Guyana chronicle pepperpot e paper

See inside: Ensuring the kite-making ► Page II tradition continues to fly high

The joy of kite-flying many years ago ► Page IV

This lad is one of many employed by kite maker Marvin Cole who believes that it is a healthy pasttime to keep the youth in Buxton occupied at Easter Time. (Adrian Narine Photo)

Easter celebrations are about hope ► Page

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

Healthy pasttime

Ensuring the kite-making tradition continues to fly high

By Michel Outridge FOR Marvin Cole, Easter isn’t just about flying kites but it is also about finding something for the youths to do and keeping them occupied with a worthwhile pastime, such as learning to make kites.

This 41-year-old who resides at Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, for the past few years has been sharing his skills of kite-making from scratch with the youths of Buxton where he has set up a tent on the roadside just off Church of God Road, Buxton.

This is a tradition for Marvin Cole who would ensure the young men of Buxton engage in the meaningful activity of kite-making.

Cole told the Pepperpot Magazine that he set up his tent since February 23 and that he has made about 1,200 kites of varying colours and sizes to date.

THE ART OF KITE-MAKING The youths, who are under his watch, would get a stipend for their work and everyone has a job they specialise in. For example, Joshua Nurse, 19, would only cut the frills for the kites because he is good at it.

All materials such as kite paper are sourced from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Brazil since they are of good quality and they have a wide variety of colours.

He said the wood used for the kite frames are locally acquired from a furniture store.

The kite-maker added that nylon twine

is used to frame kites that are two and a half to three feet and bag twine are used to frame kites that are two feet and smaller.

Cole has made a very large kite which is six feet tall and costs $15,000. He calls it a masterpiece, with its bright colours of blue and red.

PATIENCE NEEDED Some of the kites at Marvin Cole’s Camp

EARLY BEGINNINGS Cole started kite-making involving the youths in 1989 as a side-hustle near Benjamin’s Bakery in Buxton but later moved to the road front to make kites for wholeThe youth of Buxton engaged sale purposes. in kite-making Cole said last year they made 2,000 kites and it was not enough Cole told the Pepperpot Magazine that kite-making is a tedious task and it for customers so this year they are hoping to make about 3,000 kites in total. takes time and patience to get it right.

He pointed out that the demand is great He explained that they test-fly all so they have a lot of kites to complete and kites made at their tent before they go will be making kites up until Easter Monday. on sale so when a customer makes a Cole said he makes his bulk purchases purchase it is a proper kite they are takof 3,000 kite papers early in the year and all ing away. Cole said the small kites are other materials in preparation for the Easter harder to get up while the bigger kites season. would go up very easily.

A well-made kite costs $1,200 and Cole He noted that to frame a kite such guarantees that his kites will fly and are of as the star-point would take about 30 good quality. minutes because of its detailed design Every day the camp is filled with children while kites made from a template take of the community who would visit to either about 15 minutes to frame in which the assist in kite-making or flying kites and Cole kite paper is pasted onto the kite frame. would usually accommodate them because he Cole said that a diamond kite is not

The biggest kite made by Marvin Cole

easy to design and would take about one and a half hours, while a box kite takes about five to 10 minutes to fully complete.

He stated that the kite-making process is straight-forward and the youths would build the kite frames from scratch and he would do the more intricate designs such as the starpoint, ‘hassar’ back and diamond designs of the kites.

Marvin Cole’s camp at Buxton Public Road (Adrian Narine photos)

doesn’t want to disappoint them.

Cole said he will start delivering kites on Wednesday to his bulk customers but stated that walk-ins are welcome and customers can even visit his camp and get a first-hand look at how their kite is being made.

For Cole this season isn’t about making money but to get the youths to do something with their time.

Easter Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

III

A reflection on ‘the celebration of hope’

By Ravena Gildharie

EASTER is here, and despite varying cultures or religions, everyone is sure to be part of the observances.

Whether, it’s the religious services, kite-flying, picnics or social gatherings with family, relatives or friends, Easter is undoubtedly a momentous occasion. But what of its significance? Does it still transcend the inspirational messages and meaning that Easter implies?

As soon as February is over, the airwaves and televisions are saturated with advertisements of parties and sporting sessions, most often promoting bacchanal-style festivities. From boat cruises to the increasingly popular ‘stink and dutty wet-fetes’, the fun and frolic are plentiful.

On the subtle side, there are many special church services, and families decked in their finest outfits, congregate to mark the occasion. The longstanding message - “Jesus is risen!” But does it move us? And if it does, what does it teaches us?

This week, the Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Rev. Godfrey Veerasammy to explore the meaning, message and expectations of Easter, one of the most important festivals on the Christian calendar.

Describing the festival as the “cornerstone of Christian faith” Rev. Veerasammy explained its source “in the ancient feast of the Passover, the commemoration of the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery. By his resurrection, Jesus Christ has set us free from the slavery of sin and death, and has opened before us the way to eternal life.”

This reality, he added, “changes the pattern of human life as it is no longer limited by the cycle of birth to death in this world…God has made his love for us abundantly clear.”

THE MESSAGE OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION In the Catholic Faith, Easter is a seven-week season of joy and grace starting with the ‘Triduum’ in ‘Holy Week’

and ending with ‘Pentecost Sunday’, this 50-day season has been called “the radiant centre of the liturgical year.”

“We keep celebrating so that we might continue to enter into the meaning of the resurrection and to deepen the way it touches our daily lives,” Rev. Veerasammy indicated.

He advocated that in “every age, the Risen Shepherd tirelessly seeks us, his brothers and sisters, wandering in the deserts of this world…He goes in search of all those lost in the labyrinths of loneliness and marginalisation.

He comes to meet them through our brothers and sisters who treat them with respect and kindness, and help them to hear his voice, an unforgettable voice, a voice calling them back to friendship with God.” Continuing his message, the Reverend related that “He (God) takes upon himself all those victimised by old and new forms of slavery, inhuman labour, illegal trafficking, exploitation and discrimination, and grave forms of addiction. He takes upon himself children and adolescents deprived of their carefree innocence and exploited, and those deeply hurt by acts of violence that take place within the walls of their own home.”

In essence, “Easter celebrations are about hope,” and according to the Reverend, everyone is invited “to become the yeast in the dough helping others in our community, family, and by extension country and the world who desperately need to rise: up and out from the various forms of death, paralysis, fear, anxiety, violence. (…).”

THE INSPIRATION OF EASTER The underlining expectation is that the Easter message can inspire people to do good deeds and make valuable contributions to better the lives of others.

On the lighter side of the celebration of hope, is the ‘kite flying’ that usually lines the seawalls and open spaces/fields – a symbolism many people seem to link to Jesus’ rising from the dead. This also goes along with the Church going, family gathering, food and conversations- what the

Rev. Godfrey Veerasammy

Reverend dubs “good old time gaffing.”

BOYHOOD DAYS Reminiscing on his memories of past Easter celebrations, Veerasammy recalls boyhood days making the kite and pasting with ‘gamma cherry’, going in search for the ‘right piece of bamboo’ to make the head, and the string/twine so that – the ‘star point’ and ‘bat ears’ would fly well.

“Years later, I had a chance to listen to Caribbean raconteurs and social commentator, Paul Keens- Douglas’ ‘String Bank’; brought back floods of laughter of the lighter side, Easter celebration,” he said.

It is the Reverend’s hope that this Easter will stir the reaction intended with messages of hope.

“As we continue to celebrate this hopeful season may the Risen Lord guide the steps of all those who work for justice and peace, sustain the efforts of all those who, are committed to ensuring the common good of societies,” Veerasammy stated.

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

The joy of kite-flying many years ago

By Wendella Davidson ROADSIDE vendors are now out in abundance as they aim to capture the attention of both adults and children with attractively-designed kites.

But this, from observation, only started happening during the past weekend, unlike years gone by when, in the runup to the Easter holiday each year, kite frames, kite paper, polythene twine and even the completed kites of all shapes and sizes dotted almost every conceivable corner to catch the eyes of shoppers, weeks before.

And, particularly in the countryside, children could have been seen running about in the streets after school and on the weekends with their `caddy ole punch’, which could be constructed within minutes from the leaves of used exercise books, old magazines or newspapers and parts of the pointer broom.

Now, with the advent of cell phones, laptops, tablets and phablets, the excitement of flying a kite before Easter Monday is hardly there, with only those children attending nursery school getting a feel when respective schools host a kite flying day for them. The gadgets have seemingly now taken over.

I grew up until age 15 in Danielstown Village, on the Essequibo Coast and I have fond memories of flying the `ole caddy’ kites which I made myself using two pieces of ‘pointer’, discarded magazine pages and a piece of string or cloth for a tail.

I also enjoyed seeing my brothers make a kite from scratch. Weeks before they used the ‘ite’ palm to construct the frame which would then be covered with either the leaves of a discarded magazine or exercise book or an old newspaper. And, if the funds were available they would purchase brown paper from the store. The popular paste used would either be flour paste, starch or ‘gamma cherry’- a fruit which amazingly is only seen around Easter. The glue from ripe or half-ripe fruit is what was used to stick the paper onto either the pointer or ‘ite’ kite frame.

Many stories were told of some children who used starch or flour paste to put together their kites, waking up the next morning to find that either mice or cockroaches had a field day nibbling at the finished product or ants had taken over the kites. But while it was heart-rending to discover that, it

was all part of the kite-making experience.

The kite to be flown on Easter Monday was made of a sturdier ‘ite’ palm and of either the colourful kite paper or the Barbados kite paper (the latter was a little costly) complete with the ears and frills. The excitement was to hear the kite making a singing noise while in the air.

For us back then, the emphasis was on the `bull’ or `tongue’, a piece of paper which was secured behind the top end of the kite to cause the buzzing sound, as well as the loop which would determine how and if the kite would fly which my brothers referred to as the mounting loop. There is a specific way by which this piece of polythene is attached to the front of the kite to allow the kite to soar very high. If the loop is not placed the right way, the kite would either not go up or if it does, it would pitch as if there is no tomorrow.

Even that now is a thing of the past as the mass-produced imported kites mostly in the shape of a bird have taken over, Nevertheless, there are the diehards who still make kites for sale but out of softwood.

People now want everything ready-made, they don’t have time to tear up bed sheets or to put in kite loops as that is hard work. They can now just go to Regent Street or any Chinese store and purchase the entire kite, twine and tail.

Kite-making is an art and those who continue to keep the tradition alive in the face of stiff competition from the mass-produced bird kites should be commended.

The Pioneer behind Linden’s r Easter Hat show o j a M ancine

By Vanessa Braithwaite

Fr

THERE is one particular event that Lindeners look forward to during the Easter and it is the Elegance Fashion Easter Hat Show. For the past six years, this is the only event held in the mining town of Linden that really encapsulates the spirit of Easter and gives the little girls and women the spruce to dress up in their flowery Easter outfits and ‘dash out’ those elegant and creative Easter hats.

The show is the talk of the town and this year will be fittingly held today at Major’s Reception Hall in Amelia’s Ward, Linden. This year, it will be an all-white affair and the show will be nothing short of glitters and glamour. Six years ago, Aunty Francine as she is fondly known in the Linden community, sat and decided that an Easter Hat show is something unique and new to Linden and with much collaboration the idea was materialised. “One day I was there just thinking what can I do to occupy my time, and I just sat there and decided that I can do a hat show and I came up with the idea on how to work with the children and the adults on getting the hats designed, then I got a few parents and put it to them and they accepted the idea and got the children involved and that is how it all started,” Major reminisced.

Now deemed a signature Easter event in Linden, the hat show has attracted many persons and now local designers are involved since the show also gives them an opportunity to market themselves, their businesses and their talent.

Colourful, extravagantly designed hats showcasing Easter culture such bunnies, flowers and eggs are modelled by children ranging from three years old to adults up to 50 years old. The hats are judged and attractive prizes are up for grabs. “The hats are judged by creativity, colour and materials that are used to make the hats,”

Major explained.

