Pepperpot 05 07 2017

An artist's rendition of the supersonic plane Waithe and the team at Boom are working on

Bronx boy with ‘GT’ roots does community proud passenger planes

– now creates supersonic

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Waithe with his wife and children

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

Bronx boy with ‘GT’ roots does community proud s e n la p r e g n e s s a p ic n superso

– now creates

IMAGINE travelling from New York to London in three-and-a-half hours, or from Los Angeles to Sydney in less than seven, all at the cost of a typical business-class fare.

Kenrick Waithe envisions it almost every day.

As an engineer at Colorado-based startup, Boom, Waithe creates computer-based simulations of supersonic passenger flights so that one day they will become a reality.

"We're trying to build a supersonic airliner that's economically viable; the way that the Concorde was not," he said.

Formerly an engineer at Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin and NASA, Waithe is well-versed at dreaming big.

Waithe was brought to the U.S. from Guyana at the age of eight when his immigrant parents moved the family to the Bronx.

As he explains, his life was forever changed in the eighth grade when he was accepted into the Oliver Scholars, a programme dedicated to getting promising Latino and black students from low-income New York City neighbourhoods into elite schools and universities.

A representative from Oliver Scholars had come to his school. But Waithe didn't gain enough confidence to apply until after his friends' brother had gotten accepted.

"That Oliver Scholars opportunity, if I hadn't done that then, I don't know if I'd be here talking to you," he said.

Oliver Scholars helped Waithe get into the prestigious Westtown Boarding School in Westtown, Pennsylvania, on a scholarship. He excelled there, and later got accepted into the University of Pennsylvania engineering school.

Not only was the engineering programme at Penn challenging, but Waithe was also one of the few people of colour in his class. And, he said, he found it difficult to relate with some of his classmates.

But things took a fortuitous turn when Waithe spotted a small poster on a bulletin board about a graduate studies programme through NASA and George Washington University called the Joint Institute for Advancement of Flight Sciences. He applied

and got in.

"It ended up being like a graduate co-op programme.

That's how I learned how to do fluid dynamics while learning on the job," he said.

Waithe, who is now 39, earned his master's in aerospace, aeronautical and astronomical engineering at George Washington, while working with NASA sci-

Kenrick, as a child, and his mother, Penelope

Waithe accepting his master's degree from George Washington University

entists at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

"I know that if I didn't go to Westtown School, my path to the University of Pennsylvania would have been harder," he said.

"And if I didn't go there, I probably wouldn't have seen that bulletin board posting about the George Washington/ NASA programme, which led me to where I am today."

The following is Kenrick Waithe's American success story: Q: What was your childhood like?

A: “We lived in the Bronx on 214th Street.

My neighbourhood was middle class, but in New York, you'll have a middle class neighbourhood and right down the street, it's ‘The Projects’. Similarly, my junior high school was across the street from the largest ‘projects’ in the Bronx. It was always a challenge.

“My mom was a teacher; and so was my

dad. He's a trained doctor by profession. He trained in Cuba, so when he came here, the medical system didn't accept him. He had to retake all of the tests to become board certified again. He didn't start practising again until I graduated college.

“I could see how hard [my parents] were working. And I think that was really the biggest catalyst for me. I was just one of those kids that said, '[My parents are] doing so much for me, I don't want to embarrass them or mess it up.'”

Q: What was your big break?

A: “Honestly, I think the big break was the Oliver Scholars programme. Through the programme, I knew other kids who went to other Ivy League schools which made me feel like, ‘This is how it's supposed to be.’

“And, really, that gave me the confidence that I could do it. I attended public schools for elementary Waithe proudly shows and junior high off his diploma from school. the University of “And while Pennsylvania in junior high school, a guy named John Hoffman, Oliver Scholars' founder, came to my school and said, 'I'm willing to bet that if black and Hispanic kids had the same opportunities that I did, which is to go to private school, that they could all get into Ivy League schools.'”

(According to Oliver Scholars, 99% of its students graduate from high school and attend a four-year college, and approximately 30% go on to attend an Ivy League school.)

Q: What was your biggest hurdle, and how Turn to page III ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

Child designer headed for the ‘big-time’

III

– to release first collection at international summer showcase

By Shauna Jemmott

At the beginning of 2017, Sapphire Autumn Rose became an item on celebrity watch when her life and work was highlighted in the Sunday Chronicle Pepperpot Magazine. She has launched her online fashion store and within months her career is shooting high with showings on major International catwalks, US television and radio interviews and international celebrity kids award nominations.

As her life changes, she is already changing the world as she collects funds from her ‘Heart full of Dreams’ project to make life beautiful for orphans around the world.

D’Obvious Rose, one of the newest names at the international Summer Sizzle Fashion and Lifestyle Weekend in the British Virgin Islands, will release its first full line of fifteen pieces, a resort collection of garments for children, ranging from dresses to shorts and other items.

The collection is expected to stand out among big name designs as she will be one of the youngest designers on the international catwalk at the Summer Sizzle show, set to create a fashion kaleidoscope in the British Virgin Islands from July 19 to 24.

But for Sapphire Autumn Rose, the 9-year-old daughter of fashion icons, Michelle Cole and the late Trevor Rose, she will take up the offer undisturbed, since Summer Sizzle is slated for the holidays and will not affect her school.

Her designs are already being stocked for the occasion, as she and her sister Zephyra Summer work together to build the historic collection.

Already in company of fashion personalities such as her mom Michelle Cole, and other International Designers Roger Gary and Head De◄◄◄ From page II

did you overcome it?

A: “I think the biggest hurdle was college. I was the only person of colour in my engineering class. I mean, being in an Ivy League school, there weren't that many of us to begin with; and engineering was really, really hard, initially.

“A lot of the kids in my class came from privileged backgrounds, and had never seen people of colour. They only knew what they heard on the news, so I'm assuming they had their own prejudices.

“I'd ask students for help, and they'd say, ‘Oh, I didn't do that homework either,’ and then they'd end up turning in their homework.

“I started going straight to the professors for help. That ended up being a blessing. I got to know them really well, and when it was time to appoint leaders for the student labs, I was a natural choice. When I needed a recommendation, they knew me very well. It ended up being really good.”

Q: Do you feel that you had to work harder than most of your peers to get ahead?

A: “Definitely in college, because I didn't have as many of the resources that they had at hand, and it seems like I

signer and Creative Director at Designer Loft Productions, Paulette Cleghorn, she has her eyes set at zenith.

Her showing at ‘Summer Sizzle BVI’ will be her first international showcase.

According to summersizzlebvi. com, the Summer Sizzle Fashion & Lifestyle Weekend will transform the Island into “a fashion mecca” with the “Global Glamour” Runway Show and BVI “Swim Show” showcasing the work of talented emerging and international designers.

“Our mission is to collectively provide and produce the most exciting fashion weekend in effort to attract and showcase the hottest designers each season,” Summer Sizzle says on its website.

And even as Sapphire Autumn recognizes her dream of becoming a famous designer and inspires other children to live their dream, her drive has already been recognized internationally in the United States of America. The Kiddiepreneur.org has selected her to be honored at the Celebrity Entertainment Business Award on June 11, 2017 in New Jersey.

According to kiddiepreneur.org, the KiddiePreneur Brand Inc. encourages the building of youth entrepreneurship skills and community advocacy, internationally.

“Empowering, educating, giving, rewarding and providing celebrity networking opportunities to young entrepreneurs… We are raising funds and promoting awareness about early entrepreneurship as well as the importance of giving through our homelessness outreach program so that youth can make a difference in the world,” Kiddiepreneur. org says.

She also appeared recently on American show ‘Conversations with Selwin (CWS)’ and was featured in guyanesegirlsrock.org, and was also a guest on 103.9 Radio New York.

always had to prove myself; I had to stand out.

“Being the only person of colour in the class, I felt like I was kinda representing my race in that class.”

Q: What do you do on a daily basis to achieve your goals?

A: “I just sit back and reflect on what I can do better. Also, I pick jobs that don't feel like a job, so it's more fun. Once it feels like a job, it's just punching a clock.”

Q: What lessons are you teaching to your children?

A: “I have five kids: Four girls and one boy. The biggest thing is teaching them how to manage their money; that was something my mom and dad taught me.

“A lot of young kids aren't taught that. It's not how much you make, but what you do with it.

“Also education. I know what an important role it played in my life, and I keep pushing that.”

Q: How would you define success, and do you think you've achieved it?

A: “I think it's when you've met all of your goals in life.

And I don't think I've done that yet, because, once you accomplish one goal, you'll set another.”

Sapphire Rose and sister Zephyra Rose who is also her assistant designer

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

Three appellants freed Court Case Files

by Full Court ‘1966 – Officer was not acting under an excise law BECAUSE Investigation Officer Cpl. De Abreu was not acting under an excise law at the material time when he implemented a Bush Rum charge against three appellants causing them to be convicted and sentenced by a magistrate, they were all freed by the Full Court.

The appellants appealed from their conviction for the offence of assaulting a corporal of police acting under an excise law contrary to s. 97 (a) of the Spirits Ordinance, Cap, 319 .

At the time of the alleged offence the corporal was looking for spirits in execution of a search warrant which has been issued under section s. 9 (1) of the summary Jurisdiction (Procedure) Ordinance , Cap. 15, s 9 (1).

The Full Court was constituted by (Luckhoo, C. J., and Chung J.) May 6, 20, 1966) K. Prasad for the appellants.

J. G. Sabola for the respondent.

Chief Justice Luckhoo who delivered the Judgment of the Court said: The three appellants, Mahadeo Singh, Victoria Singh and Rudolph Solomon were charged jointly on a

complaint that on the 16th September, 1965, at Springlands, Corentyne, in the Corentyne Judicial District they assaulted Corporal of Police No. 5020 Eustace de Abreu who was then acting under an excise law, contrary s.97 (a) of the Spirits ,Ordinance , Cap. 319.The appellants were convicted and were each fined $250 or in default three months’ imprisonment.

