yummy desserts.

L e o In the mood for some last-minute change? Well, when aren’t you? Your fiery, impulsive personality makes an eleventh-hour turnaround the most irresistible thing on the planet. Just try not to sound too excited about it when you call off your current plans. Remember, whomever you’re cancelling with is bound to be disappointed. If you’re feeling generous, you might also mention a rain check. It’s only fair.

Virgo You can already feel the change starting. The stars are getting antsy, and the pace of your life has picked up considerably -- and there’s no end in sight. Fortunately, it’s exactly the kind of change you’ve been hoping for, and you’re ready to throw a huge fete to celebrate it. You may feel guilty if you stay up too late tonight, but go ahead and risk it.

Libra Suddenly in the mood to see a distant shore or faraway lands? Not having any luck finding someone who’s brave enough just to drop everything and go along with you? Then go alone. You know you won’t have any trouble finding appropriate company once you get there. When was the last time you ever sat by yourself, no matter where you were? See? Be brave. You certainly won’t be lonely.

Scorpio If you’re having financial problems, there may be one solution you hadn’t yet thought of yet. What about consulting with a family member? At least one person is out there you’ve bailed out in the past. Why not give them a call now? Every now and then, even tough, resilient, independent types like yourself get to ask for help. Think of this as simply your turn, and take it!

Sagittarius You’ve never been short on creativity, have you? Or been shy about bringing up a new idea? You’ll be even bolder about it now. The good news is that what you come up with over the next few days will border on genius. Don’t go anywhere without paper and pencil -- and no matter how outrageous the idea seems, jot it down.

You never know. This could be bigger than the Pet Rock.

C a p r i c o r n Ready for the pace of life to change? To pick up considerably? Good, because that’s what’s happening. Don’t worry -- it will be fun, mostly because it’s going to be your doing, and also because you’ve really been itching for a change for a long time. So if a higher-up comes to you with what seems like a totally unexpected schedule shift, think for a second. Weren’t you really begging for this?

Aquarius Long-distance friends and lovers will be on your mind and in your heart, and you may even be moved to get dressed and hit the road. That goes double if you have something to celebrate! Just don’t forget that someone or perhaps even a couple of someones would like to join you. Call them, make some plans and get ready to party.

PiecesYou’re in the mood to sit and talk, to break bread with dear ones and have some serious fun. That’s a good thing, because they’ll be in a similar frame of mind. It might also be time to let a certain secret slide, especially if you know it’s the best thing to do. Don’t worry. Every now and then, it’s absolutely necessary to clear the air. This is one of those times.

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Eco-friendly shopping bags

By Clifford Stanley

COTTON canvas bags are environmentally friendly and are designed to be reused for grocery and household shopping. They reduce the impact of single-use plastic or paper bags on the environment.

Everyone wants to go green, and Guyanese should not be excepted.

But embracing a greener lifestyle isn’t only about helping to preserve equatorial rain forests or supporting the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

It can also mean improving your personal environment, improving your health, and ultimately improving your overall quality of life.

Plastic bags, distributed at shopping outlets, are creating all sorts of environmental problems. They are left to linger on planet Earth for the next 1,000 years in landfills, trees, rivers, oceans, and everywhere in between. However, we can all do our part in the fight against

environmental degradation by adopting the use of one of the great eco-friendly products reusable shopping bags.

The best way to avoid contributing to the problem of environmental degradation is to invest in some reusable bags, and use them for all of your shopping needs.

Locally, the thrust for a national switch to reusable shopping bags is being spearheaded by officials of the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Project (GSWMP).

Guyenterprise Advertising Agency, responsible for the public relations aspect of this project, is now targeting shops and business places in Georgetown and on the East Coast and East Banks of Demerara to package goods, wherever practicable, in reusable bags.

The scheme is at the stage of being fine tuned.

“We want shoppers who get the bags to reuse them, and not just take them home and leave

them in a closet or cupboard,” an official explained.

The reusable bags to be distributed are being acquired with funds obtained from the Government of Guyana/Inter-American Development Bank (GoG/IDB) loan agreement on the GSWMP. “The issue of sustainability of the project after the funds run out next year is also under active consideration,” the officer further explained.

Guyenterprise says that it is looking at the possibility of encouraging some grocery stores to offer ‘credits’ or discounts to customers who come shopping with their own reusable bags.

This will account for the increases grocers have to add on to their prices in order to cover supplying ‘free’ plastic bags.

So, over time, it is envisaged that reusable bags would pay for themselves and help save money on shopping expenses.

So think about it: how many plastic bags do you bring home on a weekly basis? Five? Ten?

It all depends on how much shopping you do and how many people you’re shopping for; but a family of five can easily use 60 bags in a month. That’s 720 bags a year.

Allegedly, a set of four reusable would easily be able to handle that family’s shopping for a year; would not pollute the environment; would not kill any animals, and would not consume finite resources. Moreover, that

set can be reused for many years.

Going green is the ‘in

thing’ nowadays. Get or make an environmentally friendly reusable bag today.