TALENT SHOWCASE In addition, guests are also treated to a cultural extravaganza of dances, songs and dramatic poetry all showcasing the talent of Linden. While the event is well supported by Lindeners, Francine has hopes that the show will be done nationally and is hoping that participants of hat shows in Georgetown will support the event. “We go to Georgetown when they have theirs, so we are encouraging persons to come to Linden.

Francine Major, founder of the Elegance Fashion Easter Hat Show

Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

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Turning your hobby into a lucrative business – Adit the kite maker enjoys making children happy at Easter time

By Indrawattie Natram TWENTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Adit Ramanand of Queenstown Public Road in Region Two believes that anyone can develop their hobby into a business once they have the ability to look at things in a positive way. Ramanand who has been a kite maker for over two years related that ever since he started making kites, his passion for the hobby grew.

“It brings me joy to make kites and I look forward to the Easter Holiday in doing so. I earn at the same time I am making kids happy,” Ramanand related. The father of one, who is a labourer by profession, said that every year he invests his time in neatly designing and making colourful kites.

Although he loves being in the construction industry, he wouldn’t trade his kite skills for anything. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he inherited the trade after years of practice and also from his childhood days when he would travel miles to acquire raw materials with his friends.

“I started this small business because of my love for making kites. I enjoy seeing smiles on people’s faces when they make purchases. People always commend me for my neatness. I take pride in making my kites” the kite maker said.

Ramanand’s kite sizes range from two feet, 22 inches and 18 inches with prices

enjoys assisting her neighbour in making the kites. The kites are being sold right in front of the kite maker’s home in Essequibo. He hangs them onto his fence and passersby would usually stop and make purchases.

Ramanand said that although the ‘bird kite’ remains on the local market and persons are buying that more, he remains

Shazo Mohammed assisting in pasting the kite

from $1200-$700. He also invests his time in creating new patterns and designs and even made one with the colours of Guyana’s Flag.

The kite maker said the first stage starts with designing and framing and he would usually be assisted by his neighbour, Shazo Mohamed, to paste them when orders accumulate. He usually sources his raw materials from nearby sawmills, then he would shape, and create his own designs making beautiful kites. Other raw materials such as bamboo and local “gamma cherries” are sourced naturally. This energetic father of one said he usually creates 15 kites per day but his biggest challenge is making the stars.

Shazo Mohammed related that she also

Adit Ramanand demonstrating the process of making the kite Adit Ramanand standing in front his yard where he sells his kites.

He is posing with some of the kites he made

Adit Ramanand the kite maker posing next to more kites

optimistic that persons would still appreciate the natural skill of making a kite from scratch. He also intends to make the smallest kite and a biggest kite for Easter Monday. He said the response thus far has been encouraging compared to previous years and that he looks forward to more sales.

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

‘Kanapang Boys-Pakaraimas Juice’

Makushi brothers launch first modern band in the Pakaraimas

By Ravena Gildharie DEEP in the heart of the Patamona and Makushi district in the North Pakaraimas, three Makushi brothers in the village of Kanapang have combined their musical talents to form what they claim is the first modern live entertainment band to emerge from that part of Guyana. With the use of modern instruments, the brothers are focused on making

Toshao Charles Lewis rehearsing for a performance

‘Kanapang Boys - Pakaraimas Juice’ has recorded over 15 songs to date

music that can showcase their rich indigenous culture and traditions practiced in the renowned Pakaraimas district.

‘Kanapang Boys - Pakaraimas Juice’ was launched in August 2017, founded by the youngest of the Lewis siblings, Phillip, a 22-year-old farmer, who developed a passion for music since a tender age. Kanapang is bordered by Brazil and Phillip got the opportunity to develop his keyboard and guitar skills through practice with bands from the neighbouring country until he encouraged his brothers to acquire their own instruments and form the band.

Today, the boys perform live and on-stage with Phillip skilled at the keyboard and also as the lead singer alongside his elder brother, 24-year-old Charles, who is currently serving as Kanapang’s Toshao. The older Lewis sibling, James, 33, has mastered his skills at the bass guitar. The brothers are from a larger family of 11 siblings born to a generation of Kanapang’s earliest settlers.

Charles highlighted that music runs in the family as an older cousin, Anthony Clement, is a well-known keyboard player from the community who mastered his instrumental skills in Brazil where he mostly performs. It was Clement who initially taught Phillip to use the keyboard and coached him as he developed his singing talent.

Due to Kanapang’s close proximity to Brazil, most villagers look to social services and entertainment from across the border. Some of the students even attend school in the Portuguese-speaking country.

However, all three of the Lewis musicians attended the Paramakatoi Secondary School situated in the nearby Pakaraimas community. Usually, they combine their ideas and talents to write and produce songs for the band to perform. Their songs are often based on the environment, events, activities and experiences that are mostly unique to the native people of the Pakaraimas.

According to Charles, the band has to date written and produced more than 15 songs, the most popular being ‘The Pakaraimas People,’ a composition that celebrates and showcases “the beauties of the Pakaraimas such as the mighty Kaieteur Falls, the mountains and the talented Patamona and Makushi people who live there.”

The group’s music mostly takes the form of reggae and the popular Brazilian Forró genre.

The songs are composed and performed in English and Portuguese as well as the native Indigenous Makushi and Patamona dialects.

Since its launch, Charles said the band has been enjoying significant support, especially in the nearby Brazilian communities, with its most recent performance being last January in the town of Uiramutã, Roraima.

“That town has a population of about Turn to page IX ►►► 4,000, and it was there we saw our largest ever

‘Kanapang Boys - Pakaraimas Juice’ was launched August 2017

Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

VII

She means business

Carolyn Caesar-Murray takes the hospitality industry by storm

By Michel Outridge

is in her blood since she grew up in the hotel business where she observed her now-late father manage the Secret Villa Hotels which he established.

She opened the Harmony Inn Hotel at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara and the one in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

When her father passed away last October she fully took charge of managing the hotels in partnership with her husband.

She came from humble beginnings in Albouystown, where she used to sell in the family shop at age six and also assisted her parents with the stall they had at Ruimveldt Market before and after school on a daily basis.

“I have worked hard all my life and continue to and I believe that when I started working at a young age it laid the foundation for me to flourish in business because I have

BEING a woman in the hotel business is very challenging but with her wit and determination, Carolyn Caesar-Murray is a force to be reckoned especially with the full-time support of her husband to help her achieve her goals.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that as a woman managing hotels is a herculean task but over the years she has garnered some skills which she uses to her advantage.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management from the University of Guyana (UG), Caesar-Murray is on top of her game.

HOTEL BUSINESS She manages the four branches of Secret Villa and Harmony Inn Hotels in Guyana long-side her husband.

The eldest of three children, Caesar-Murray said the business

Businesswoman, Carolyn Caesar-Murray

the experience,” Caesar-Murray said.

Her late father Charles Caesar Snr. constructed three apartments on the lower flat of their Copper Street, Albouystown house back in 1998 and which he rented to UG students.

It was a risk he took because he was told that students would not want to live in the area given the stigma attached to the community, but the business was lucrative since the UG students stayed for two to four years and then the idea of having a hotel was conceptualised.

He built the Secret Villa Hotel at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara then established another branch in Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

“As a woman, we have a more critical eye for detail, décor and fashion and I use Turn to page X ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

Sisters beating the odds - Expanding farming practices in Yarrowkabra

By Svetlana Marshall

Jehanne King feeding their ducks at the family’s Yarrowkabra farm on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway

THREE sisters are capitalising on the advantages of farming in Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and at the same time, are beating the odds as they set their eyes on citrus, cash crop and sour-sop leaf exportation.

Located approximately 38 miles from the capital city, Yarrowkabra is known for farming. Its sandy soil type makes it ideal for farming citrus and cash crops in addition to poultry farming.

The majority of the more than 5,000 residents there, either farm for domestic and or commercial purposes, and Janel, Jovita and Jehanne King are no exception.

For the past six years, these young women have been managing their family farm in Yarrowkabra. During a recent visit to the community, Jovita, the second of the three sisters, was busy

ago we had pigs and we would put the mould on the older trees because pig mould is very strong, you wouldn’t take chance to put it on the young cash crops but everything we use is from our compost, from our chicken farm, the ducks, the goats,” the 22-year-old further explained.

Presently, the sisters supply persons at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) with produce in addition to persons operating out of several Government Ministries on a daily basis while also selling to their neighbours and friends.

However, the girls – ages 20, 22 and 26 – are looking to expand their operation at Yarrowkabra and beyond, reaching as far

Jovita King

moulding the citrus trees on the farm.

“We have a small-scale farm that is 100 per cent organic,” Jovita told the Pepperpot Magazine as she took a 15 minutes break from her routine farming activities.

On their farm measuring one acre, the sisters’ plant bora, tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, celery, parsley, carilli (corilla) Jovita King moulding a section of and eggplant commonly called the family farm boulanger. Additionally, the farm is filled with soursop and papaya trees, in addition to lime, guava, coconut, tangerine, cherry and as Long Creek where the family has managed to secure another pear trees. Meat birds, ducks and goats are also reared on the farm. plot of land.

Jovita explained that they would use animal manure with “We are in the process of gathering additional lands and green manure as a form of organic fertiliser, stating clearly that acquiring a loan that would allow us to expand. Right now we no chemical fertilisers are used to grow their crops. do small-scale farming but we are trying to reach the standard of “Our farm is 100 per cent organic because as we rear our exporting,” Jovita said. chickens, we would use the manure on our plants. Three years She noted that while the family is hoping to export cash crops in the not so distant future, it is also looking for markets abroad for the sale of soursop and papaya leaves due to their health benefits.

Rich in protein, calcium, fructose, fat, vitamins ‘A’ and ‘B’, soursop leaves are said to have excellent medical properties that can treat cancer, uric acid, back pain, eczema and rheumatism.

Papaya leaves reportedly have anti-malarial properties and are good for treatment of the hair and skin.

“So we are hoping to get a market to export and be used locally for health purposes,” said an optimistic Jovita.

Until they acquire the necessary lands and loan needed to upgrade their farming, Jovita said they will continue to maintain their farm at Yarrowkabra, but that is not without its challenges.

“As it stands now we are not having steady water up here.

We still struggle with water, sometimes we have to pump from the creek many days, and the weather changes because right now we are experiencing the dry season. It’s only recently we got electricity but the water pressure is very, very low,” she explained.

Nonetheless, to increase their chances, the sisters, all of whom studied Agricultural Science at secondary school will be specialising in various fields within the sector. Very soon, Jovita said she will be studying Herbology while her younger sister has an interest in Agricultural Mechanics. The eldest sister, Janel is expected to commence studies at the Guyana School of Agriculture soon.

Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

IX

The role a Grade six teacher plays in a child’s success OVER 14,000 of the nation’s children on Wednesday and Thursday sat the National Grade Six Assessment Examination (NGSA) at their respective schools and centres. They sat- some nervously, some confidently- awaiting the instruction from the invigilator to turn over the paper and begin the examination. It was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, their performance is deemed very important to their future successes. What school they will be awarded is, for many cases than few, a determining factor on what their lives will be like for the next five to seven years.

Sitting nervously at home are their parents, for every parent wants the best for their children; every parent wants their child to be awarded a good school and for most cases, the best school. Sharing their nervousness is the teachers, those who would have spent the last school year or two preparing these children for this examination.

This preparation is one only fit for the strong. A Grade Six teacher has to be nothing short of determined, dedicated and strongwilled.

Carol Braithwaite, has been a household name in Linden for decades and has maybe taught most of the students in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, who would have attended the Amelia’s Ward Primary School. Now retired, the NGSA blood was never dulled and so she continued to teach on a private basis after retirement. For most of her 37 years of teaching, she taught as a ‘Common Entrance’ teacher- as it is widely known- and through many battles and challenges, brought many noticeable successes to the Amelia’s Ward Primary School.