The evidence for the prosecution was to the effect that the respondent Paul Burnett , an officer of customs and excise, obtained a search warrant directed to him or any constable authorizing entry by force if necessary between the hours of 5 p. m. and 10 p.m. into the premises of the appellant Mahadeo Singh situate at Springlands for the purpose of executing the search warrant for spirits known as bush rum. On arrival there Cpl. De Abreu knocked at the door and the appellants Victoria Singh and Rudolph Solomon came to the door. Cpl. De Abreu was in possession of the search warrant and told the appellant Victoria Singh that he had a warrant to search the premises. He showed

her the warrant and offered to read it to her. She thereupon refused to allow a search of the premises and attempted to close the door. What transpired thereafter need not be recited for it has not been contended that the evidence would not sustain the charge against all three appellants if the At about 6.40 p.m. that evening the respondent Burnett accompanied by Cpl. of Police No. 5020 Eustace de Abreu, Supernumerary Constable John, King and other policemen went to the premises of the Appellant Mahadeo Singh at Springlands for the purpose of executing the search warrant for the spirits known as Bush Rum. On arrival there Cpl. de Abreu knocked at the door and the Appellant Victoria Singh and Rudolph Solomon came to the door. Cpl. de Abreu was in possession of the search warrant and told the appellant Victoria Singh that he had a warrant to search the premises. He showed her the warrant and offered to read it to her. She thereupon refused to allow a search of the premises and attempted to close the door. What transpired thereafter need not be recited for it has not been contended that

scribed by ss. 93(3) and 104(1) of the Spirits Ordinance,Cap. 319. It is usual for form 50 in the second Schedule to the Summary..

Jurisdiction (Procedure) Ordinance, Cap. 15, as issued under s. 9(1 ) of that Ordinance to be adapted for use in these regards.

We would observe that the search warrant was issued not by a magistrate, as is required by s. 9 of Cap. 15, but by a justice of the peace who was not a magistrate.

The matter we think is put beyond doubt by the information leading the warrant which was produced in evidence by Cpl. De Abreu as part of the prosecution’s case.

There is no evidence that the grounds of

the evidence would not sustain the charge against all three appellants the search warrant were a valid warrant.

The sole ground of appeal in respect of each of the appellants is that the decision of the learned magistrate is erroneous in point of law in that the search warrant is defective and could not authorise the police to act under an excise law.

The search warrant purports to have been issued under the provisions of the Spirit Ordinance , Cap. 319, that Ordinance being specifically mentioned therein as well as in the information upon oath leading to the warrant.

There are two provisions under which a search warrant may be issued under the Spirits Ordinance, Cap. 319, s. 89 (3) and 104 (1).

There is no form of search warrant pre-

suspicion were stated on oath to the justice of the peace who issued the warrant.

While the court will not go behind a search warrant if on its face it appears to be valid , the court will have to take cognizance of the contents of any information leading to the warrant where that information leading to the warrant where that information is tendered as part of the case for the prosecution and no further evidence supplementing it is forthcoming.

We find that the search warrant was issued under s. 9 (1} of Cap. 15 and that therefore Cpl. De Abreu was not acting under an excise law at the material time.

The appeal is therefore allowed and the convictions and sentences of the appellants are set aside with costs to each appellant.

Appeal allowed.

By George Barclay

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

e r u t a r e t i L #SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Petamber Persaud’s Guyanese Writers of Indian Ancestry In the Introduction of the book itself, Mr. Petamber Persaud writes: “First and foremost, this pocketbook, Guyanese Writers of Indian Ancestry, is to mark the centennial end of Indentureship in March 2017…

Secondly, there is not much information readily available on Indo-Guyanese Literature and this project will attempt to fill that lacuna.” Mr. Persaud’s own summation of the book is the best possible summary for the work that can be offered to the reader.

It is true that the role of writers of Indian ancestry in our country’s history has played an important role in shaping who we are as a people and as a country and, therefore, the arrival of this pocketbook which offers, in short paragraphs, complete with snap-

shots of the authors, a literary timeline with which we can trace the writers of Indian ancestry who have played, or are playing, some important role in contributing to the Guyanese literary landscape.

Mr. Persaud’s second point, that there is not much information available on Indo-Guyanese literature is also true, and the pocketbook does yield some valuable insights, not only regarding the literary works themselves, but also interesting information about the authors, while also bringing into relief such writers and writings that have, for whatever reason throughout the years, become lost to the Guyanese consciousness.

Let us take Joseph Ruhomon, for example. According to the book, he was born

in the 1800s and was the first writer of East Indian descent to author a publication in what was then British Guiana. Then, another noteworthy figure early in our history, is presented in the form of Charles Ebenezer Joseph Ramcharitar-Lalla, who was known as the “Father of Indian Poetry in Guyana” on account of him being the individual to edit “the first collection of Indian poetry”, An Anthology of Local Indian Verse. While those two names might stand out to individuals who know Guyanese literature, there are other writers with interesting lives and stories who are not so well known. Do we know about Ada Debidin, who published her first book, Saman Sunset, at 85 and her second book, an anthology of children’s stories, when she was 91? What about another woman writer, and Guyana’s first woman biographer, Betty Lewis, who was also known as Lewis Alyan? How many Guyanese know that the current Minister of Education, Rupert Roopnarine, is an accomplished art critic, essayist and writer of love poems? Do we know the writings of G.R. Banarjee, suave and handsome (according to the picture in the book), who was born in Stewartville on the West Coast of Demerara?

Banarjee’s place of birth, made me become aware, with a jolt of realization, that I have

V yet to find as many local writers in this part of the country as there were in the past. Clive Sankardyal, Raywat Deonandan, Frank M. Birbalsingh, and many others hailed from West Demerara. However, it does appear that a great majority of local writers of Indian ancestry emerged from various locations across Berbice, including David Dabydeen, J. W. Chinapen, Peter Kempadoo, Jan Lowe Shinebourne, Laxmi Kallicharran, and Ryhaan Shah.

Perhaps the best thing about the book is the way it reminds the literary community in Guyana about some of the writers who came before; people who paved the way in harder times for our literary existence, still in rudimentary stages as it is; but nonetheless, giving us a solid foundation that we can use to build the future of Literature in Guyana. The book does not offer any full-fledged, nor entirely developed, biographies of any of the writers, and yet in as quick as a minute you can get some understanding of what at least one of these writers of Indian descent has contributed to the entire canon of work that is known as Guyanese Literature.

Copies of Guyanese Writers of Indian Ancestry can be purchased at Austin’s Book Services or from Mr. Petamber Persaud.

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

Labour Day and Immigration Day celebrate our diversity and pluralism Last week, the first week of the Month of May, two important national holidays were celebrated – Labour Day and Indian Immigration day. Both holidays have a consumer import – Labour Day affirms and encourages the solidarity of working people and Indian Immigration day marks the advent of the ancestors of more than half the population of Guyana.

Both groups have not only increased the consumer population but have presented novel problems to consumer advocates.

In Europe, from the 19th Century, Labour Day was commemorated by working people and soon earned an international status. In Guyana, May Day was celebrated from the early 19th Century but it was associated with the ancient English festival celebrating the coming of the warmer months.

Plaiting the maypole and crowning of the May Queen were two of the well-known customs of May Day. When Trade Unionism became established in Guyana, Contact with

the International Trade Union Movement was strengthened and Guyanese Unionism adopted many of the customs, symbols, and organizational methods of the International Movement such as the colour Red, the songs “Internationale” and “Solidarity Forever”, addressing union members as “Brother or Comrade” and engaging in parades and first of May, which was known as “Labour Day”, the older term “May Day” going out of currency. Trade Unionism was able to improve the wages and conditions of service of working people, improving their standard of living and allowing for greater consumer spending.

And there grew up are quiet respect between Trade Unionism and Consumerism.

Unionism grew so strong that it began to attract the attention of political parties and politicians and was able to wield influence in the corridors of Governmental power achieving minimum wage legislation, more favorable income tax conditions, a large number of positive social legislation and even having

first of May, the International Labour Day made a public holiday on which marches and worker solidarity could be affirmed.

But the Union Movement being closely associated with political parties and politicians was a doubled-edge sword for soon politics infiltrated and over took the movement and the unions began to support the views of political parties often acting against real worker interest.

This projection of party politics into the Unions was a divisive force and so weakened the working class unity. Union membership began to see Unions as appendages to various political parties and so their enthusiasm and support for unions waned.

The Union Movement is now faced with the formidable task of bringing about unity among themselves and a complete commitment to worker interest and Consumerism would be supportive of sincere worker efforts to achieve such unity. It should be mentioned that the Constitution of the Guyana Consumers Association from its earliest years has barred practicing politicians from serving on any of its committees and cannot take partisan political positions in any of its activities.

Indian Immigration Day commem-

orates the arrival of the first Indian Indentured servants to Guyana. They were imported to the colony to supply labour to the sugar industry which had lost most of its labour force on the final Emancipation of the slaves in 1838 at the end of the Apprenticeship system. This Immigration reconfigured Guyanese Society in a very radical way. New cultures, new foods, new ways of doing things in general were introduced. With this Immigration, the country’s population increased and the World’s three major religions Hinduism, Islam and Christianity found themselves living close together in amity and Guyanese people now has as part of their national ethos the recognition that all religions are valid and all ways lead to God. This approach to religion places Guyana in a unique and enviable position in the world. All new infusions and changes to society bring with them new challenges.

And some of these challenges present new Consumer problems which Consumer advocates willingly address. We therefore welcome the diversity and pluralism of our society and were happy to celebrate the two holidays.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

VII

Intraoral abnormalities THERE ARE individuals who may observe a fleshy growth on either the gums or tongue, or even a scaly lesion anywhere on the soft tissues of the mouth. I would immediately say that the good news is that most tumours ( growths) of the gums and tongue are benign ( non-cancerous). The most common tumour is an irritation fibroma, which appears as a smooth-surfaced, pink mushroom suspended by a small stalk attached to the lip, tongue or inner cheek The papilloma is also mushroom-shaped but with an irregular, white surface.

Irritation fibromas are caused by lip, tongue, or cheek biting or sucking. Frequently the growth occurs opposite a small space between the teeth where the tissue can be sucked in. On the other hand a papilloma is a benign growth that occurs of its own accord. The patient first becomes aware of the fibroma or papilloma by feeling or observing the irregularity or by frequent accidental biting of the outgrowth of tissue.