Giving encouragement to the present teachers while reminiscing about the years spent in front of the blackboard in school, Teacher Carol explained how being an NGSA teacher is no easy task, and sometimes can be very unthankful. “To be an NGSA teacher, you have to first of all, have a genuine love not only for teaching but for teaching that level of children. It is something that has to be narrowed down. It is no easy task for those who have the children’s success at heart as if it is your very own children. It is long hours at work, a lot of extra lessons, a lot of research, a lot of practising of old examination papers, a lot of faith, a lot of prayers, a lot of tears,” she explained. “It is as if those children’s future is in your hands and you have two terms to make the best of it.”

Teacher Carol said that she was able to get good results after years of trial and error and one of the decisions she made, was to take the children from Grades Five since in Grade Six you are only given two terms to prepare. Grade Five is deemed a pre- NGSA class and so it is as if the work begins there.

She stated that she met her first real mentor, Sir Eric Baird (now deceased) in 1993 when she was placed to co-teach with him. It was there she learned the real ropes of carrying the class. “Eric Baird taught me a lot; how to work the syllabus, what to prioritise, how to meet the abilities of all the children so that the high fliers won’t be held back while the average workers would be given the needed individual attention as well,” she articulated.

◄◄◄ From page VI

Transportation, however, remains one of the band’s main challenges due to the difficulties in traversing the mountainous terrains.

Looking ahead, ‘Kanapang Boys’ is hoping to promote their band and music nationally across Guyana with dreams of producing their own CDs/DVDs. However, a limited financial capacity of the musicians and lack of sponsorship to support these activities are daunting factors.

Nevertheless, the young men are determined to make their band known on a wider scale and expose their Indigenous culture and talents to Guyanese in all parts of the country.

crowd,” Charles told the Pepperpot Magazine, adding “we are usually invited to play at almost all events and occasions during the year.”

The band has gained popularity at private events too such as birthdays, weddings, parties and other social gatherings in Kanapang and nearby villages of the North Pakaraimas.

A few months ago, Charles and Phillip took to the stage in Kato during a talent show to entertain a gathering of government officials, Toshaos and other community leaders who had gathered for a quarterly meeting.

COMING DOWN TO CRUNCH TIME About one term prior to the examination, the mission is to complete the syllabus while revisiting topics that are sure to come in the examination; topics that the children experience difficulty in handling while pushing in a lot of practise sessions. It is a race, she said, only the strong will survive to the end.

“At that time, the children would come in for 07:30 hrs even though school starts at 08:00 hrs. After lessons the day before, I would set up work for them to do. I normally work Sunday to Sunday and most nights classes would finish around 20:00hrs. In addition to that, you have to give individual tutoring to the weak ones because while I may have that top group in my head, for me, every child counts and every child can do it. You also have to get parental support. The parents have an integral role to play in their child’s success and the parents also have to understand that teachers do not make brains. The teacher, the parent and the child have to work in unison for success because the teacher can put in all the work and if a child does not put forth that interest, magic cannot happen,” she said.

ONE LESS MARK With the zoning system implemented by the Ministry of Education, Teacher Carol explained that one less mark can make an entire difference in school placements and so she tries to explain to the children that every question should be treated as equally important. They are also taught the ropes of application and their reasoning skills are strengthened which is needed to tackle Paper II questions. Days prior to the examination, she always tried to boost the children’s confidence that they can make it; they can achieve

that school they want to attend and all that is needed is for them to apply what they would have been taught. “I use to get really nervous when it was the examination day, maybe more nervous that the children and their parents,” Carol joked. “I remembered crying while they are writing the examination and waiting patiently for them to break to ask how they got through. Prayers also kept me through, I prayed a lot for my students, for them to make their parents proud, their school proud and their community proud.”

BROWN ENVELOPE “My weakest moments would be seeing the Headteacher walking up the school stairs

with the results in a brown envelope. You sometimes don’t know whether to scream, stay quiet, sit, stand or just to walk up and down, but when you hear joyful screams, it is a sigh of relief.”

She explained that an NGSA teacher always hopes that her children make it in the top 10 for the region and top one per cent for the country and for her years of dedication, she would have achieved this repeatedly.

Most satisfying, though, is the surprises of the average children who would have worked extra hard to attain Mackenzie High School.

“At the end of it all, it’s the smile of the children and the parents that make it all worth it,” Teacher Carol said.

X ◄◄◄ From page VII

these qualities to the best of my ability in the hotel business to utilise space,” Caesar-Murray said.

Noting that she is not taking away anything from men, especially her husband Kevin Murray, she manages staff and at times customers.

She related that in the hotel business, getting to know customers is of great importance

since they have to cater to their needs and once they are comfortable they will return.

Caesar-Murray said the hotel business has its peak time when business booms then an off-time when it is slow and it is then she uses the time to train staff and renovate the buildings.

“The hotel business is good once you can grasp the managerial aspect of it and I encourage more women to get on board and become entrepreneurs and establish their own

Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

businesses,” she said.

This entrepreneur told the Pepperpot Magazine that what makes their hotels different is that they have hot and cold baths, bathtubs and jacuzzis with fully furnished rooms that are outfitted with a sitting and kitchen area and several other amenities for comfort.

She added that 70 per cent of their apartments are customised for customer’s satisfaction and they also cater for any special events such as birthdays, anniversaries.

Caesar-Murray disclosed that her main challenge managing hotels is the issue with staff, noting that the younger generation is so different and they often consider hospitality work as menial and would often prefer to be in the technology business.

COMMUNITY WORK The businesswoman was elected councillor for the municipality of Georgetown in 2010 and she works behind the scenes in

Constituency 10 Albouystown/Charlestown area.

As a councillor she uses the platform to articulate issues affecting the citizens. She is also a member of the Guyana Association on Municipalities (GAM) and sponsors the football tournament in Albouystown twice every year and does a lot in an effort to enhance the lives of residents in her community.

Caesar-Murray is also involved in the literacy project in which children are taught to read and write while they are offered a hot meal at every session in Albouystown.

She also attends and actively participates in council meetings that consider and enact all local laws that govern the city, approve the operating and capital budgets and review lands use and zoning matters.

Caesar-Murray is also a member of the management committee for the ICT hub in Albouystown/Charlestown area.

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Prayer and Mental Health TODAY is Easter Sunday which naturally got me thinking about higher powers. In particular, the power of prayer – to any listener - as my work over the years has taught me to believe in this.

We can never prove if our prayers are heard but the benefits of prayer have long been discovered.

For millions, prayer is a source of comfort and strength.

It promotes gratitude, forgiveness and brings the hope of better times.

Scientific studies have shown that prayer results in a multitude of benefits- both mentally and physically. It improves self-control – allowing individuals to eat, sleep and exercise better as well as decreasing alcohol and illegal drug use. It allows us to practice trust and unity – in both ourselves and with others. You can pray alone or in a group, which if you choose to, tends to relieve feelings of loneliness and provides necessary social support.

Prayer overall increases optimism, happiness and humility. It brings self- esteem, self-confidence, motivation, productivity and efficiency. It is a healthy coping skill- a way of dealing with stress and adversity by creating and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

My work in the field of addiction has shown me the immeasurable benefits of prayer. In the 12-step drug rehabilitation programme, the first step is a recommendation that people surrender to a higher power. This higher power is a God of your own understanding which could be anything from a tree to a deceased loved one. Those that choose to do this and integrate prayer into their recovery are more likely to be rehabilitated and remain so.

Prayer has shown the reduction of negative physical and emotional effects of stress. It’s been acknowledged that prayer slows down your heart and respiratory rate as well as relaxes muscles. People with a non-communicable diagnosis such as cancer or diabetes, experience less negative symptoms if they pray- at least they feel they do. This means that it decreases the possible onset of the mental illness that typically co-occurs with these illnesses.

All relationships require good communication to maintain and enrich them as well as get the most benefits possible. A relationship with a higher power is no different and requires often and honest communication. Your perception of the listener definitely plays a large role in the benefits of prayer. Those who pray to a loving and forgiving higher power (of any kind) experience less stress, sadness, fear and aggression. One study actually conducted an experiment on prayer and anger. Researchers had a group of people pray for themselves and their loved ones and a group who didn’t. They then exposed both groups to an anger-inducing situation. Those who prayed before the experiment showed much less physical and psychological signs of anger than those who did not pray.

Having seen the benefits, I choose to pray to my higher power as a coping skill and overall preventative measure for mental illness.

It increases my overall self-love and hope as it allows me a connection to something greater than myself. It opens a platform for unspoken guidance which somehow still shows me the way. It lightens my burdens as they are now shared between me and my higher power. It brings tremendous peace as it encourages you to share this burden and responsibility being placed on you. I find it a true miracle that so much can come out of a no-response conversation.

It doesn’t matter how or what time you decide to pray.

Prayer at the beginning of the day brings hope for a good one. It’s also preventative measure for any stress or adversity that may come with the day. On the other hand, praying at the end of the day allows for reflection on your strength and patience that got you through it. It provides confidence that you can do it day after day- no matter what challenges come.

Tiffanie Lyon said, “If one can’t look inside oneself and beyond oneself, there is a piece missing to complete the healthy self.”

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Publi:c Hospital: Psychiatric Department:

Monday- Friday – 08:00hrs - 12:00hrs Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 2230009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

XIII

Farmer Field School - Part One THE Farmer Field School (FFS) approach is an innovative, participatory and interactive learning approach that emphasises problem-solving and discovery-based learning. FFS aims to build farmers’ capacity to analyse their production systems, identify problems, test possible solutions, and eventually encourage the participants to adopt the practices most suitable to their farming systems (FAO, 2003 c).

FFS can also provide an opportunity for farmers to practice and test/evaluate sustainable land use technologies, and introduce new technologies through comparing their conventional technologies developed with their own tradition and culture. It is usually a time-bound activity (generally one agricultural production cycle or a year), involving a group of farmers and the extension staff.

The method emphasises group observation, discussion, analysis, presentation, and collective decision making and actions. The basic component of FFS is setting up of a Participatory Comparative Experiment (PCE), commonly referred to as Participatory Technology Development (PTD), whereby the farmers put the FFS con-

cept into practice. It allows participants to present their findings, experiences and knowledge in front of other FFS members while defending their opinions on findings and decisions made.

Such process builds self-confidence, particularly for women, poor household members, or minority group members. Another key outcome, although it is not an explicit FFS objective, is the development of leadership. An FFS must have an appointed group of leaders composed of a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. In addition, the FFS membership is divided into four to five subgroups and each subgroup has a leader. Through managing the FFS group and subgroups, these appointed leaders, as well as the rest of the members, build up skills of group management and leadership.

Furthermore, FFS encourages cohesiveness among members and develops teamwork.

Although, FFS is a time bound project activity, many FFS groups continue after the FFS learning cycle is completed for self-motivated study of other subjects, development of collective marketing of agricultural produce, and to establish cooperatives.

What are the Core Principles of FFS?

The following are the core principles and components of the FFS approach: The field is the learning place: Learning takes place in the field, usually on a host farm where a PCE is established and all learning sessions are held. Participants observe and learn from the field work instead of from textbooks and lectures from extension workers. Improved farm practices must be suitable for the local context, which is usually influenced by local ecological and socio-economic conditions as well as farmers’ preferences.

Facilitation, not teaching: The role of the facilitator is crucial for successful learning and empowerment because FFS does not focus on teaching but on guiding FFS members through the learning process. To foster the learner-centred process, the facilitator remains in the background, listening attentively and reflectively, asking questions and encouraging participants to explore more in the field and present their ideas. The facilitator must stimulate FFS members to think, observe, analyse and discover answers by themselves.

Hands-on and discovery-based learning: The process of learning adheres to principles

of adult education and “learning by doing”.

Adults tend not to learn and change behaviour by passive listening but as a consequence of experience. Through learning by doing in a discovery-based manner, group members cherish ownership over their knowledge and gain confidence in what they have learned.

The farmer as the expert: The FFS approach recognises community members as the experts within their particular contexts, and considers indigenous and local knowledge an important source of information to be used within the FFS learning process. Through the process, FFS members learn how to improve their own abilities to observe and analyse problems and to develop practical and relevant solutions. The approach inspires members to learn continuously by exploring and educating themselves on issues and topics that affect their livelihoods.

Equity and no hierarchy: An FFS is designed for all to participate on an equal basis. FFS supports no hierarchy between farmers and evaluating progress to later assess whether they are achieving the agreed objectives.

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folklore WATER PROBLEMS Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

XV

By Neil Primus

DESIREE and her three girls moved into their new home in the rural community of Black Forest. She was a single mom who worked hard to ensure the proper education and care of her daughters. At ages 13, 10 and seven, the girls were a handful. She left the small one-bedroom house in the city for this three-bedroom house in the countryside.

It had all come about from a single conversation she had with a girlfriend.

“How things, Desiree girl?”

“Tough, but you know me. I ain’t giving up on my girls.”

They both laughed.

Roxanne was a good friend with two children of her own. Well, three if you counted a lazy, good-for-nothing man that she had married. He was unemployed, lazy and abusive.

Desiree could not understand how her friend could withstand all that. Desiree had gotten rid of Roger when he came home one day drunk and unemployed. He attempted to beat her up but backed off when he saw that large ‘belna’ in her hand and the rage in her eyes.

He departed the next day never to be seen or heard from again.

“How de girls?”

“They okay, working hard in school.

Where you working now, Roxanne?”

“Real Estate,” Roxanne said.

“Really? I was just thinking about buying my own home and stop renting other people’s house.”

“Well, you came to the right girl, baby,” Roxanne said.

They both burst into laughter.

“I’ll check it out and give you a call,” Roxanne promised.

And she was as good as her word. The next evening, she stopped by on her way home.

“Girl, I got a bargain for you!”

“Give me de details,” said an excited Desiree.

“We have a house in the country for sale, very cheap.”

“Where?”

“In Black Forest.”

“That far from the city?” Desiree asked.

“But the house cheap and you can always teach in that same community,” Roxanne bargained.

It made sense. Desiree took a small loan from the bank and bought the house. It was an excellent deal. At least that was what she thought at the time.

NEW HOME They moved to Black Forest a month later.

She began teaching at the Community High School and the girls attended the same institution. She felt elated and satisfied. Then her sister asked her to keep her son for a month during the August vacation. She agreed and a week later he arrived. Fifteen-year-old Troy turned out to be lazy and unwilling. He went to bed late because he watched TV until past midnight. He got up late because he was too lazy to do any different.

A week into the vacation period, things began to go wrong. Her eldest daughter called her one afternoon to tell her that the house doors were found open when they

arrived home from school. She immediately assigned blame to her nephew. It had to be his fault. He had picked up with the local lads and was almost never at home. He must have left the door open. When she arrived home, she learned that both the front and back door were left open.

When Troy got home later that night she told him about his careless attitude. He looked shocked and denied leaving the doors open. As a matter of fact, he told her he had left the home before her daughters. The girls confirmed this. Seeing that he had no keys, he could not have returned to the house. The situation was a mystery.

UNUSUAL EVENTS The next couple of days saw a chain of unusual events. The furniture was constantly re-arranged, the beds were disturbed as if they were slept on, lights flickered on a number of occasions and voices, footsteps and laughter were heard in the dead of night.

Desiree decided to take action. She sent Troy to the Catholic Church the family attended to get a bottle of holy water. She would clean out the house and keep it free of any unwanted visitors.

The boy returned faster than she had anticipated and gave her the bottle of water.

She poured water into four snap glasses and into two smaller bottles. She put these over the doors and windows then she sprinkled the water throughout the entire house and yard.

She put crucifixes blessed by the priest on both the front and back door. She felt pleased with her protective measures.

UNWELCOME GUESTS That night as the family sat watching a movie a visitor arrived knocking.

Desiree opened the door and saw an elderly man standing there.

“You trying to get rid of we!” he accused.

Shocked and angered, she slammed the door in his face.

KNOCK! KNOCK! This time it was louder and more demanding.

She threw the door opened and stopped her flow of expletives. There stood the man, a woman and two children.

This took her by surprise, and she took a moment to gather her thoughts.

“What do you people want?” she demanded in irritation.

“Why you trying to chase we out?”

“Me? What you mean?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know wat we talking about.”

Desiree blew a gasket.

“Well if I do dat, I don put you out!”

She slammed the door shut.

Knock!

Knock!

Knock!

She charged at the door filled with fumes.

Her girls were looking on in astonishment.

The woman opened the door and screamed at the people standing there.

“Get de hell outa me yard!”

“Woman stop yo stupidness!” The man was becoming angrier.

“I said get off me property before I ketch trouble foh you!”

And Desiree meant every word.

“You property? Dis is we property!”

Desiree gasped at them. Slowly the significance of what they were saying was beginning to sink in.

“Well is we own now, I buy it. Get lost!”

“We not going anyplace!”

It was a Mexican stand-off.

“But you can’t come in though. I done fix up de house fo keep jumbie like you out!”

Her voice mocked the spirit as she slammed the door again. There was silence outside. Pleased, she turned to go back to her girls and nearly died of a heart attack.

Standing in the middle of the room was the Jumbie family.

Meanwhile, her girls had taken refuge under any piece of furniture that offered it. All you could see of them were terrified eyes and frightened faces. Then the visitors vanished just like that. She opened the door and peeked outside. There they stood calmly looking at her. She slammed the door shut and turned around. You guessed it. They were back inside. Then they vanished. It was

either curiosity or doltishness, but she opened the door once more to see if they were there.

Of course, they were. All of them were smiling at her. She tried to slam the door but it would not close.

THE TRUTH AT LAST Grabbing her girls, she fled to her bedroom. They cuddled together seeking comfort from each other. Troy arrived with his loudmouthed friends and they laughed and teased each other before departing. Desiree called him and demanded to know where he got the water. The sheepish look on his face told the story. He admitted that he felt lazy to walk to the church which was some distance away so he filled a bottle with water from a standpipe and gave it to her. Desiree read him the riot act. She put him out of the house to face the unwanted visitors. In an instant, he was bawling at the door pleading with her. She let him in because the girls begged her to. Early the next morning Troy ran all the way to the church. He returned with the priest who proceeded to bless the house and commit the spirits to a peaceful rest. After that things were okay.

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Dental home care GOOD oral health requires a team effort between yourself and your dentist. In order for it to be successful, you must realise that only you can make the effort a success. The outcome will depend on how well you clean your teeth, gums and tongue each day. A healthy diet is also important.

For most of the 20th century, the major emphasis in dentistry has been on the avoidance of dental caries. For decades dental professionals are realising they need to focus on preventative maintenance of gum disease as well. Now, the techniques exist to eliminate virtually all local factors (plaque and calculus) responsible for gum disease. So it is not only prudent but crucial for countries like Guyana, whose foreign exchange earnings is inherently linked to national development, to emphasise on prevention of oral diseases.

Homecare involves the use of a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss. Good home care is the backbone of preventing dental disease. One should never forget this statement because it is an important tenet. Brushing and flossing are the two primary methods of providing good homecare for you and your children. Brushing with an approved toothpaste can be of significant value when used in a conscientiously applied programme of oral hygiene. The “programme” is one you must orchestrate in conjunction with your dentist.

In general, dental examinations are usually done every six to 12 months. Some dentists determine this based on your DMF index – a way of counting how many of your teeth are decayed (D), missing (M), or filled (F). It also depends on how quickly you build up calculus (tartar).

Studies show there are two myths that commonly lead to a lapse in in-home care. Patients who have been successful in reversing a periodontal problem with a preventative care programme sometimes believe that some permanent immunity has been created. In addition, some patients who have completed periodontal therapy may feel they have been ‘cured’ with no possibility for recurrence. Both of these beliefs are false.

When dental professionals focus on prevention it allows periodontal disease to be intercepted with relatively simple procedures. This reduces the need for complicated treatment options caused by delayed diagnosis.

Today, preventative dentistry is considered a standard of dental practice. It is the primary way to ensure that good dental health and quality care are maintained over a lifetime. If preventative education is minimised or omitted, most dental professionals would consider this substandard care. A healthy mouth projects an attractive smile that is noticed by all. A person who takes care of his teeth and gums reflects a person who values himself or herself.

In addition to daily brushing, flossing, and using a mouth rinse, it is important to eat a balanced diet so that your body can get the nutrients needed for good health.

If your diet is low in the nutrients you need it will be hard for you to resist infection in the tissue of your mouth, which can contribute to periodontal (gum) disease. If children do not have a balanced diet their teeth may not develop properly. In order for them to develop strong, decay-resistant teeth, they need a balanced diet with emphasis on calcium, phosphorus, and proper levels of fluoride.

Your eating patterns and food choices are important factors in helping to reduce caries (decay) in your teeth. The reason is that everything you eat passes through your mouth. When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, (sugars and starches), the bacteria in the plaque produces acids that can destroy tooth enamel. After repeated attacks, the tooth enamel begins to break down, forming a cavity.

In addition to white or brown refined sugar (sucrose), there are several other different kinds of sugars that are harmful to your teeth. These include fructose ( fruit sugar), glucose, lactose (milk sugar). Foods that contain sucrose naturally are melons, bananas, sweet potatoes and mangoes. Even the syrup from some liquid medications contains sugars. Processed foods that have sugar added are catsup, peanut butter and salad dressing. People who use ‘natural’ sweeteners such as honey, molasses, or corn sweeteners should realise all can contribute to teeth decay.

In recent years dental researchers have learnt that foods that contain starches can also cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acid. Foods that contain starches include bread, cereals, processed foods, fruits and vegetables. Many researchers believe that if starchy foods (especially those that contain sugar) are left on the teeth or in the mouth for any length of time they can be harmful.

It is important to remember that the acids in foods that contain carbs attack your teeth for 20 minutes or more after you eat. The more often you eat foods such as hard candies, breath mints, or cough drops, all of which stay in the mouth for extended periods of time. Foods that contain carbs are less harmful if they are eaten with a meal because the saliva production is increased at this time. Saliva helps to rinse food from the mouth.

In the final analysis, oral health depends on the effective control of dental plaque.

FILES E S A C COURT

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XVII

Convicted rapist freed by judge’s misdirection Unsworn child allowed to corroborate sworn evidence CONVICTED burglar & rapist, Boodram Lall, who in 1967 was found guilty on the unsworn evidence of a child that corroborated sworn testimony of the mother, appealed and was freed by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

That court constituted by Chancellor Kenneth Stoby and Justices of Appeal P. A. Cummings and Victor Crane, found that the trial judge had erroneously told the jury at the trial that the child’s unsworn testimony was capable of corroborating the mother’s evidence.

As a result, the appeal was allowed and the convictions and sentences were quashed.

The facts of the case disclosed that the appellant was indicted on two counts, firstly, for ‘burglary with intent to commit rape’ on ‘K’, the mother of ‘K.R’ , a nine-year-old

girl.

The trial judge questioned the child and recorded the opinion that she was of sufficient, competent understanding to give evidence but he did not permit her to be sworn as he did not think she understood the nature of an oath and, as a result she gave unsworn evidence. Her testimony, if admissible and if believed, afforded strong corroboration of her mother’s evidence.

The jury were directed that the rule of practice was to look for corroboration of the mother’s evidence. Quite properly he told them that they could convict on the uncorroborated evidence of the mother, but he also told them over and over again that K.R ’s unsworn evidence corroborated the mother’s testimony.

That court held (i) the unsworn evidence

By George Barclay of a child could not be used to corroborate the sworn testimony of another person; (ii) the directions were of such a nature that it was impossible to say whether the jury relied on it for their verdict of ‘Guilty’ on the uncorroborated evidence of the mother alone coupled with the warning that they were entitled to do, or, on the evidence of the child as corroborative of the mother’s testimony.

That court which allowed the appeal – quashing the convictions and sentences – had made reference to nine cases.

Turn to page XVIII ►►►

XVIII ◄◄◄ From page XVII

Queen’s Counsel Mr. J. O. F. Haynes had represented the appellant while Mr. N.A. Graham, Senior Crown Counsel appeared for the respondent.

Delivering the judgment of the Court, Chancellor Stoby said that the jury trial took place in April, 1967 at the Demerara Assizes.

After a trial which lasted two days the accused was convicted on both counts and sentenced to concurrent terms of imprisonment of seven years.