Treatment by excision ( cutting out) is the usual cure. Since the diagnosis is obvious and the entire growth is removed without difficulty, biopsy to check for cancer is not necessary.

Avoidance of lip or tongue “doodling� usually prevents recurrence. If recurrence is due to a space between the teeth, then closure of the space with a small fixed bridge may be indicated.

However, once the growth is removed it seldom recurs, and no further treatment is necessary.

Then there are bony growths, quite common in adults, in

the middle of the palate or on the inside lateral or tongue side of the lower jaw. They are called tori and consist of normal bone substance that in the palate appears as an irregular oval protuberance and in the mandible more or less as a small single or multiple marbles beneath the mucosa. The cause is unknown and are completely symptomless. Occasionally, they grow so large as to be traumatized by chewing or interfere with the wearing of dentures. Most people are unaware of their presence until a dentist points them out. Unless tori cause a problem, there is no reason to have them removed. If their size becomes annoying or interferes with the placement of a denture, they are removed by simple surgery. Once removed, tori do not recur.

Hairy tongue is a harmless elongation of the hairlike filiform papillae on the top surface of the tongue. The surface usually appears white but may be stained brown or black by tobacco or pigments in food. The condition occurs only in adults. A white-coated tongue is common during a dehydration illness, but what causes hairy tongue in the absence of systemic illness is unknown. The condition is painless and noted only for its abnormal colour. Since food particles can collect in the hairy filaments, the tongue may emit an unpleasant smell. Both treatment and prevention consist of daily brushing or scraping of the tongue to keep its surface clean.

Leukoplakia, meanwhile, should be considered more seriously. This is observed more frequently among older males, and in persons using tobacco. Although most lesions remain benign,

the condition can be viewed as pre-cancerous. Lesions vary in size from a few millimeters to many centimeters ( an inch or more) across. It may be flat, fissured, or ulcerated with a somewhat rough and scaly surface, and whitish yellow, pearly white, or grayish white in colour. Leuoplakia is usually found behind and to the outside of the lower molars, on the inside of the cheeks, and on the floor of the mouth or the side of the tongue.

Leukoplakia occurs spontaneously or may be caused by irritation from heavy smoking, chewing tobacco, jagged teeth, ill-fitting dentures, and poor oral hygiene. The disease develops slowly and painlessly and most times is discovered by a dentist with the patient unaware of the condition.

When leukoplakia appears on the tongue or floor of the mouth there is a very high risk of it developing into invasive cancer and so complete excision is recommended with mandatory biopsy. Constant monitoring by the dentist is required.

VIII

Lots of messages from last week's column

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

I have received so many positive messages for last week's column so my guess is that it resonated with many people. Thank you for the encouraging words and trust that this week's content is even more interesting.

I was asked to be one of the speakers at the launch of the suicide prevention, Anti-Violence and Job Creation Rally. My presentation was on domestic abuse and I shared a personal story with the audience which was very impactful from the feedback I received. Lisa Punch, Melissa Davy and a representative from the Ministry of Social Protection all delivered excellent presentations. I must commend Pastor Joseph Persaud and team for this timely initiative and I am urging everyone to come to the event at ... Inspiring lives through fashion Jubilee Park on the 3rd June because these social issues

by Shamar & Jade Atwell. affect everyone.

Indian Dance Performance came from I use this quote that I love in my presenMeena Balji and Crystal Simone. tation.

Piano Recital Angelique - Lenor Eliana One individual can begin a movement that turns the tide of history: Martin Luther Forero of Clemsville Music Conservatory Musical Presentation – Indian ParmeshKing in the civil rights movement, Mohandas Gandhi in India, Nelson Mandela in South Af- wari Seodat, I am passionate about the creative arts and rica are examples of people standing up with people with talent but I often mention that courage and non-violence to bring about needtalent alone is not ed changes; Jack enough to take you Canfield Quotes. to the next level.

Collaboration The attitude is the new currency that goes with it and we need to use will open doors that it effectively. The no one but God can Sonia Noel Founshut. I strongly bedation for Creative lieve our talent is to Arts collaborated share with others. recently with the No matter what we Sorsha Williams achieve in life we Foundation at a Tea should never feel Party and talent we are better than showcase. Sorsha others. is so beautiful and I pray every she is an amazing day to be a better child and she reperson so I can betcited her poem” I ter serve AM.“ I cried. people and nevAs this brave er be like that. young woman who I will always is battling with support Karen and autism and trying people living with to fit in and be redisabilities. membered, a wellKaren Williams known female rais amazing mom dio personality who who will go the expromised her mom to MC the program never tra mile for her children especially Sorsha turned up or even answered her phone A popular dancer also was a no show who is autistic.

I know it must be challenging sometimes without an explanation. Maybe sometimes we but Karen manages to overcome those chalget too big for small events or we just don’t lenges and helps others. care about anyone but ourselves which is sad.

She told me: "Sonia, when it comes to The designers were Fiona Graham North, Vanda Allicock, Lorine Sears, Deborah Dey autism I am always inspired. I literally breathe and think of autism every second. and me.

Interpretive dances were performed by Turn to page XV ►►► Isaiah Luther and Salsa and Ballroom Dances

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

By Abdool A. Aziz IN 1994 WE had a small cake shop (parlour) at the abandoned sugar estate at De Kinderen ,West Coast Demerara and often, retired gold and diamond miners would visit and while enjoying their chesters and lemonade, would tell stories of life in the bush, the rapids, the wild towns and animals. One particular place called Kurupung was the main subject.

These men were the true pork-knockers. Those of you who visit our prestigious museum will see a typical one from the good old days. That is a relic of the lonely country lad, going up the Potaro in search of riches. Some made it, others ran out of luck. Some returned home. Others couldn’t make it out because they were broke. The old timers spoke of the weekends of fun. Loud music from gold dealers using electric generation brought in from Brazil and wild dancers, booze and loose women. And the usual brawls. My imagination went amok. I began to dream of being a pork-knocker.

I’ll visit this mining settlement a decade later at age 25(1970) in an official capacity as the community development officer. I recall that memorable trip my dream came through. It was a Saturday. Rain was pouring but our amphibian Grumman aircraft touched down with a splash in the Kurupung river.

When I was 12 years of age I stood on the deck of the ferry boat “Queriman” (an elegant model in the museum) and saw one of these water planes landing. I held on to my father’s leg and shouted: “Papa look a plane gone down in the river. All them people drown.”

He smiled and said no. She will float up soon…keep looking. And it did. Now I was in the craft with water rushing past my window. It was a bit scary… in darkness and submerged. But not for long. We surfaced and throttled to the shore, ropes were thrown to the co-pilot and we were pulled in.

As I emerged I got the first glimpse of the pork-knockers’ oasis. A few folks stood on the river bank. There were women and children and grey hair men. One guy on a crutch yelled; “Welcome to Kurupung!”I was also greeted by the top gold dealer Mr. Da Silva and the police, my security escort. The plane would remain anchored to a post on the shore until the return trip. And here I was on the soil of my dream “TOWN” falling away, crudely built. The ground was all sand and bush all around. And yes Mr. Da Saliva was blasting his music. But all the men were still in the bush.

As I walked around I saw no social activity, expect for the bars and eating houses. Children were there but no school. Off to the police station for rest and lunch and a swim in the river. The water was cold and clear with a hint of coffee colour. And my feet caressed the river bed. All pebbles and sand. As I swam around,a lady washing clothes by the river’s edge shouted: “Careful officer, electric eel!”

In the afternoon I gazed at a colourful crimson sun set over the mountains that separate the Potaro from the Rupununi . Now music filled the air. The bar door blew open.

The settlers were coming in one by one bogged down by fatigue. Straight to the drinking hole.

As I wended my way to meet with them, I heard a whistle. I looked back. A lady beckoned me to come. “No” said the police officer, she is a prostitute. I smiled. At the bar, I met a veteran gold-digger. He poured me a drink. Between a trembling lip and warbled tongue he sputtered: “Wha ya come fa stranger?”

He didn’t wait for an answer. “All ah you ah come, promise gane and farget us. Ah been hey over 50 year – notting.

I said: “I will do something!”

He retorted: Like straightening dem shacks? A school!

Me too old fa dah…tek a drink.”

Just then a hip-swinging lady showed up. She hugged the guy and said :”How you doing Gilkes?

He answered:“Ah deh Shirley.”

Looking at me and smiling seductively she said: “Me live at the end of First Street. Visit me tonight, I’ll make you happy.” The policeman smirked and said: “Shirley, don’t put you eye on he! Can’t you see how young he is?”

A straggler, looking gaunt and with one arm missing, sauntered up to the bar. “How tings today?”

Nobody answered.

He turned to me: “Buy me a food nah.”

The constable looked over my shoulder and said sternly: “Stop begging or else I will lock you up.”

It was time for me to leave and check into the guest house but as I passed the buxon bar owner, she placed a note in my hand. Later I read the note and it said:” I like you.

Come back to the bar after I close up.”

This sleepy town suddenly sprang to life. Music was everywhere. Revellers went wild. Eating, drinking, dancing, cursing and fighting. It was Saturday night in Kurupung. I tried to get a community meeting going but the timing was bad.

One old Geezer shouted:“ We want a government shop hey. Prices too high. Dem gold dealers ah rab we.”

I told them I would see what I could do.”

“Another pramise, pramise, nutting doing?” This time the comment was from an elderly women with giant-sized curlers in reddish-brown hair.

I took a wad of money from my brief-case “Look I have cash here. I’ll pay any of you to cut wood to build a

IX

school.” The next day men ran into the jungle and by afternoon the school was constructed. Next time a health center I promised.

I fell in love with this mining enclave since I was a boy.

I was glad to develop her as a standard community. But I failed. People seemed only interested in money and a good time. Like old Gilkes, their lives though marginal, hinged on existing day to day.

‘DIS AH ME HOME”. No one fo me on de coast. Me live hey. Me dig hey like some of me pals over deh. He pointed to a burial ground overgrown with bush. Many died painlessly but had a good time. Old Gilkes still kicking it up with the bar owner.