According to him, at the trial, a nine-year-oldgirl,`K.R.’ was called by the Crown, as a witness.

The judge questioned the child and at the conclusion of the questioning, recorded that in his opinion she was of sufficient competent understanding to give evidence. The judge did not permit her to be sworn as he did not think she understood the nature of the oath, and in the result she gave unsworn evidence . Her evidence if admissible, and if believed, afforded strong corroboration of her mother’s evidence.

The main ground of appeal, said the Chancellor, is whether the trial judge was correct in directing the jury that the unsworn evidence of a child could corroborate sworn evidence.

The Chancellor explained, “The manner in which the

law developed to permit the unsworn testimony of witnesses is not without interest. In early times all evidence had to be given on oath and on the Gospel; no one but a Christian could testify.

Competency to testify depended upon acceptance of the witness’ belief in the gospel. Non-Christians and children of tender years were deemed to be ignorant of the nature and obligations of an oath, they were not allowed to be sworn and so could not testify; Such was the state of the law until the celebrated case of Omychand v. Barker, (1744) 1 Atk 22 in which the depositions of Indian witnesses of the Gentoo religion taken by Order of Court according to the local ceremonies on commissions in the East Indies were admitted and read in evidence after being objected to.

In the report of this case at page 29, LORD CHIEF JUSTICE LEE remarked that it was determined at the Old Bailey upon mature consideration, that a child should not be admitted to give evidence without oath; and LORD CHIEF BARON PARKER in the same case said that it was so ruled at Kingston Assizes before LORD RAYMOND, where, upon an indictment for rape, he refused the evidence of a child without oath .

The old cases of R. v. Powell (1775) 1 Leach 110 and R. v. Braster, (1779) 1 Leach 199, both emphasize the fact

Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018 that though there was no precise or fixed rule as to the time within which infants are excluded from giving evidence, the testimony of an infant was not receivable under any circumstance except under oath.

After reviewing a number of cases, and perusing the directions of the trial judge, the Chancellor declared, “It is impossible for us to say which of these two alternative situations the jury accepted - whether they relied for their verdict of “Guilty” on the uncorroborated evidence alone coupled with the warning as they were entitled to do, or on the evidence of the child as corroborative of the mother’s.

Indeed, the jury having been told that it would be dangerous for them to act on the uncorroborative evidence of ‘K’ alone may very well, it is contemplated, have heeded the judge’s warning and convicted with the help of the evidence of the child which was repeatedly suggested to them as being capable of corroborating the mother’s.

“It seems to us that the likelihood of a verdict of “Guilty” returned in such circumstances without the proviso (14) being explained to them is unsafe, and founded as it is on a non-direction which amounted to a misdirection in law ought to be set aside in the interests of justice.

“The appeal is allowed and convictions and sentences quashed”.

Justices of Appeal Cummings and Crane concurred.

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Let’s not take our freshwater sources for granted

THIS week as we continue to examine water, an indispensable natural resource this article will bring your attention to some water issues requiring urgent attention. Guyana is known to have many freshwater sources; however, the quality and quantity are influenced by several factors, including: Land-use change Construction and Management of reservoirs Pollutants emissions Water and Wastewater treatment and Climate change WATER QUALITY THROUGH THE EPA LENS Recognising the integral role of water in our lives and the need for appropriate standards and monitoring, the EPA has a designated programme to focus on water quality. The main objectives

of the programme area are: 1. To ensure implementation of, and compliance with the Environmental Protection (Water Quality) Regulations, 2000 and 2. To fulfil Guyana’s obligations to the Cartagena Convention and its associated Protocols.

WATER ISSUES OF CONCERN TO GUYANA ● Contamination from sewerage, grey water, agricultural runoffs, mining and industrial wastewater. During rainy seasons the risk of contamination is higher. ● Sewage sludge disposal systems - illegal disposal of waste into nearby canals and waterways. ● Poor mining practices Mining is an important industry in Guyana, however, poor mining practices can be a major source of surface and groundwater contamination. High turbidity not only affects water quality but also impact valuable organisms living in the water. ● Discharge from industrial facilities directly and untreated into water bodies can cause pollution. This

practice also has the potential to impact major watercourses because water bodies are interconnected.

WHY IS WATER EPA’S CONCERN? ● Health Hazard - Contamination of surface water, if not monitored properly can cause some major health issues. ● Livelihoods - The Indigenous community especially, heavily depends on water for the livelihoods. Activities such as farming, hunting and fishing are an integral part of their lives. Additionally, many jobs, goods and services depend on freshwater. ● Guyana’s international obligations - Failure of Guyana to meet obligations under the Cartagena Convention can have devastating consequences. This means that land-based sources, the effluent discharged into the Atlantic Ocean via the internal drainage canals are required to meet certain minimum environmental standards. ● Increased pressure - on non-polluted sources of fresh water and groundwater to meet the changes in population dynamics, consumption

of food, and general lifestyle of the population. ● Political tensions - Transboundary issues as a result of pollution can arise.

YOU CAN BE CHARGED! The Environmental Protection (Water Quality) Regulations, 2000, were developed to protect Guyana’s waters by controlling discharges of effluent (waste matter) into any of the coastal and inland waters.

There are existing operations which do not hold Environmental Permits and may be unfamiliar with the provisions made in the Water Quality Regulations. The Environmental Protection (Water Quality) Regulations, 2000, requires that

every person who discharges or permits the discharge of waste be registered with the EPA and obtain an Environmental Authorisation before discharge can begin. An Environmental Permit outlines conditions which must be met by the developer for treatment and discharge of wastewater. This is to ensure your wastewater discharges from your operations are at acceptable levels. The Regulations allow for fines of up to $500,000.

In order to achieve the two main objectives the WQMP currently ensures that adequate permit conditions are established for water quality management, through preliminary site inspections/collection of base-

line data, as well as ensuring that there is compliance with the Environmental Authorisation through monitoring and compliance audits. The frequency of audits depends on the type of operation and the potential risk to water quality.

The EPA determines the point or source of the discharge of effluent from any facility.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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A TASTE OF HIS OWN MEDICINE

By Abdool A. Aziz

THE villagers of a rustic community woke up to find a stranger squatting on a reserve on the main access dam to the pastures and sea-wall. He kept to himself.

They called him ‘Coppa’ because of his copper-tone complexion. Though they worried about his presence and intention, they ignored his presence. He quickly erected a shack.

But soon he began refusing access to the land.

Cow-miners and beach-combers were prevented from going about their business. He erected barriers and ran a barbed wire fence. The villagers tore it down. He began planting nails in the grass, the people weeded the dam and got rid of all the nails,

though some folks got injured. His next nefarious move was to cut the dam. The folks built a bridge over it. Then he unleashed his

pit bull. The authorities had to put it down as it mauled a child. The evil man got locked up many times but continued to pose a threat to passersby. The authorities demolished the rickety dwelling. He fled into the bush and set up a make-shift camp. He was a real menace. Then he began using a sling-shot to injure the folks who he deemed trespassers. He felt he owned this piece of land. The folks decided to go after him.

One night a vigilante group raided his camp. He was not there. They torched his camp. He was hiding in a bunker. And he continued his criminal escapes. Then he started throwing faeces in the pathway. Even dead fish lined the dam.

One night while doing the nasty act,

he stepped on a piece of wood that had nails sticking out. This was the same type of weapon placed in the dam’s walk-way earlier. The nails were still sharp but rusty.

He was badly injured and bled profusely.

He scraped off the bark of a moco-moco tree and placed it on the puncture wounds.

The bleeding stopped. He limped away into his bunker crying out in pain. His very nails got him. Now the wounds got infected.

Gangrene stepped in. the rusty nails caused blood-poisoning. He lay there, wincing in pain and dying.

One day, a villager, passing smelled a stinking odour coming from the bush. He thought it was a dead alligator. He moved on. The next day he saw the carrion crows on the treetops and the stench grew stronger. He decided to investigate and to his surprise, ‘Coppa’ lay dead. The authorities simply dumped his corpse into a remote grave. No mourners! Instead, there was a celebration. Now there was full and unimpeded access on the reserve – called ‘Coppa Dam’. How ironic!

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The youth must demand their seat at the table THIS past week, I took part in a new series being produced by the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) for broadcast on the Guyana Learning Channel.

The series, called ‘Perspectives’, seeks to provide some leeway for students to share their opinions on issues in the education sector and perhaps advance their suggestions for its improvement.

What’s great for me is that the forum allows students to actively engage with stakeholders on reforms needed in the sector and explains to a wider audience why exactly these are needed. I mean, who else would be better to talk about the issues in the education sector- if not students themselves?

I cannot speak for my colleagues, but I do know that being in front of the camera can be an unnerving experience, especially when you’re seeking to share opinions that are critical of the work being done in the education sector (like the proposed cap on CSEC subjects).

But if I’ve learnt anything throughout my short years here, it’s that if you want something to change, you go out and make it happen. We want to see a better education sector.

For now, however, my colleagues and I may be a little wary. How extensive is the reach of this programme? Will our opinions be valued or suggestions taken into account?

Or will our words just fall on deaf ears?

This leads to the bigger picture of youth involvement in national affairs.

Supposedly guiding the involvement of youth in national affairs is the National Youth Policy. This Youth Policy has been touted for as long as I can remember and was passed in the National Assembly in late 2016.

The policy was conceptualised after nationwide consultations with thousands of youths. It was crafted with the overarching ideology that youth are a resource that can be harnessed for the betterment of Guyana and it’s not surprising that on the day the motion for the policy was passed, there were a total of 16 presentations for and against it.

And outlined in the policy, are five key priorities: Youth Identity and Empowerment; Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship; Education and Market-Driven Skills Development; Youth Leadership, Participation and Representation and Youth Health Safety and Well-being.

In July 2017, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) called for the government to use the policy to convene the National Youth Council to engage youth from each administrative region. This council, as posited by WPA executive member Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, would be well positioned to guide the budgetary allocations for youth and youth development regionally.

Halley also sought to remind of the coalition government’s commitment to youth development in its manifesto and its promise of a National Youth Conference.

I’d like to draw specific attention to the fourth priority outlined in the youth policy: “Youth Leadership, Participation and Representation.”

I personally do not believe that there are many instances where youth are encouraged to engage directly with the bureaucracy on issues affecting them. Many of the instances where youth have engaged the bureaucracy have been because they were placed in an uncomfortable situation that demanded this.

Work in the area of youth development and youth involvement may be slothful, but I will give credit for the work being done nevertheless. Simultaneously, I will also affirm that government leaders and politicians are not the only ones who have the power to involve youth in these affairs. Youth themselves have the ability to demand their involvement.

Last year, in commemorating the anniversary of the proclamation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, observed on November 20, two secondary school students barged into the National Assembly beseeching

the legislature to be cognizant of the challenges facing the nation’s children in the areas of education, health, social protection, social cohesion and hinterland development as they deliberate on the future of the country.

Perhaps unheralded, these young persons showed that they can go up to the highest law-making body in Guyana and force them to listen to what they have to say. They effec-

tively wedged themselves into the decision-making process.

There may be numerous cases of this happening and for me that is exactly what is needed.

We must not let bureaucrats solely determine the future we want to have and the future we want to make the best. As youth, we must let our voices be heard. Better must come.

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

Bringing joy and togetherness to families

Kidsfest 592 and Miss Kids Fest

By Gibron Rahim

TODAY’s busy world presents a challenge to families. Between parents working and children attending school, there is hardly time for family bonding. Yet, family time remains a crucial aspect of raising confident, well-rounded children. Among those events that aim to foster an environment for families to spend time together is AOne Events’ Kidsfest 592 and Miss Kids Fest Pageant.

The event, as Natalya Thomas who is the director of events at AOne explained to the Pepperpot Magazine, all emerged from her love for children. After starting AOne Events she began looking into creating events for families. Thomas realised, from her own experiences with the difficulty of finding events to take her younger sister to, that there was a need for more family-centred events. Kidsfest 592 emerged from her desire to provide that fun and child-oriented environment for families. “I decided, since I’m an event planner, maybe I should do a kids’ event,” she said.

This year’s Kidsfest will be held today at the Promenade Gardens. The highlight of the event will be the Miss Kids Fest Pageant which will see girls and young ladies competing in the four to six, seven to 11 and 12 to 15 age categories. The contestants will display their talents throughout the pageant’s segments. The pageant will begin with an opening dance number, followed by the costume or creative wear segment and then the talent and evening gown segments.

Thomas noted that the pageant’s judges will be looking for confidence, presence and presentation. “There is no question and answer segment for the categories because, of course, they’re still children,” Thomas stated. Instead, she explained the contestants will be able to introduce themselves so that the judges and audience can learn a bit about their personalities.

Pageants today, especially those involving children, tend to have a negative connotation. However, the Miss Kids Fest is not an end in itself. She explained that she believes in helping children to become more bold and confident from a young age.

She opined that it appears as though the younger generation in Guyana lacks confidence. She contrasted that with the confidence displayed by young people in developed countries. She stressed that she does not want the pageant to be focused on beauty. Rather, “I want it to be about the personality – bringing out the best ‘you’, bringing out the best in the children – and helping them to grow in that confidence,” she said.

Thomas noted that confidence is essential in empowering young people to make the right decisions. She explained that those who are shy and timid are more vulnerable to being tak- “Elsa” at Kidsfest 2017 en advantage of. Her aim is for young people to be bold and confident. The pageant is more of a vehicle toward achieving that aim while at the same time allowing the contestants to be recognised for their abilities.

There will be various prizes awarded to the Miss Kids Fest contestants to recognise their performance. Each contestant, Thomas said, will receive a cash prize. There will also be trophies and medals. Additionally, “Each one of them will be given a crown because I don’t want

Posing with characters at Kidsfest 2017

The contestants of Miss Kids Fest 2017 (Photos courtesy of Natalya Thomas and AOne Events)

any of them to leave that stage feeling like they haven’t accomplished anything because they would have worked tremendously hard to be where they are,” she clearly stated. Other prizes include dental care from Dr SenGupta and Associates, swimming classes and dance classes from Happy Feet Dance Studio. The Kidsfest Organisation will also sponsor a three-day trip with a parent to Suriname for the older contestants.

Thomas noted that one of the numerous reasons for the existence of delinquent youths in our society today is a lack of support in the home from a tender age. For this reason, Thomas decided to host Kidsfest under the slogan “Fun at any age”. Kidsfest 592, she emphasised, is not just for children. Further, “In every person, there’s a little child inside and I would like to bring out that child in everyone,” she explained. Kidsfest 592 accomplishes this through a fun-filled day of adventure. Through the event, Thomas hopes to capture the same essence of joy and magic that draws people to the Disney Theme Parks right here in Guyana.

Events such as Kidsfest 592 and the Miss Kids Fest Pageant are important in allowing children especially to spend time with their families. Children, Thomas explained, are overjoyed when they are able to be with their parents, grandparents and other extended family and partake in various activities. Thomas herself has fond recollections of such occasions. “That is something that I can remember and I keep replaying that in my head,” she said. She added that it is very important that our young generation is afforded the opportunity to have that same feeling of joy. In our developing society, it is often difficult to keep family at the forefront but Thomas hopes to do just that with Kidsfest. “It’s all about family and bringing that value back and togetherness for me.”

The Miss Kids Fest 2017 contestants during a dance number

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Salvation Army hosts Easter Egg Rally

By Shirley Thomas

THE Salvation Army on Monday held its Annual Easter Egg Rally at its Citadel headquarters, South Road and Alexander Streets, where some 3,911 eggs were presented for distribution to senior citizens homes, the destitute and other needy people during the Easter season.

Well attended, the rally attracted more than 200 enthusiastic women from Guyana’s Divisional Home League, as well as its League of Mercy, with the latter seeing representation from both male and female members.

The grand event which brought together representatives of all nine Home Leagues in the Division, is an annual feature through which the various Home Leagues, leading up to Easter Week, stage an egg collection comthe Palms, the Dharm Shala, Archers Home, the Gentlewomen’s Home, the Byers Home, apart from the destitute on the roadside,” she said. “In all...we collected 3,911 eggs and we were thankful for that. We know that those eggs will do well to those people who will receive them.”

EASTER HAT COMPETITION The other component of the show was the “Easter Hat” competition which brought out women’s talent at its best.

There was much hype and a high degree of creativity, ingenuity and keen competition. This saw women incorporating various versatile and non-traditional materials to come up with interesting hat creations. It was a wonderful platform for women to find expression for their creative abilities.

The three top prize winners were: Vergenoegen - First petition, amassing eggs for distribution to needy persons and senior citizens’ homes, the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries (DDWM), Major Mireille Saint-Lot told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Major Saint-Lot said the eggs are collected either from business persons, friends, family or others donors, including out of pocket from the very Home Leaguers. They are taken to the Egg Rally which is held before Good Friday, where they are blessed and displayed before the congregation, for subsequent distribution to the targeted recipients.

Closer to Easter, Home Leaguers visit the institutions where they distribute the raw eggs, but for those at the roadside and otherwise destitute and lacking facilities to cook, the eggs are cooked and served. “We have a few selected homes that will be covered by some of the Corps and those include the Salvation Army Women’s Home,

Easter Hats and egg baskets made by women of the Salvation Army Home Leagues

to use Whatsapp, so as to keep in touch with their loved ones.

THE HOME LEAGUE The Home League, on the other hand, is a group that reaches out to those who cannot perform vital services for themselves. But unlike the League of Mercy, it is comprised strictly of women. All services are administered by women, particularly since the persons to whom they reach out are essentially aged women.

“Basically, the Home League is a Women’s Developmental entity which helps to grow women. If they do not have a skill, by joining the League they can be taught interesting things: how to cook; grassroots technology; how to use their hands; Art and Craft. They are trained about how to take care of the

Place; East Street/Queenstown - Second Place and New Amsterdam as the Third Place winner. “It was a very hot competition. There were three judges who were pleased to see the work of the ladies and how they displayed the hats. Even though there had three top winners, I would say everyone was a winner and we all felt a sense of pride,” Major Saint-Lot said.

It was a packed programme where the ladies sang, danced, modelled their hats, shared testimonies and told of how they are going to distribute their eggs and the joy they have in doing so. All in all, it was a great event, and we are very grateful for all those who were in attendance,” the DDWM gratefully acknowledged.

THE LEAGUE OF MERCY “The League of Mercy is the group that really reaches out to the needy. They are the ones who will visit shutins; who will go if somebody is unable to clean up – they will go and help do that for them; comb their hair, give them a manicure and pedicure; see that they take their medication,” Maj. Saint. Lot said.

Noting that the Home Leaguers are also very much engaged in visitation, she outlined that they also do home visits and generally help the shut-ins do essential things they cannot do for themselves, such as writing a letter to a loved one, or even showing those with cell phones how

household and so on. These are the main things that we do,” Maj. Saint Lot said.

Membership of the Home League is not exclusively for soldiers of the Salvation Army. It is non-denominational and open to women who need to develop a skill or who have marketable skills and want to share them with other women in the groups. The qualifying age for admission to the Home League is 13.

It’s a wrap XXIV

THE Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts had a magnificent start for Women’ History Month and wrapped up in style.

Last Sunday the Lusignan Clubhouse was transformed into an elegant atmosphere to host a fundraising tea party and fashion show. Patrons were in awe of the sophisticated ambience created by Party Castle Supplies and Rentals. The view of the course was breathtaking and patrons were taking it all in with the cool breeze passing through.

Vanda Allicock created a new hand-painted line for both

men and women. Lorane Sears showcased a burlap and cotton Easter collection. I displayed a mixture of the old and new collection. My new collection features black with a mixture of African fabric. The creative hats that complemented all the collections were designed by Melba La Goude from intricate creations. The background jazz music added to the classy atmosphere. I joined Mr Hussain, Chairman of the club, in briefly explaining the vision for the Lusignan Golf Course.

My team and I have been visiting the Women’s Prison at New Amsterdam for years and this year some of the co-au-

Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion thors from Women Across Borders were with the team. Chan Tale Flood and Danielle John, joined me this year to add value to the lives of the inmates. The ladies were super excited to be in our presence. We laughed, we hugged, got emotional, sang gospel, prayed and shared some love. I also shared some of my personal failures. We don’t have to be confined to a cell to be in a prison so we should not be too judgmental They received copies of LIVING WITH INTENTION, Soaring into Greatness by Dr. Jackie Evans Phillips and Nell’s Nightmare by Hilda Bourne. Ms. Ogleton received the three books on behalf of the officers. I am confident this book will be adding value to many lives.

As we enter into a new month with the Easter festivities, let us be aware of the environment and the people around us.

Whether you are going to the Lethem Rodeo, Bartica Regatta or just chilling on the seawalls, Happy Easter to everyone as we continue this beautiful journey called life beyond the runway.

Send us your beautiful Easter memories at beyondtherunway1@gmail.com

Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

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PNC’s Mahalia Dow turns 90 IN celebration of her 90th birthday People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) stalwart, Mahalia Dow, was showered with love by her colleagues along with Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Karen Cummings.

Dow was born on March Mahalia Dow is surrounded by her colleagues of the 28, 1928, and is a part of the Victoria People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) #1 Victoria People’s National Group and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Congress Reform (PNCR) Karen Cummings (third left) in celebration of her 90th birthday (Photo by Delano Williams) #1 Group which was founded by the past President of community when she gets the time.

Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

Some of her favourite drinks are mauby and She was presented with a cake and a food lemon and lime while she loves to eat monkey hamper to mark the special occasion followed by a group rendition of the traditional ‘Happy apples.

One of her favourite pastimes is to keep Birthday’ song. her brain active by completing the word search Telling of what she believes contributes to puzzles in the daily newspapers. her long life, Dow says she loves to eat her fruits Dow has nine children, four of which are and vegetables and takes long walks around the still alive while she has one younger brother

who lives in Bartica and is in his early 70s.

The nonagenarian thanked the Minister and her group mates for turning out and encouraged the younger generation to be kinder to the elderly.

Moreen Philadelphia, an associate and friend of Dow said that she has known the woman for several years and that Dow is among a few others that helped to teach her how to be a good politician.

“Because of those shoulders that I stand on I am here today, and I just want to say on behalf of the Victoria #1 Group that we appreciate your service to the organisation and we’re happy that God would have spared your life to see 90 years,” she said.

Meanwhile Minister Cummings made a special intercessory prayer for Dow giving thanks for her life and requesting further protection over her daily going about.