I left Kurupung, my boyhood dream come through and in my pocket were gold nuggets and a blue diamond courtesy of the “mayor” Mr. Da Silva. The word pork-knocker is derived from the miners knocking the hard-salted pork on rocks to soften it. The physical image of the mining town remains the same it’s a trading outpost and people still drift in and out.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

A healthy planet for migratory birds and people Unlike the majority of humans, many animals don’t have a settled place of abode. Birds especially are known to travel far and wide, crossing many borders and clocking up many miles in a given year. In recognition of the movement of these birds, International Migratory Bird Day is celebrated at different times in various Regions across the world.

In May, the celebration occurs in North America. In their migratory route, many birds pass through Guyana, even settling here for a few months throughout the year, usually from early October to late March. The extensive travelling that these birds do, exposes them to both natural and human induced threats.

The theme for this year’s Migratory Bird Day observance is‘Their future is our future’, it highlights the fact that people and nature share the same planet with the same limited resources and once biodiversity are affected, humans will also be affected.

This year, seven (7) bird species have been chosen as ambassadors to represent the plight of migratory birds. These are barn swallow, black-tailed godwit, amur falcon, garganey, yellow-breasted bunting, red knot and spoonbilled sandpiper.

In this article we focus on the two birds in this group that are common to South America.

BARN SWALLOW

spread habitat loss (80% decline in the Americas). The rapid population decline has placed the Red Knot at near-threatened, according to the IUCN Red List.

Waterbirds mainly migrate to Guyana during the winter and they are found in two main areas: 1. The estuaries of the Atlantic Ocean namely: • Waini River • Essequibo River • Demerara River • Mahaica River • Mahaicony River 2. In the hinterland of Guyana they are found close to the Rupununi River and Rewa River.

DID YOU KNOW? International Migratory Bird The Barn Swallow can be found nearly worldwide—breeding across the Northern Hemisphere and wintering in the Southern Hemisphere as far away as Argentina and Australia. These bright blue birds are known for their abundance in open spaces such as pastures and fields. Human activities, such as land reclamation and overuse of pesticides in agriculture have led to population decline and also loss of habitat. In recent years, the Barn Swallow population has declined.

Since these birds act as a form of pest control by feeding on bugs and insects their population decline has meant an increase in insect pests.

The Barn Swallow is an international symbol of bird migration and is a strong indicator of threatened habitats affecting similar bird species. As human interference and

land reclamation begin to wreak havoc on the swallow population, similar birds may already be suffering the consequences.

RED KNOT Unlike other shorebirds, the Red Knot makes a harrowing 14,000 kilometre journey along the Atlantic flyway from South America and along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway all the way up to the Arctic Circle for breeding.

This exhausting trip requires several stops along the shores of the Yellow Sea and the Atlantic coast.

These stops are vital for the species’ survival.

Recent reclamation on the Yellow Sea along with an increase in Atlantic horseshoe crab fishing, whose eggs the birds feed on during migration, have led to wide-

Day (IMBD) officially takes place on the second Saturday in May in the U.S. and Canada but in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean it is celebrated in October each year.

Source: http://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/ C/O Environmental Communication, Education and Awareness programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN,tele; 2255467-9, facebook; Environmental Protection AgencyGuyana or email us at: eit. epaguyana@gmail.com

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

XI

Post Intervention Hello Everyone, I hope this week has treated you well.

Last week I wrote about how to conduct a drug intervention. I hope that many of you have researched it further and have even given it a try if necessary. Today I’m going to talk about what happens during and after drug recovery. This could apply to you as the user or to a family member or friend.

As discussed, during the intervention, the user is taught about the help that is available within their community. The next step was to make an immediate decision on treatment.

What comes after is the support they may require during treatment as well as when they are rehabilitated.

There are different levels of support and these will depend on whether the user chose inpatient (live in) or outpatient (still living at home) treatment.

change of character – they will do and say almost anything to get back on their desired drug.

The first week will be the hardest as it is the physical detox. This more often than not requires medication that will allow the user to better eat, sleep and endure the withdrawal symptoms. However, keep in mind that this is not the same as treatment. Most patients relapse if they seek no further help after physical detox. Do your best to not give into them.

A user will always believe after two weeks of recovery that they are fine and ready to face to world sober- this is not the case.

During rehab, the user will spend much time with people who are in the same situation as well as attend classes that teach self-confidence, triggers, coping skills and about addiction itself. They will also have group therapy as well as one on one counsel-

using) after their stint in rehabilitation, please do not lose hope of recovery. Some people have to try rehab multiple times before it is successful. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 36% of users who complete treatment remain abstinent in first 12 months. That means the relapse rate is higher at 64%.

Support them regardless- do not allow them to lose hope either.

Keep in mind, that if you have a family member/friend who (because of their drug use) is becoming a danger to you or anyone around you, there is court ordered rehab.

Visit your nearest police station for more details on that.

IF THE PERSON CHOSE INPATIENT TREATMENT WHAT TO EXPECT DURING REHAB? Recovery is very individualistic, which means what works for one does not work for all. Each person is assessed upon admission and a personal recovery plan is made. There is a mental and physical assessment to ensure there are no physical or mental harms specifically caused by drugs.

If there are, those issues/needs are immediately dealt with. It is important to be very open and honest about your previous/ current drug use.

After the user has checked into rehab, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first is that treatment is a lengthy process – anywhere between three to nine months. Be prepared to see them only a few times during that recovery period. This is normal. However, the rehab centres (Phoenix Recovery Project and Salvation Army Guyana) allow for phone calls during the week.

The individual will complain as most of their belongings (such as cell phones) are taken away from them during the recovery period. It is important to take anything the user says with a grain of salt during recovery. They will experience both physical and psychological withdrawal which endorses a

ling sessions to help identify reasons for using, triggers and how to stay sober. They will have time for exercise and to learn new drug free activities. Their diet will change as the whole idea is healthy body, healthy mind. It is typically a highly structured program, with every hour assigned to specific activities.

When the person completes their recommended rehab stint, they still need to be supported as it is very difficult to reintegrate into society and all its previous triggers.

There are half-way houses connected to both rehab facilities for this purpose- ask about them. Keep in mind that triggers are sometimes uncontrollable because they can be people, places, things or life events; anything ranging from an old building the addict used to a break-up.

If the individual relapsed (started back

much higher with inpatient care, the user does not necessarily need inpatient treatment to become clean.

A detox, which is usually a few days can take place at certain hospitals and health centres. For example, Georgetown Public Hospital. Check your surrounding areas to see if there is another closer to you. A medicated detox is needed if the substance use is severe, especially alcohol.

The constant supervision and distraction will not be a part of their recovery. This means that the family unit needs to make a lot of changes if the user is becoming clean at home. This means to ease their stress as much as possible – give them a break from house work and chores if they are going through withdrawal. However, if you are physically able, productivity lessens the chances of

IF THE PERSON CHOSE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT Although the chances of recovery are

relapse.

Support, take and stay with them in all outpatient meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous etc. Keep the house free and clean of any substances whatsoever, including alcohol and cigarettes.

It doesn’t matter what the drug of choice wasany substances around is a trigger for relapse.

Days should be planned and organized so the user is not bored or lonely. Encourage them to try new drug free activities. These include exercise, going to the movies, volunteering, going back to school etc. However, keep the schedules realistic and relaxing.

Stress and anxiety are huge triggers for relapse. If you are a friend/family member, ask the user every day how his/her life is improving with the lack of drugs. Follow up appointments at the local health centres will be needed, especially if medication is involved.

There are a few warning signs for relapse that would beneficial to know and look out for.

1. High stress levels and fatigue 2. Easily becomes aggressive.

3. Lying about what they are doing, how long they have been sober etc. Furthermore, any dishonestly is a warning sign for relapse.

4. Being over-confident in their recovery.

5. Extremely low self-esteem 6. Signs of constant sadness or depression 7. Talk of suicide Once these warning signs occur, action (such as taking them to the nearest health centre or meeting) should be taken to avoid future drug use.

Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also please remember when you can come see me.

Georgetown Public Hospital :MondayFriday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings Mondays 4:00pm Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:00pm Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

XII

‘Way Maker’

By Shauna Jemmott Guyanese gospel fans are in for a treat of their lives Saturday when renowned Nigerian international Gospel Singer Sinach and her entire band touch these shores for an awesome “Open Heaven Worship Experience” hosted by Serenity Holdings at the National Park, Thomas Lands, in Georgetown.

Sinach is on a Caribbean ‘Way Maker’ tour and will stop over in Guyana on May 13 for the grand show which is expected to be one of the biggest gospel festivals ever. Patrons will be led through four hours of reverence and adoration for God even as she shares the stage with award-winning and leading Guyanese artistes Samuel Medas, Miriam Corlette-Williams, Cheryl Maloney and Sean Sobers.

The show which begins at 18:00 hours is also the launch of the newly formed Serenity Production group, which is on a mission to “provide quality Christian entertainment and edutainment to the Guyanese public,” according to an

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

Open Heaven at National Park this Saturday

Executive Member Richard Hoyte, who confirmed that this is their first of such shows.

Hoyte told Pepperpot Magazine that the productions is one housed within the ‘Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship’, located in Albouystown and has specifically chosen to make intercession for youths, many of whom have recently become increasingly involved in pornography even within schools.

“We provide also social programs in depressed communities,” Hoyte said of Serenity.

“I have a blessed assurance, whatever may come my way. Your Word is my anchor,” is what Sinach’s music ‘I fly’ says.

The song, which has not yet become one of the popular ones here, assures that as Christians trust in the gospel and allows it to be their anchor, they are strong with the strength of God and equipped to rise up with wings as eagle and fly above situations, trials and hardships. It’s an unstoppable flight!

“I declare that I am strong with the strength of God in me. I rise up with wings of eagle and I fly, and I fly,” she sings.

Her hit song ‘Way Maker’ has become as a gospel anthem on the airwaves and in congregations and Christian homes across the country and creates a magnetic wave for worship.

The Singer from Nigeria, Africa, was originally scheduled to perform here on April 18 but was unable to travel to Guyana for that date due to unforeseen circumstances. She indicated her availability for May 13 instead, as she tours the Caribbean. Tickets purchased for the April 18 date are still valid and her flight here this time is assured, promoters said.