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

‘Jesus Movies’ at Easter DESPITE being one of While mostly known for the least religious people the infamous chariot scene I know, I have always in which Ben-Hur emerges had a fascination with the triumphant over his former ‘Jesus movies’ that would friend, now sworn enemy, be played on local teleMessala (Stephen Boyd), vision channels around my favourite scene is acEaster every year. tually one that features a Coming from a family different kind of spectacle made up of avid movfrom what is presented in ie-watchers, there was very the chariot scene. Because little stemming from HolBen-Hur spends most of lywood and Bollywood his life attempting to seek that was off limits for us. out his long-lost sister and Despite coming from a mother, it is a crushing family that indeed had very revelation to behold when little to do with Christihe finally learns that they anity itself, movies based are alive but have been on biblical characters and banished to the leper colothemes were encouraged ny because they have conviewing not necessarily “The Ten Commandments” – tracted the illness. All hope for their religious content, directed by Cecille B. DeMille, is lost and it seems as if Paramount Pictures (1959); but for the plot; for the eleverything Ben-Hur has source: Wikipedia oquent and charming men; done in his life, everything for the epic scale of the stories that were be- he has sought to achieve has been for nothing ing told; for the element of the supernatural because the people who are most important that ran through each one, and, of course, for to him have been doomed to a life of poverty the emotional kernel that each one of these and illness. It should come as no surprise films contained. I have always maintained then that my favourite scene is the one in the that the Bible- with its sex and murder and rainstorm – heavy with the kind of magic and warfare and God- has always been one of the might that would herald a miracle – when the sources for some of the best stories ever told mother and sister are healed by the blood of in mankind’s history, and those old Biblical Jesus Christ and Ben-Hur is reunited with epics, especially the movies released in the them. The rainstorm scene is a wonderful 50s and 60s are proof of this. scene – fear-inducing and yet hopeful; “The Ten Commandments” directed by thoughtfully executed to, perhaps, serve as Cecile B. Demille is one of the most iconic of a reminder that according to the Christian the Biblical films that are played around Eas- belief, Jesus, even after dying, will continue ter. With amazing performances from Charl- to save the world. ton Heston, Yul Brynner and Anne Baxter, Moving forward to the modern era of “The Ten Commandments” represents that filmmaking, we still have faith-based films rare film that almost seems perfectly cast. being produced. Perhaps the one most directIts visual effects (for the time) and lush pro- ly related to Easter is Mel Gibson’s “The Pasduction design were undoubtedly some of sion of the Christ”, starring Jim Caviezel as the elements that helped it to stand out in the Christ and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdadecade in which it was released, but what is it lene. The film was controversial for a number about the film that makes it such an enduring of reasons, including the copious amounts of production? How has this film about oppres- violence that were included. Perhaps this is sion and faith, set in ancient Egypt, managed one of the reasons why “The Passion of the to survive into the technological era that we Christ” may not achieve as iconic a status are currently in? The answer, I do believe, as the other two films mentioned here in the lies in the fact that there is so much heart in years to come. However, in-between all the the tale. Moses as the central figure who is controversy, there is an important element to lost and then found and then finds himself a discuss when it comes to violence in films. In long way from who he thought he was is a this particular case, my original interpretation hero whose journey, perilous and filled with of the excessive violence was initially that surprises, is one that causes the audience to the blood and gore, particularly the scene both empathise and root for him. Even the where Christ is whipped, would serve as supporting characters, such as Ramses bris- a reminder to Christians of the horror and tling with jealousy and Neferteri brandishing terrible ordeals he experienced as he died anger and seduction are well-developed and for their sins. The violence, in a way, would add to the well-roundedness of a cast that remind them of everything Christ endured seems to not have a single character that is for them, therefore, hopefully, ensuring that underdeveloped. The way all of the players they are also reminded to be good Christians represent the various virtues and vices; the who remain cognizant of what is expected of way the film caters to the universal humanity them. It is a good lesson in reminding people within us all is undoubtedly one of the fea- of what Christ allegedly endured, but perhaps tures that have helped this particular movie to it is true that the violence was indeed a bit secure itself a place as a classic, in the genre excessive. of Biblical films and in the genre of films as When I was growing up, these films a whole. were awaited during Easter and everyone “Ben-Hur” the 1959 film – we will would congregate in the living room and ignore the recent remake – also starring watch these and the other classics, such Charlton Heston in the lead role and di- as “The Robe”, “Samson and Delilah”, rected by William Wyler, is another iconic “Barabbas”, etc. As I think about them film with Biblical references and themes. now, I risk sounding like an old man, as I

am forced to contemplate and to ask, how many of those in the younger generation

even know about these important films, much less having seen at least one of them?

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Juvenile laws in Guyana archaic – EPIC Guyana proposes JJRC

By Telesha Ramnarine THE LAWS governing the incarceration of juveniles in Guyana ought to be urgently updated to prevent lasting damage to the psyche of locked-up children, especially at the Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre.

To redraft and modernise the Juvenile Offenders’ Laws will take quite some time and effort, but Executive Director of EPIC Guyana (Enhancing Potential to Inspire Change) Executive Director of EPIC Guyana, Brian Backer Brian Backer believes that with The Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre

Statistics over the past five years based on the current methodology for dealing with detained youths

support from all the parties involved, the work can be done.

Backer, who formed the local non-profit organisation back in 2016, said that much of its work on helping youths at the Sophia Centre and he is pushing to have the current laws changed in a number of areas.

The proposed Juvenile Justice Reform Collaboration (JJRC), a plan for joint government and civil action, has already received positive feedback from all stakeholders involved, including the Guyana Government. But none of the agencies have really come forward to move the initiative forward.

“EPIC coordinates with the government, private sector, international organisations and private donors and strives both to influence and to support the agenda for reforming the juvenile justice system. Our relationship with our partners is based on mutual recognition of the distinct roles and responsibilities of the state and civil society,” Backer explained in the JJRC document.

RECOMMENDATIONS Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine, he offered that the JJRC will seek to ensure that non-violent juveniles are not incarcerated and that the age of criminal responsibility is raised from where it is currently at – ten years old.

According to Backer, there also needs to be a classification system at the holding centre so that juveniles charged with serious offences are separated from those with lesser charges, such as a child charged with murder as opposed to one charged with wandering.

Furthermore, he is arguing that a structured curriculum ought to be in place so that detained juveniles can acquire impactful academics during their stay at the facility. “The Turn to page XXIX ►►►

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current facility is a child prison and in some cases will do irreparable damage to the psyche of incarcerated children, especially those with lesser charges like wandering (which shouldn’t even be on the books). They need qualified counsellors on staff, as early intervention in crisis is critical,” he expressed.

FLAWED METHODOLOGY According to Backer, the statistics for the last five years show that the methodology in use currently is flawed, as although there has been no reduction, the same techniques are being used.

“In order to reduce the incidence of youth crime and recidivism, there must be more community, governmental and corporate support and buy-in. It’s everyone’s problem because angry and disillusioned children will carry these feelings into adulthood,” he observed.

The administrators and staff of the Sophia Centre try their best and mean well, Backer said, but their hands are tied as they are not responsible for setting policy.

“There have been instances where staff have gone to court and asked for custody of children detained there, so this clearly demonstrates that some of them have a passion for what they do and are willing to go the extra mile if it would help even one child. However, they can only do but so much, which is why more support is needed,” he said. “The ministry doesn’t have unlimited funds, so there must be a collaborative effort that includes corporate Guyana so that this issue can be resolved. It’s a solvable problem; it’s not hundreds of thousands of children, it’s 30 on average.”

FOCUS OF JJRC EPIC’s focus for the JJRC is to galvanise numerous civil and government commitments that already exist and to maximise current opportunities to improve juvenile rehabilitative outcomes.

The JJRC proposal said it will be supported by a robust management and governance structure, designed to ensure wide consultation, high-quality strategic guidance and high powered implementation ability. The patrons will provide strategic, political and programmatic guidance and advice.

The JJRC will invite the Ministries of Education, Social Protection, Culture, Youth and Sport, and Public Security, along with the Guyana Police Force and the Judiciary to participate and have active representation as patrons.

“This will be a consultative forum of stakeholders that will review the JJRC’s progress and advice on programmatic and strategic direction. The forum will also promote continuous stakeholder dialogue in a structured and systematic way,” the JJRC proposal said.

EPIC intends to secure the services of skilled and experienced implementing agents (social workers, behavioural analysts, psychologists) who will work in partnership at a national, regional and community level.

“This civil and governmental collaboration will allow the organisation to improve the quality of schooling and create new, long-term systems for educating and supporting detained children; provide a governance platform and co-financing modality for joint civil society, business, teacher association and Government initiatives to improve juvenile detention academic curriculum; and sustain the juvenile justice reform dialogue until non-violent juveniles are no longer detained or housed with violent offenders,” the document says.

Backer said the JJRC will not replace current civil society and business activities aimed at improving the Juvenile Offenders Bill. “EPIC recognises the value of many such initiatives such as the Commander’s Youth Initiative that now boasts a membership of over three thousand juveniles and others that are aligned with Government’s juvenile justice reform agenda and have the potential for systemic change. EPIC will seek to improve coordination among existing localised initiatives and achieve better returns on investment,” he said.

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Tesla shares recover as company pushes to hit Model 3 target Tesla Inc shares rose on Thursday ahead of the expected release next week of the company’s quarterly auto production data, while a senior executive urged workers at the automaker to hit a weekly production target of 2,500 Model 3 sedans by the end of March.

Quickly ramping up Model 3 production is crucial for the Silicon Valley electric vehicle maker. The company’s profitability depends on delivering the new sedans to customers on a waiting list that Tesla has said now numbers about 500,000 advance reservation holders.

Tesla shares recovered to $266.13, up 3 percent, Thursday after a sell-off prompted by a Moody’s debt downgrade and news that safety regulators are investigating a Model X-involved fatality.

In an email to employees viewed by Reuters, Tesla Senior Vice President of Engineering Doug Fields wrote that

production of Tesla vehicles is “well into the 200’s on every single line.”

Field gave reasons why Tesla needs to get to 2,500 vehicles a week, including: “There are an incredible number of people who ‘short’ Tesla stock, which means they profit when we fail. And lately the story is the same: ‘Tesla can’t do high-volume production’. I find that personally insulting, and you should too. Let’s make them regret ever betting against us.”

Tesla must “quickly break through the 300 cars/day barrier, and keep going,” the email continued.

Tesla did not immediately comment on the email, which was previously reported by Bloomberg News.

Doubts that Tesla could meet its production targets and concerns about cash reserves were behind Moody’s downgrade of Tesla last week. The ratings agency cited the likelihood of a new capital raise, which it estimated at over $2 billion, in part to cover approximately $1.2 billion in convertible bonds coming due by March 2019.

The downgrade, together with a fatality involving a Model X that is currently being investigated by safety regulators, sent shares down 12 percent for the week, even after Thursday’s rebound. That made it Tesla’s worst week in nine months.

Tesla shares are still above the $255.73 level, the price when Tesla last announced a capital raise in March last year to raise $1.15 billion.

Moody’s and other analysts have predicted Tesla will soon have to sell more shares to replenish cash reserves and pay for expansion of Model 3 production and new vehicles such as the Tesla Semi electric commercial truck and a compact sport utility vehicle.

As of Dec. 31, Tesla had $3.4 billion in cash and securities. Moody’s estimated approximately $500 million in cash was needed for normal operations and forecast cash burn this year of about $2 billion.

Beyond the $2 billion that Moody’s predicted Tesla would seek in the near-term, it said the company would likely need to raise additional capital during the second half of 2019.

Chief Executive Elon Musk has promised to build 10,000 Model 3s per week by some point in 2018 after meeting a 5,000-per week target by the end of the second quarter. Tesla built only 2,425 Model 3s in its fourth quarter.

Barclays analyst Brian Johnson warned in a note to investors on Thursday that Tesla could engage in a Model 3 “burst rate” of production that could send shares up, but would not be sustainable.

Chronicle Pepperpot April 1, 2018

A lifelong kite-maker

Ryan Naar FOR about 20 years, the corners of Camp and Robb Streets have been decorated with a plethora of ‘singing engine’ kites during the weeks leading up to Easter. These kites easily rival the colour wheel and outshine the simplistic ‘bird kites’ begging for some attention.

Ryan Naar, only 33 years old, has been making these kites for the past 20 years not because it provides him with some income, but because of his love for the Easter season.

You see, when he was a boy, he observed his aunts and uncles making kites. At their knee, according to him, he garnered an appreciation for the art and a vested interest in perfecting the craft of kite-making. And since then, he has taken time over the years to hone his skills.

He considers himself a professional in kite-making because he has continued even after his aunts and uncles would have stopped. Presently, there are several factors that set his kites aside from those made by others. Naar explained, “Concerning the colours, mine are different from everybody else’s and [the kites] are so neat, you don’t even see the paste.”

Even with these factors, it’s unbelievable that Ryan sells an average of 500 kites each year. To meet the market demand, he has to start making the kites from August all the way to April for the Easter season.

The entire process- from acquiring light wood from the sawmills to adding the finishing touches- is done almost entirely by him.

“If I got to put a man to make these kites, he won’t do it like me. My kites does be neat because I does sit down and take my time,” he explained. Naar added that he doesn’t make one kite at a time, instead, he does different parts (for example the frames) many at once before moving on to the other parts.

While many may overlook kite making as a simple task, Naar posits that it requires a great degree of craftsmanship.

This skill is perhaps also what propels him in his general livelihood (and hobby, according to him) of masonry and general construction work.