Promoter Eworth Williams told Pepperpot Magazine the show is expected to be “a night of incredible worship, a time of open heavens, a time of declaration from Ministers from the body of Christ, and a time of prayer for our Youths and our nation.”

He said the artiste will arrive on the morning of May 13 and is scheduled for a media tour with stopovers at NCN TV studios, 94.1 FM and 93.1 FM studios before the grand night of praise event at the National Park. She leaves on May 14 for the continuation of her Caribbean tour in the Island of Barbados.

The Anointed Nigerian, most known for her songs "I Know Who I Am" and "Way Maker" was scheduled to Turn to page XVII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

XIII

Re-integrating Persons with Disabilities in Society This will be the first in a series of articles celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre/ National Rehabilitation Complex (1967 – 2017). Each article will highlight the contributions of the Centre to Guyana, and each will focus on a different service provided by the Complex.

Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the National Orthotic & Prosthetic Appliance Workshop: Improving the human resources of the nation through reintegrating Persons with Disabilities in Society

By Samuel Chigbo Obiegbusi, MD, Orthotist/Prosthetist & Collin Charles, Senior Prosthetic Technician Introduction Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC) was originally established in January 1967 by the Ministry of Public Health, with the responsibility for the rehabilitation of children with paralysis following the poliomyelitis epidemics of the 1960s. With the eradication of poliomyelitis, the Centre repositioned itself to serve not only children with congenital disabilities, but also adults with acquired disability.

In an effort to improve resources acquisition so as to diversify and provide quality service that was more efficient and effective, PRRC was de-linked from the Ministry of Health and registered as the National Rehabilitation Complex, a non-profit company, managed by a Board of Directors. The government provides annual subvention and professional staff, whilst the Board is responsible for financing all other programmes and activities.

These changes in management approach saw the metamorphosis of the range of services offered by the Centre, giving rise to the evolution of the National Prosthetic & Orthotic Appliance Workshop (O&P Workshop), initially a small unit of catering only for the children of the Centre, to a facility capable manufacturing any form of appliance required by disabled individuals, irrespective of age.

Today, the O&P Workshop being the only rehabilitation facility in Guyana with the capacity of designing and fabri-

cating prostheses and orthoses, has given service to over two thousand (2000) Guyanese since the inception of the Workshop in 1994. The introduction of this type of facility at a rehabilitation centre was recognized as a wise investment by government. In addition to drastically reducing the number of persons having to travel abroad in need of this service, it increased a number of public servants reentry to the workplace, with functional capacity close to that prior to injury.

The need for improving current human resources, as well as working hard to nurture and create new ones, cannot be overstated, considering the necessity and importance of the role these human resources have on national growth and development. Bearing in mind that “a nation’s true wealth does not lie in her natural resources, rather it lies in her human resources,” PRRC gears her efforts to include not only rehabilitation of children, but also adults with various disabil-

ities ranging from congenital to acquired deformities. These conditions include limb discrepancy, club foot, kyphosis, lordosis, flat foot, foot drop, spinal trauma, osteoarthritis of the limbs, poliomyelitis, upper and lower limb amputation, to mention but few.

The activities and services provided by this team of rehabilitation specialists comprising of the doctor, physiotherapist, prosthetist, orthotist, nurses and technicians has

indeed transformed the lives of many citizens by putting them back to their various jobs, living a life of self-sufficiency rather than becoming a burden to their loved ones and liability to the nation.

More so, the psychological effect of living with reality of the loss of a limb which plays a vital role in day-to-day activity of an individual can trigger depression, social withdrawal, and even psychological consequences. This cascade of mental instability can lead to mortality. Providing prostheses to amputees has given them a second chance to live, counteracting the psychological effects of amputation.

Recognizing the need for prosthesis and acknowledging the occupational challenges confronting our patients, the O&P Workshop designs the prosthesis to suit the nature of a job, activity level of the old and the young, while taking into consideration the financial burden the design might have upon the patient.

Based on this, the PRRC subsidizes the cost of prostheses and orthoses that are manufactured by the O&P Workshop, allowing the patient to pay for the material cost, while the overhead cost is absorbed by the Centre, the government, National Insurance Scheme while other NGOs have consistently supported persons with disabilities (pwds) with the financial cost of appliances.

The indispensable role played by the Workshop cannot be overemphasized hence the need for the recognition of the work and effort of this Centre towards maintaining human resources through rehabilitation should be of paramount interest to the government, NGOs, private sectors, and the masses. The work of the PRRC can be enhanced through adequate funding and partnership with the Centre, voluntary donations and services, and most of all employing pwds in the public and private services once they have the necessary skills.

Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre lives by example, setting the pace for other agencies, organizations, private and public sectors to emulate. This exemplary action is exhibited the Management of the Centre as they employ persons who have undergone rehabilitation with the Centre, after being certified by the team of rehabilitation officers, thus making them productive and financially competent to see to their daily needs. Approximately 15 members of staff who underwent rehabilitation for various disabilities, have been employed and currently work at the Centre, having been fully integrated into the society.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

#SupportCreativity

WHEN TO CALL IT QUITS It seems as though everyone has been singing one version or another of the same tune recently. What is a break and how do we catch it? Deadlines have been mounting at alarming rates, nerves are frayed and everyone seems a bit more irritable than usual. The universe, it seems, is conspiring to punish us for all the times we hit “snooze” on our alarms to sleep in a bit longer. Or maybe we’re being punished for all the times we threw caution to the wind and opted to binge-watch a new television series. Whatever the reason, most would agree that the past few months have been especially trying. Everything either seems to be happening all at once or not at all.

Whether you chalk it up to bad time management or the recent string of retrogrades that sent everyone into a crazed fit, the general consensus seems to be that we’re overworked and unsure of ourselves. The possibility also exists that I’ve been pro-

jecting my own crises unto everyone I meet. But I digress.

The journey of every creative individual is often riddled with selfdoubt and subsequent depression about said doubts. Our highs are extremely high but when we do experience the occasional low it is the kind of soul crushing experience that forces us to reconsider our decision to pursue a creative career. And this could be triggered by any number of things working together in our most vulnerable moments. Perhaps it was a less than favourable critique of our work or another rejection letter or even the fact that nothing seems to be happening for us at the moment.

While we’ve been taught that these all come with the territory and we’ve found clever ways to steel ourselves against those feelings, they still exist. Acknowledgment of doubt

does not erase it from our journey. They exist, and if presented with the right conditions they have the potential to overshadow our faith in the work we do as creative practitioners. And why are we doing this work anyway?

For as long as I’ve known myself I’ve always been busy doing something or the other. I’ve never had idle time and even if I did, it usually didn’t take long until I found myself contemplating a new series of work or making a mental checklist of all the things I have to do the next day. The devil finds work for idle hands, right? Like most creative individuals, there is no “off” button. In an age where we glorify staying busy, idleness is a luxury most (upwardly mobile persons) simply cannot afford. And so the wheels keep turning. What happens then, when we confront the very real possibility that maybe this is not the path for us? Is it too late to consider a more “practical” career, something a bit more certain? At some point I believe we’ve all considered this, but our special strain of stubbornness is quite possibly the only thing that has kept us going long after everyone has tried to convince us to stop. More importantly, it could be that we’re all secretly waiting for the opportunity to rub our success in the faces of everyone who ever told us to get a “real” job. Admit it, you could think of a few faces.

I’ve always argued that it takes a person of incredible strength to pursue a creative career. Battles are constantly being fought at every turn even as we wrestle with our own feelings about validation. Let’s face it, as much as we might be making work for our own gratification, we want the work to be seen. And how does it get seen? How much control do we have of our own visibility?

Where does our control end and that of the “gatekeepers” begin? Who are the individuals responsible for making that determination?

It’s important to recognize too that being seen is completely separate from being written about. After all, how much could your work resonate if no one was writing critically about it? Of course, one could also argue that “good art” doesn’t need to be intellectualized in order to be relevant. But to get any real traction in the art world, the art must leave the studio and enter the public sphere in a manner that grabs the public’s attention, if only

for a brief moment. So then maybe being seen and written about become crucial to the success of one’s career.

Still, while they might be markers of success, they don’t necessarily translate to markers of “quality,” another tricky area of art discourse.

This is the kind of overwhelming debate that could go on until the cows come home, the kind that could force someone to down tools.

So at what point should an artist give up on his/her dream to contribute something meaningful to the art world? How do we identify the point where we’ve saturated our creative offerings, far beyond the “It’s just a phase. It will pass,” point? At what point do we let go of the desire to even try? A few weeks ago I read a very insightful article by senior art critic and columnist for the New York Magazine, Jerry Saltz titled “My life as a failed artist.” In the article Saltz describes a prolific start to his career. He spent about ten years of his life working ten-hour days producing art as fast as his body would allow. He had done the press, the sold out solo exhibitions, had gotten the reviews and the awards, everything an emerging artist was expected to accomplish. It seemed as though his career was on the right track. And yet somehow, despite all of those things he was still overcome with doubt. Saltz wrote: “But then I looked back, into the abyss of self-doubt. I erupted with fear, self-loathing, dark thoughts about how bad my work was, how pointless, unoriginal, ridiculous. ‘You don’t know how to draw,’ I told myself.

‘You never went to school. Your work has nothing to do with anything. You’re not a real artist. Your art is irrelevant. You don’t know art history. You can’t paint. You aren’t a good schmoozer. You’re too poor. You don’t have enough time to make your work.

No one cares about you. You’re a fake. You only draw and work small because you’re too afraid to paint and work big.’”

What he described is every artist’s struggle, a cycle that tortures us just as much as it fuels our production. It’s as sure as the sun rises every morning and sets every evening. Unfortunately, like so many other talented individuals his doubts got the best of him. His is not the first story of “defeat” nor will it be the last. But I do believe there’s a lot to be learned from the experiences he shared. No one can say if an artist should walk away from his/her craft or when it should be done. That is an extremely personal decision that can only be made by the person involved. However, it’s important to remember that having doubts is par for the course. Take all the time you need to examine how you really feel about the situation before making any decisions you might regret. Sometimes all that’s necessary is to step away from the chaos for a while so that you could readjust your perspective.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

XV

MAY DAY, MAY DAY!

What a MAY DAY!

By Francis Quamina Farrier

THERE ARE certain signals for distress.