Such is the skill needed that he trusts no one else to interfere with his work- unless of course, it’s his little nieces or nephews, who would help him add the pretty designs and decorations to the almost completed kites.

Just as he would have grown up around kites because of his own aunts and uncles, it seems as though history has repeated itself.

Due to his childhood experiences coupled with his general love for Easter, Ryan turns into “one big Easter bunny” during the season. He just wants to spread joy by selling the best kites or just by sharing his skills with his nieces or nephews.

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IPED on the move to train lead farmers

By M Margaret Burke

AS THE Coconut Industry Development for the Caribbean (CIDC) Project prepares to enter its second phase ater this year, emphasis is being placed on strengthening the production base of Coconut Value Chains through a series of training programmes.

The approach is to work on a few selected zones in three pilot countries - Jamaica, Guyana, and the Dominican Republic. In each zone within the pilot countries, there is a Mr. Allan Lutchman from collaborative effort between Victoria Village is one of the lead farmers Governmental and non-Governmental agencies to work with lead farmers and their associated second- ring farmers so that there can be extension knowledge and improved practices within the coconut communities across the country.

The first Coconut Festival was held in October 2016 at the Authur Chung Convention Centre. The idea was a collaboration between the Ministry of Business, Department of Tourism, and the Ministry of Agriculture, with support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

According to Raymond Trotz, the International Trade Centre (ICT) Country Co-ordinator, as part of the activities there was a two-day conference aimed at re-educating Guyanese about the diverse benefits of the coconut fruit focusing on its economic diversification and multipurpose use while heightening awareness and boosting the local Agro-tourism sector.

The first coconut festival held in-depth discussions on almost all aspects of the coconut industry and farming as a whole, including coconut intercropping. Farmers attending the training sessions were expected to learn much more and benefit as a result.

PILOT ZONES AND SELECTION Trotz told the Pepperpot Magazine, “In Guyana, three pilot zones were selected, namely, Regions Two, Four, Five, as well as Region 10. Within each zone lead farmers were selected with assistance from NAREI’s Field Officers.”

He explained that selection was done by a field exercise of ranking farmers based on a set of criteria. Each candidate was ranked by a team of five persons drawn from NAREI’s field staff, community leaders, and the project’s administrators. From a total of 26 potential lead farmers, a list of 10 was drawn up based on their rankings. Three were selected from Region Two, five from Regions Four and Five, and two from Region 10.

During interviews, each potential candidate was offered a menu of training in five areas from which to select. These included crop husbandry practices for Coconuts and intercrops, Business Training, Value Adding & Food Safety practices and Marketing, he said.

BOTTLING COCONUT WATER Trotz said that training is now being delivered in a schedule of sessions. Further, he said that in some instances the project administrators have asked their alliance members to include lead farmers in their schedule of training. The recent training in safe practices for bottling coconut water conducted by the Government Analyst-Food & Drug Department (GA-FDD), for instance, included participation by lead farmers from Mahaica and Victoria. He added that there should be a similar one upcoming by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) catering for both Coconut Oil and Water producers.

More recently, CARDI conducted field training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Regions Two and Four, and IPED delivered Business Training at a lead farmer’s place in Mahaica.

Trotz informed the Pepperpot Magazine that the training which started on March 29, is for the benefit of lead and second ring farmers in Victoria with some participation from Buxton. A total of about 16 training sessions have been planned for over 100 lead and second-ring farmers in the three pilot zones over the next three months.

He explained that in all this, ITC and CARDI project administrators have been enlisting the help of several agencies

in an Alliance for Action. This is part of the participatory approach designed to include both Private and Public Sector engagement in the rehabilitation of the industry.

The overall objective of this training initiative is to prepare the Production Base of Coconut Value Chains to ensure their stability for competitiveness, Trotz offered.(mercilinburke2017@gmail. com)

Lead farmer from Helena, Mahaica, Mr. Ganesh Haricharan

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Kiefer Bacchus’ switch from Aeronautical Engineering to Geology and Mines

By Svetlana Marshall TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Kiefer Bacchus graduated from the People’s Friendship University of Russia (Moscow) with a Specialist Degree in Mining Engineering (Surveying) earlier this year. He now joins a high calibre of Mining Engineers in Guyana and across the world but it was a profession he had never dreamt of pursuing.

As a student of the prestigious St. Rose’s High School, Kiefer longed to become a pilot or the next best thing (for him) an aeronautical engineer. And though he excelled through his high school life, securing six Grade Ones, five Grade

Twos and two Grade Threes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, in addition to another nine subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (Grades One to Four) the lack of finance stood between him and his dream.

“We didn’t have the financial means to accommodate Kiefer Bacchus, Specialist Engineer in Mining that dream,” he told the Pep(Surveying)

perpot Magazine.

Kiefer at the time was living in an extended family comprising himself, his mother and grandparents.

During his final year in Sixth Form, the young but ambitious teenager was told about a scholarship being offered by RUSAL’s subsidiary – The Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI). ‘Apply or don’t apply?’ he pondered but ‘Why not?’

For him, it was a tough decision to make.

“I decided to take the opportunity because piloting was quite expensive and we couldn’t afford it then. [So] the switch was a bit tough for me but change is inevitable in life,” the 25-year-old said.

Initially, he was denied the scholarship but later got a

Kiefer Bacchus being presented with his certificate from the People’s Friendship University of Russia

call saying that he had been provided with the opportunity to study at the People’s Friendship University of Russia (PFUR), Moscow along with four other Guyanese.

“At PFUR I studied Mining Engineering-Surveying, where I completed a Specialist Degree of five and a half years. In total I spent six and a half years since the first year was allotted to learning the Russian Language,” he explained.

Like many of the Guyanese students studying in Russia, Kiefer said there were many challenges.

“Oh, it was definitely a challenge! I’d say my major challenges were adapting to the new culture, learning the new language, being away from family and friends and of course acclimatising to one of the world’s coldest countries (now I LOVE winter).”

Understanding that challenges were meant to become, Kiefer gradually adapted and decided to enjoy the new experience. “Praying a lot also contributed in a huge way to the process of overcoming these challenges,” he posited.

Reflecting on his journey at the Russian University, Kiefer believes that studying in Russia has “remarkably” changed his perspective on life.

“The truth is studying abroad has such a major impact on one’s life and is perhaps the most educational experience of any student’s life. But it’s not what happens inside of the classroom that has had the greatest impact on my life, but rather, what happened outside of the classroom. The casual encounters with local shopkeepers, the trials and tribulations of figuring out the local transport system and the chance to experience a new culture – all created an educational breeding ground,” he explained.

“In my very humble opinion, I’ve become much more independent and confident than I was when I arrived in Moscow.

I have developed some critical thinking skills and a deeper passion for learning. My world and mind have become considerably opened to life and new experiences. I’ve learnt that feeling at home is a state of mind and to make the best of the opportunities provided. I was also pushed out of my comfort zone, made different memories and I’ve seen a different side of money management,” he further added.

Upon his return to Guyana, the 25-year-old will commence work at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) to fulfil his five-year contractual agreement, however, he is also exploring the possibility of doing his PhD.

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not mov’d with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) The Merchant of Venice STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, If you always make a mess of examinations, and have never been able to do well, here is what you should do. Tell yourself that the past is irrelevant, and that you are prepared to work well now that you have learnt the techniques to do well in examinations. All right now, be determined and work hard. A new beginning is in sight! Be wise.

Love you.

GRAMMAR Sentence Fragments Bluntly put, a sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. When is a sentence not complete?

How can you rectify the situation? Study closely what follows: If you put a full stop at the end of a phrase or a subordinate clause you will create a fragment.

1. Sometimes you can correct a fragment by joining it on to a sentence. Pay attention to the following three situations.

Fragment: After watching the turkey roast for a long time. Our mother was ready to give us some slices.

Correct: After watching the turkey roast for a long time, our mother was ready to give us some slices.

2. At other times you can add words or change the wording to make the fragment a complete sense.

Fragment: After watching the turkey roast for a long time.

Correct: We were watching the turkey roast for a long time.

Fragment: One of the puppies. Bathed himself in the drain.

Correct: One of the puppies bathed himself in the drain.

Four examples of complete sentences: The bruised demonstrators had been severely beaten back by police.

Soon the banana pudding will be ready for eating.

On 28th November, 2012, Samuel Dodson was decorated for good community deeds.

In 1997 the Bobbs were finally beaten at their own game.

Something to Do Identifying sentences After identifying the proper sentences below, say what is not right with the others.

1. I finished my assignment early yesterday morning.

2. Determined to notify my twin sister.

3. Not good for everything.

4. They’ve been true buddies before consternation stepped in.

5. Driving the horse-cart breakneck over the half-finished bridge.

6. Brought a great peace to mother’s immediate family.

7. Their family industry proved to be a uniting force.

Fragments & Conversation Fragments aren’t altogether bad; they have legitimate uses in conversation. They make exchanges sound natural, especially when used as answers. Here are some examples: Where is the poetry reading taking place?

On the Demerara Stores Limited lawns.

Are you happy in your recital arrangements there?

Yes, very, very happy!

When do you plan to leave off that strolling band?

When the audiences ease!

Something to Do: 1. Think up some situations that you have experienced. 2. Write up interesting fragments as answers of your own questions in the situations. 3. Show your finished work to three study partners. Listen for the complements from your study partners!

GRAMMAR Let’s have more information on prepositions - Proposition Combinations Students, you must develop an awareness of special preposition usage, because certain prepositions must be combined with specific nouns or verbs.

NOTE: It is a good thing to know that even experienced writers and editors often refer to authoritative references for the right word in such instances, so pay close attention now to the few instances that follow: abide by a decision abide with a person conform to regulations in conformity with regulations enter on the record enter into an agreement wait for someone wait on a customer Agree. Agree is used as follows: (1) agree on or upon - reach a mutual understanding, (2) agree to (accept) another’s plan, (3) agree with a person or his or her idea.

The neighbouring countries agreed upon a solution to the dispute.

Mr Grammy agreed to the offer from Kennedy Associates.

Hazel and I agreed with the other short story writers.

Angry. Be sure to say “angry with” a person, “angry at” a thing, or “angry about” a condition.

Is Daniel still angry with us for delaying her project demonstration?

Both of us were angry at the microwave oven because we lost so much time.

Everyone was angry about the great mess the road contractor left in front our entrance.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS MAKING WRITING BETTER: Mastery Tests - 1. Spelling: pension; extension; politician; explosion; satisfaction; motion; electrician; transfusion; dictation; assertion; aspersion; deprecation; physician; exclusion; musician; mission - 2. Grammar: a.

Pronoun - 1. Is Dotty as qualified as she? 2. The production officer was he. 3. Invitations will be issued to whosoever is willing to go to see the “Blue Danube” next week. 4. Cicely asked that the sensitive documents be sent only to me and the Wharton’s clique. 5. Everyone recognised the gist of it but they. b. Preposition - 1. Our allowance increases are retroactive to January 1. 2. The Mayor of Georgetown’s official residence lies adjacent to Nancy’s New Water World. 3. Are you sure that these specific statements are identical with those in the official document? 4. Did Mrs. Ramses give her approval of the new training programme? 5. Trousers are synonymous with ancient drawers.

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Hot Cross Buns Ingredients 1 lb flour 1 oz instant yeast ½ tsp salt 3 tsp sugar 2 oz lard or margarine ½ - ¾ pt lukewarm milk 1 tsp mixed spice 1 oz candied peel 2 oz currants Preparation Sift the flour then mix together with spice, salt and sugar; Rub the lard or margarine into the mixture; Add the candied peel and currants; Add yeast and enough milk and mix to a soft dough, just firm enough to be shaped after it is risen; Knead the dough well until it is smooth and elastic; Put to rise until it is twice its size ââ'šÂ¬' this will take about 45 minutes; Knead and shape into buns. Flatten slightly and make a deep cross on top with a knife; Allow to rise again for 15 minutes; Bake in a hot oven for about 20 minutes,lowering the heat slightly after 5 minutes; Rub over with butter to glaze.