From a single person or a group of persons, it could be a moan or a groan, which indicates, "I am in trouble, please help me." As a former member of the British Empire, British Guiana, now the Cooperative republic of Guyana, has the legacy of celebrating MayDay/Labour Day on May 1, or the first Monday in May. Shouts of "May Day, May Day, May Day" are shouts of distress, especially from a ship at sea.

May Day or Labour Day 2017 in Guyana, is like a cry of some distress for many of the working class. That distress is not necessarily of the Powerful suppressing the humble, but sadly, in so many cases, the humble depressing the humble. How many times haven't you, a humble citizen, been approached by someone who addresses you with something such as, "Is woh really goin' on in dis country?" The people who see only the mud but never the moon on a serene night; those who see only a "Bad Moon Rising" and never go out into the night "Dancing in the Moonlight."

May Day or Labour Day, is intended to be the day when the working class is lifted up and recognized for their contributions to the smooth running and development of a nation. For older Guyanese, May Day/Labour Day in British Guiana, was one of jubilation when almost everyone, especially the Working Class, celebrated in unity, and in a big way. Labour Day Rallies give the representatives of the working class an opportunity to voice publicly the challenges, hopes and dreams of those who toil in Office, Field and Factory, most instances for very low wages, and in some cases, in very inhumane and dangerous conditions.

The Elders of today who are no longer in the workforce, and who have made their contributions to the development of our Beautiful Guyana, should never be treated less than with respect. Their human rights and human dignity should never be taken for granted. On Labour Day, we speak of the Father of Trade Unionism in Guyana and the Caribbean, our National Hero, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, and the many other trade unionists of the past, who have done so much to make life somewhat more rewarding, than pertained prior to the establishment of Trade Unions in Guyana a century ago.

As the producer of the Radio Programme Series, "The Eighty Plus Club", I am able to say that I have interviewed many of the former working class citizens, who have made sterling contributions in so many areas of life - education, health care, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, the postal service and so many others. Those workers of the past were first-hand witnesses of the unfurling of the Labour Movement during

the very early years, a century ago. To hear these stories of the struggles from the lips of those who went before, and who paved the way for the present generation to enjoy, is most inspiring.

Nonetheless, older folks have to be extremely careful how they discusses such nostalgia in the presence of the younger ones. However, it must be said that there are those youngsters who do show a great interest in the past, and how their parents and grand-parents lived and what they achieved.

There are those youngsters who by word and deed, show how much they appreciate what the workers of the past have contributed to what they, the current youngsters, have inherited; the hundreds of miles of canals, the hundreds of miles of dams and roadways; the streets, the parks all constructed by those who have gone before, and "Anyone who has a heart", would not say that the "old people must go one side", a statement made by a former president.

How many citizens twenty years and younger have built any of the many miles of side-walks, pavements, parks, public gardens and avenues in the city and the country side?

But even though the workers of today toil not only for themselves, but also for the benefits of the adults of tomorrow, there must be a protocol which guides what the elders - the current and retired workers - boast about.

First of all, Elders must be wise enough not to go around singing the praises of how wonderful it used to be, when they were young, and how the world is now in such a mess, and bemoaning, as they point out, all the nonsense that the young people are engaged with. Elders need to be prudent with their utterances. There are so many young citizens who are doing the right things, and that must be appreciated.

Some Elders will admit that one hundred years ago, the world was engaged in the First World War; and what an international mess that was! It lasted from 1914 to 1919, during the time then the Labour Movement was just emerging in British Guiana. A young athlete, Hubert Nataniel Critchlow, who is regarded as "The Father of Trade Unionism in Guyana and the Caribbean", was already waging war on the establishment on behalf of the downtrodden working class in this the only English-speaking colony in South America.

My own memory of the great man, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, was seeing him just once. It was on Regent Street in downtown Georgetown. I was in my teens at the time and was on the southern pavement in the vacinity of the Acme Photo Studio next to the City Hall. Critchlow was on the northern side of the street astride his big bicycle and in conversation with another gentleman. For me, it seemed like an aura emitted around him.

As the producer of the Radio Programme Series "THE EIGHTY PLUS CLUB", which

was on local Radio for fifteen years - 1985 to 2000 - I was fortunate to have interviewed three veterans of World War One. The last surviving was Gershom Browne of Bagotville, on the West Bank of Demerara. Many who attended the Remembrance Day observances over the years, can recall that strong centenarian marching up to the Cenatoph, and placing his special wreath there in remembrance of the Fallen Guyanese Heroes, as well as veterans around the world.

Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the Trade Unionist, and Gershon Onesimus Browne, the soldier, were young men at the same time during the first and second decade of the 20th century. Both were fighters for those who could not fight for themselves.

Both made great personal sacrifices for their country and fellow man. In a way, those two men, in their respective ways, and so many others like them, must never be forgotten for the work they did to make the lives of the working class of today, so much better.

In more recent times, the Trade Union Movement here in Guyana was in total disarray. The two separate Labour Day observances in Georgetown over a period of time, being the worst example. Also the

very recent confusion with the Elections at the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) being a sad example. The singing of the worker's song, "Solidarity Forever" had many flat notes.

During my earlier working life, I was a member of two Trade Unions; The Clerical and Commercial Worker's Union (CCWU) while I was a sales clerk at Wm. Fogarty's Store, and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) while I was at the Ministry of Information as a Film Producer and later at the Ministry of Culture as Director of Drama.

Both unions had some very dynamic and progressive Leaders - George DePenna, Gordon Todd and Leslie Melville, to mention just three.

Other giants of the Labour Movement over the past century included Andrew Jackson, Richard Ishmael, Cecil Cambridge and others. They were trail-blazers whose bravado and vision for the working class must be remembered. As Labour Day 2017 sails away into history, will there be more cries from the Working Class of Guyana, "May Day, May Day, May Day"? Only the weeks and months ahead will tell.

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abilities is our society .They also can achieve greatness and here are a few famous names Richard Branson, Micheal Phillips, Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Spielberg, Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around - Leo Buscaglia Please feel free to send us an email to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com or visit our FB Page beyond the runway Sending you all lots of positive vibes as we continue to beautiful journey call life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

The question is this: “Karen what can you do and who can you engage to help realize an educational, inclusive and professional plan for these children? So I am always thinking of this. Why?” Well because of my autistic daughter. Her story is one of success and one good thing I would be overjoyed to hear and experience someone else crossing that path."

I have so much admiration for her strength and will always support her.

We need to be more compassionate and accommodating; caring about people with dis-

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

Crime, a predictor of poverty (Part Two)

– The impact of crime on the individual, the community, the society – Taking a look from the flip-side of the coin

By M Margaret Burke Last week featured two areas: white collar crime, as well as domestic violence as a crime, both of which impacts poverty in very direct ways in the society. Mr. Andrew Hicks detailed how these types of crimes can affect society in general and subsequent can be viewed a predictors of poverty.

CRIME AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Mr. Hicks states, “Even without moving to the investigation of causation; even at the point where we can accept

The penal system at work

that there is a positive correlation, there is clear evidence in this correlative relationship that crime significantly impacts poverty.

“But it also means that if we have to spend more money in procuring weaponry; if we have to spend more money to address the effectiveness of the criminal justice system; which means having more magistrates and judges available to dispense with cases; which means having more prison space available to house larger numbers of perpetrators; which means investing in newer and more relevant forms of rehabilitation – what in fact we are seeing is that there is a social cost to crime, and the social dimension to crime is that which translates into an economic dimension or an economic cost,” he said.

Mr. Hicks, who has practiced extensively in areas of youth work, also served as a Peer Educator and Family Health Counsellor, and has focused on Criminology and the Criminal Justice for his PhD. The gentleman has concentrated much of his academic abilities in the expanse of drug use and mental health, peer influence, family relations on criminogenic behaviour and more.

FLIGHT OF HUMAN CAPITAL Mr. Hicks noted that with the increase of any economic resources to fight crime would mean that at the distributive level there will be contractions in terms of how the nation ben-

efit… “If government has to find larger sums of its economic pie to fight crime, then it means that less is available to pay our nurses, to pay our teachers, to pay our doctors, our engineers… and since these people will ultimately want to be paid market value of their salaries then this can contribute to a flight of human capital Mr Andrew Hicks, a practicing and so a nation sociologist and lecturer at the that is loosing its University of Guyana human resources is a nation that is obviously prone to poverty.”

He pointed out that even when viewing crime through the traditional lens, merely looking at crime as the kind of criminal activities such as murder, manslaughter, robberies and such like; those criminal activities that are captured under the Unified Crime Statistics/Unified Crimes Index, what we would actually see, he said, is that very often the economic giants interested in investing their money, tend to look for societies where at minimum there is going to be some returns on their investment. He therefore posited the view that for a country to be able to attract good investment, it is believed that crime must be at a low level.

“You will never be able to rid the society to all forms of crime, but we must be able to manage crime to the point where there are some basic guarantees that the society can be safe,” he offered.

“Because if you have a consistent increase in robberies, gun crimes, murders and such like, that in itself becomes a disincentive to potential investors; it becomes a distraction to investors; and your investors, whether it be foreign or local tend to decide that crime is intolerable and in the circumstances you may find that a nation that is saturated by crime can in fact, not only experience the flight of human capital, but also the flight of economic capital because businesses are likely to close and move to places where they feel they have a safer socio-economic environment,” Mr. Hicks said.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC MALADIES Mr. Hick explained that once the aforesaid becomes a reality, then this may result in the reduction of economic opportunities, for example employment opportunities, loss of income for families and obviously a loss of income could result in a reduction of the quality of life.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XII

perform in Guyana on April 18th but due to unforseen circumstances could not make it.

Ticket cost 2000 and children under-12 will gain entrance free.

Ticketing are available at Nigels Supermarket, Gizmos and Gadgets, M&M Supermarket, Jac's Snackette in Linden, Little Rock Hotel in Berbice, Local Churches and with local Artistes performing at the concert.

According to http://infogospelsinger. blogspot.com, Sinach is an award winning songwriter, worship leader and recording artist and a key member of the ‘LoveWorld music team of Christ Embassy’.

She started singing at a very young age but began faithfully pursuing her gospel music career after meeting Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, through whom God revealed her true calling in ministry.

“For over fifteen years Sinach has been privileged to witness, first hand, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and amazing miracles take place in the lives of people while ministering in music, as her mentor Pastor Chris ministered in the Healing School, several crusades, and conventions all over

the world,” the website said.

Writing from her heart, and depending totally on the Holy Spirit, Sinach has composed over 200 songs and won several music awards.

Many of her songs have been composed from words ministered by her Pastor, from which she has written some f her greatest hits - Awesome God, Simply Devoted, I am ready for Your Spirit, Shout of the King, All things are possible, Born to win, Fire in me, More of You, No failure with God, and hit single 'This is your Season', which won her the Song of the Year 2008 award.

She has been awarded as ‘Song Writer and Vocalist of the year’, and for her work in providing praise and worship music material in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Sinach has ministered through her music to millions of people universally in mega programs, conventions and concerts.

“Sinach is fuelled by her passion to see people all over the world inspired to worship and praise God through Spirit-born music and lyrics and to see the name of God lifted up through her music. She has a passion for the glory of God!” the online source says.

The prison should be seen as a symbol of confinement, but correction

◄◄◄ From page XVI

He went on to say that once persons experience those kinds of disruptions, they may then become vulnerable to other forms of crime such as drunkenness, substance abuse, alcoholic, and the like. This in itself, he noted, could result in ‘victims’ who become part of the lesser productive sections of the population and therefore their productive capacities become restricted, reduced and in the circumstances they cannot meaningfully contribute to the economic growth and development of the society, and in fact of themselves, their families and the larger society as a whole.

“My argument is that if you have a reduction in economic performances of the business sector that leads to a contraction of the industry as a result of increasing violence and crime within the society, then that may ultimately trickle down to a loss of employment, and the loss of employment may also correspond to a loss of social stability and that would inhibit the quality of human capital…

We know the impact of substance abuse, whether we are talking about alcohol or about cocaine; the effects are in fact debilitating – there is an abundance of evidence to support that. So clearly and undoubtedly, crime contributes to poverty.”

DETER, INCAPACITATE, REHABILITATE “In criminal justice a key function of punishment is to deter, to incapacitate and to rehabilitate. Unfortunately, in Guyana, the wider Caribbean, and elsewhere globally,

what we’ve seen is that our prisons have not been very effective in terms of treating with these three goals. What we have seen is that, the prison, as a form of punishment is best at incapacitating, but neither does it deter, nor does it effectively rehabilitate.

“And because there are problems that are associated with the kinds of interventions, the kinds of resources that we permit to deal with the issue of rehabilitation is often insufficient.

What we find is that many of our inmates re-enter society after they are released from prison but they are not re-integrated into society, because they come from the prison lacking the necessary skills and competencies which will help prevent them from being induced from re-entering criminal activities,” he said.

He therefore stressed the need for attention to be paid to the kinds of rehabilitative interventional work that are being done in the prisons, stating that there is certainly need to have additional resources to treat with the whole issue of rehabilitation.

“It is not to say that it is impossible to rehabilitate; it is not impossible, but the State and the Community, as well as the private sector has to find a functional partnership that will allow for the amalgamation of resources so that we can have the maximum inputs at the best of outcomes…thus having an inmate, who upon his release returns to society as someone who has very sharp competencies and is someone who can actually be reintegrated into the society, the sociologist said.” mercilinburke2017@gmail.com

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The ICC took my good advice ‌ but never acknowledged it publicly

By Hubert Williams (Bridgetown, Barbados) Fourteen years ago I sent written communication to the International Cricket Council in England suggesting measures to be taken to protect batsmen against wrong decisions by umpires in Test Cricket. The ICC acknowledged my communication and said it would be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. When 5 years later, in 2008, the ICC introduced exactly what I had recommended, no mention was made of whence the suggestion had come. I sent a reminder note to the ICC, but such communication was ignored.

Following is the text of the letter sent to the ICC on May 13, 2003. The system of dismissal referrals to a Third Umpire was introduced in 2008... and the ICC ignored my inquiries as to why no credit was accorded me.

The letter to ICC with the suggestions was

also shared with the Barbados Nation newspaper and celebrated cricket journalist Tony Cozier. I might also have sent it to Joseph "Reds" Perreira.

THIS IS THE LETTER EXACTLY AS IT WENT BY E-MAIL TO THE ICC...

A FEW POINTS FOR THE ICC TO PONDER (Tuesday, May 13, 2003) Occurrences during the Australia-West Indies Cricket Test Series which concluded today at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) have deepened my concern over the rules governing two critical areas of this great game. I am therefore proposing: 1. Greater recognition of the rights of batsmen, for batting remains the soul of cricket; and 2. Greater recognition of the rights of bowlers, for bowling remains the heart of cricket.

There may seem contradiction in the statements above, but not really.

First, the rights of batsmen, with specific reference to umpiring decisions.

When in April 2002, the International Cricket Council (ICC) abandoned traditionalism and appointed an Elite Panel of Umpires for Test Matches, its expressed expectation was that the change would ensure the highest possible standards and guarantee impartial adjudication.

The concept of impartiality is a difficult one. However, what is of greater import, and has been proven repeatedly, is that even impartial umpires make grave errors. Impartiality does not always guarantee justice, or excellence.

Indeed, it has long fascinated me that in a game where great players are considered old in their mid-30s, presumably because of failing eye-sight, impaired hearing and reflexes, and so on, umpires are expected to be at their best when old; whereas, so much hangs on acuity of sight and hearing.

This is not to condemn current umpires, for I believe even graver errors have been made more frequently throughout the history of Test cricket, a fact which many batsmen would have known, and cursed their ill luck for being on the receiving end of an umpiring howler.

The new exposes are because of the television camera and skilled technicians.

Use of available technology has been a considerable advance, as an adjunct to impartial adjudication and towards ensuring the highest possible standards, all-round, in Test cricket.

On several occasions during the Aussies-Windies series, and too often at crucial times, the technology has been an embarrassment to the umpiring. The rules must now come into step with the technology.

Earlier, I gave batting primacy over bowling in the order of precedence in cricket.

All things being equal, every team member is required to bat during a match, without necessarily having to be a good batsman; not every team member bowls. For some reason, a great batsman always carries greater gloss than a great bowler.

Yet the game's current rules favour bowlers: they can scream appeals as often as they like, justifiably or not; and it is not unknown in Test cricket for an umpire to be intimidated into a yes decision because of a prolonged and vociferous appeal from a bowler.

In the recent series, batsmen on both sides suffered from questionable, and sometimes palpably wrong, umpiring decisions. It takes professionalism and human fortitude for a batsman so wronged not to whack the stumps with his bat or hurl his cap to the ground in disgust, or even spit a few expletives. Were such done, it would no doubt be infringing the ICC's rules of conduct pertaining to bringing the game into disrepute, and result in penalties.

My suggestion regarding batsmen's right is that the batsman, like the bowler, should have the prerogative of appeal. The bowler appeals to the standing umpire. The batsman should be allowed to appeal to the third umpire.

If a batsman edges a delivery onto his pads and is adjudged LBW, he should have the right, by raising his hand, to compel a television review by the third umpire, who would

then adjudicate.

If, as happened to Ridley Jacobs at a critical time of the West Indies second innings, the ball cannons off a forearm and is caught, injustice should not prevail and the right to a review should be entrenched.

But the new rules should have safeguards against abuse. For any ill-founded appeal exposed by the television review, a batsman should be heavily fined (perhaps, a quarter of his match fee). I doubt there would be many, or any, such groundless appeals, for batsmen know if, or not, they knick, even only slightly, and the replay would show the change, or not, in trajectory.

Cricket is still the gentleman's game and I very much doubt any of today's Test players would risk their team-mates' opprobrium and public condemnation in trying to stay there on a spurious appeal.

So, I repeat: The ICC should seriously consider including within its rules a batsman's right of appeal against mistakes by standing umpires.

Now, to the bowler's rights. As did the Jacobs catch off the forearm which strengthened the case for batsmen, this Test match produced new evidence (again involving Ridley Jacobs) of what is, in my view, a traditional and continuing transgression of bowlers' rights.

Brett Lee bowled a superb delivery, brilliantly fielded a defensive prod down the wicket by Jacobs, and in a flash hit the middle stump with his throw to trap Jacobs out of his ground. Lee got the crowd's applause, but not the wicket.

Yet, had Jacobs snicked the delivery behind to be caught by Adam Gilchrist or hit it into the covers to be caught by Steve Waugh, the wicket would have been added to Lee's dismissals.

With the intervention of other players, the bowler gets the credit, but when effecting a dismissal all on his own, he gets none.

Strange!

Through the years, I have seen similar dismissals, by Vivian Richards, by Roger Harper and by exceptionally agile players from other countries, without the results of their great displays being reflected in the bowling statistics.

I am contending that in the special circumstances of such run-outs, the bowler should be awarded the wicket.

This is a matter to which, I submit, the ICC should accord serious consideration.

In both of the situations upon which I have made submissions, I can foresee the difficulty they might present the ICC. In the first instance, the ICC might wonder: would such increased use of the technology embarrass its elite umpires, following as it would a dismissal decision already made?

And in the second instance, a whole new area of debate would be ignited over correcting the statistics of bowlers past.

I would think that neither the prospect of embarrassment nor the igniting of heated debate should stand as barriers to progress, if the ICC's objective in governing this great game is to guarantee fair (not only impartial) adjudication and to ensure the highest possible standards in world cricket.

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NURSING – A NOBLE PROFESSION “Very rewarding, not rewarding in money, but very rewarding.”

I COMMENCED my working life with an exciting career as a trained teacher, having passed the First and Third Year Teachers’ certificate and then I went on to the Teachers’ College, where I worked my way. I enjoyed working in the school with both fellow teachers and students. It was fun, I enjoyed my work, but always aspiring for greener pastures, with a promise that the nursing profession held better pursuits for me, I decided to take the opportunity to become a nurse, said Sister Donnette Mingo.

“It was not my first love but I have never regretted one moment of it; not one moment.

If I had to live my life again and again I will always be a nurse,” Sister Mingo declared.

“In 1976, under the tutelage of Gloria M Dennison (Jamaican) and Eleanor Myres, Clinical Instructor, I commenced the nursing programme at the Charles Rosa School of

Sister Donette Mingo as she received her capping some 48 years ago

Nursing, as a nursing student of batch 21.

“This was some 48 years ago, and I can say that I have never regretted it and if I have to live my life again I will happily doing nursing all over again,” Sister Mingo said.

The road to success wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it. I was successful at the State Final examinations in 1979 and in 1980 I became a Registered Midwife,” she said.

Sister Mingo said that in her quest for higher to continue she continued to do other courses, where in 1994 she qualified as a trained psychiatric nurse practitioner and in 1998, she qualified as a health visitor. Then having worked throughout the length and breadth of Guyana I was appointed senior health visitor in 2004.

She was one of the first nurses in Guyana to attend the University of Guyana to read for the degree programme, BSc of nursing

degree, majoring in management. She then worked at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) for 10 years, until 2015.

“KNOWLEDGE IS TO BE IMPARTED” “Having the passion to impart my knowledge, I started part-time teaching at the Georgetown School of Nursing – practical, as a Clinical Instructor. After retirement, I decided that I should continue to work; to impart my knowledge, because in my opinion knowledge is to be imparted and shared, not kept, so I applied and I was appointed a clinical instructor at the GHPC in September, 2015.

Mingo said that in March 2016, she was appointed Coordinator of the Patient Care Turn to page XX ►►►

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Assistant Programme at the Georgetown Hospital, which was successfully completed with 67 participants, some coming from as far as Region One completing the programme.

“I continued as a Clinical Instructor at the GHPC and until recently, until April 3, 2017, I started a second class of Patient Care Assistants. I do enjoy the work I do and while there are instances where there are issues to overcome, I always strive to do of my best because knowledge is power and I need to share my knowledge, especially to the younger folks and not to be an unselfish person, especially dealing with young people.

Because in your entire pathway you meet them, and you have to first embrace them so that they will adopt the correct attitude to deal with issues – be them good or bad.

LIFE-SKILLS SO LACKING, BUT SO NECESSARY “One of the first things that people need to know, especially young people, they need to be more appreciative of themselves. Lifeskills, as I participate in those programmes is so lacking and at the same time so necessary

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

to achieve success. The youths of today lack those skills; they need training in topics like anger management, conflict resolution, and to accept themselves as they are and work on their weaknesses so they can turn their weaknesses into strengths and they will become better adults,” Nurse Mingo posited.

She stated that while there will always be criticisms, nurses should be able to look at those criticisms objectively and work on them. She noted that in life one must realise that people always can try to put others down, but that should not deter them from giving of your best.

“This brings me to the point of empathy,” she said. “We should always remember that one of the qualities of a nurse, one of the core values of a nurse is being empathetic.

We must always remember that one day or someday you might be the patient or someone of your loved ones might be the patient and you would always want the best. So, if that is always in your mind, you would always try to give of your best,” Sister Mingo emphasised.

“Yes, there are constraints, but all nurses know how to improvise, or they should know how to improvise, but you first have to have the right mind-set and the right attitude.

Clinical Instructor, Sister Mingo at her desk at the GPHC

“Don’t be confrontational! she implored.”

INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY 2017 “I keeping with the theme for international nurses’ day 2017, it says: ‘Nursing: A voice to lead: Achieving sustainable developmental goals’, I want to ask of my fellow senior nurses that we should all put our hearts, heads and hands together to achieve this aim; We should strive to achieve a sustainable developmental goal; Let the youths, let the

younger ones adapt and see us as mentors, and in doing so they will achieve – we will lead, they will follow, because sooner or later we will become extinct and they would have to take up the leadership roles so they need to just take advice and follow-suit and nursing is going to take back the image that was lost.

“Let us take back what is rightfully ours. Nursing a noble profession, very rewarding – not rewarding in money, but very rewarding,” she said.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

Aries Someone may show up in your life today with an offer that sounds too good to refuse.

Fortunately, it's likely the real deal and could open an unexpected doorway into your future. But a touch of caution is advised because inflationary Jupiter is in the picture, tempting you to turn a positive opportunity into a venture so big that it becomes unrealistic. Aries Thomas Jefferson wrote, "I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it."

Taurus Although you might try to fit more into your day than is possible, you're eager to do as much as you can. Thankfully, your stamina is high; starting on your chores in the morning won't tire you out since action-hero Mars and confident Jupiter are working on your behalf today. Although sheer determination counts for a lot, you must remember that you're a human with human limitations. Walt Disney said, "I always like to look on the optimistic side of life but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter."

Gemini You're full of good ideas today, but it's not healthy to believe everything you think.

Positive energy flows into your life as long as you're having fun while the Moon dances with buoyant Jupiter in your 5th House of Spontaneity. Just remember that your current creativity is not limited to what you say or write. The lunar connection with physical Mars in your 1st House of Self is a reminder that you must put your best thoughts into action and let the others slip back into inner space. Jim Rohn says, "If it's important, you'll find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse."

Cancer Pinning down the details on an upcoming adventure may be nearly impossible now. You might be feeling pressure to make a decision about an important project, but it's wiser to let the current events unfold further before committing to anything major. Thankfully, things should fall into place over the next few days whether or not you worry about them today. In the meantime, treat yourself kindly. Author Mandy Hale wrote, "It's not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself and to make your happiness a priority. It's necessary."

Leo You have people you want to see and places you want to go today. Luckily, you should be able to accomplish these goals by giving yourself the day off. However, an over-indulgent Moon-Jupiter conjunction in your 3rd House of Distractions could trick you into believing you can fit three days of social activity into one. Do yourself a favour and re-prioritize your schedule before reality does it for you. It's much easier on everyone involved if you act pre-emptively instead of waiting until it's too late. Albert Einstein quipped, "Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them."

Virgo You have an opportunity to stand back from the noise of your everyday life and take stock of your current position. Although there's no need to put your thoughts into immediate action now, your logic is clear and your conclusions are sound. The Moon in your 2nd House of Money connects with visionary Jupiter and assertive Mars, motivating you to set ambitious career goals. Review time is over; Jackie Joyner-Kersee said, "It's better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret."

Libra Your friends see you in the most positive light now. It's as if you can do no wrong while the nurturing Moon hooks up with jovial Jupiter in your accommodating sign. Take advantage of your luck today, for the cosmos is gracing you with a chance to improve your life. But be aware of the shadows that exist even in the illuminating light of positive thinking. You don't need to keep up a false front of perfection. Fake people must maintain an image.

Real people just don't care.

Scorpio Your sign is the champion of secrets because your emotions are so intense that others shy away from your extreme honesty. Although you keep your passions to a low simmer when required, you might let them all hang out today. An expansive Moon-Jupiter conjunction floods your 12th House of Fantasy, but its smooth connection with spontaneous Mars gives you a natural path to express your feelings. Trust your intuition; don't hold back if your inner voice says it's safe to reveal what's in your heart. Paradoxically, the more you share, the more you gain.

Sagittarius You can blame your social indulgences on your friends today, but the truth is you were ready to say yes even before you were invited. Fortunately, you're able to carve out enough spare time now to join others on a group activity that could require a certain level of commitment. Even if you're doing something as simple as going for a walk, you're either all in or not at all. Just remember to honour your other responsibilities and establish practical limits around your adventure. Stay true to your word; integrity matters more than you know.

Capricorn Sometimes your reputation as the serious one gets in the way of having fun. Happily, you're ready for some guilt-free downtime today and others may end up following you on a scenic route to Playland. But your organizational tendencies aren't lost; you're the one who can pull all the pieces together and coordinate the frivolities. John Wanamaker wrote, "People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness."

Aquarius The distant horizon seems closer than ever today and you can almost touch it. Your dreams, too, feel within reach, whether or not they are grounded enough to ever come true. This is a magical yet precarious moment because you're able to establish goals that inspire you and those around you. However, you might aim at a destination that is so unrealistic, you can't help but be disappointed down the road. Humanitarian Benjamin Mays wrote, "The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goals to reach."

Pisces Your subconscious is working overtime today and is the source of rich treasures. It's also a depository of flashing lights and trivial trinkets. Unfortunately, discerning the ideas that are powerful enough to change your life from those that have no redeeming value can be a challenging task now. Rather than trying to force a decision each time you experience a creative rush, just let the images stream at their own rate without your logical interference. Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat said, "Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality."

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"THE GOLDEN AGE OF GEORGETOWN CHARACTERS 1930-1960"

By Bernard Heydorn" THE CARIBBEAN is known not only for its sunny climate, but also its street people: colourful characters who paraded daily through town and country, provid-

ing spontaneous street theatre.

Whether driven to the streets by mental, emotional or social derailment, or "dropping out and turning on" by free choice, they remain indelible in memory, symbolic of the life and times. Like the politicians of

the day, street characters had the ability to attract attention.

In Georgetown, Guyana, names like Bertie Vaughn, Law And Order, Cato, Pussy In The Moonlight, Pele, Mad John, Saul, Walker The British, Cow Manure, Oscar The Paper Man, Tunus, Daddy Ben, Mary Bruk Iron, Bicycle Jack, and others, were standouts during that golden age of theatre of the absurd (1930 - -1960), providing year round side shows, a character for every reason and season.

It is interesting to note that many of these characters found a place to rest at night, be

punch! From that day on, people said that Mad John never slept properly, being constantly on guard against another sneak attack by the other side of himself.

Christmas in Georgetown was noted as much for 'Cow Manure' as for its ginger beer. 'Cow Manure' was an East Indian man who sold cow manure as a fertiliser, from a basket on his head, and who was perpetually drunk. He belted out his favourite Christmas Carol, "While shepherds wash their flocks and socks at night, all seated on the ground" to all and sundry, slurring the words and composing his own, as he walked the streets.

it the Palms, Dharm Shala, a mental home, a back room, or underneath a shop bridge.

However, back then, as now, their illnesses, be they mental or physical, their idiosyncrasies and eccentricities, were crying out for healing hands.

Mad John was a man who walked up and down Regent Street in Georgetown, beating up on himself, complaining, "a woman tek all meh money!" Mad John seemed to possess a split personality which I shall call "He" and "Himself" for clarity sake.

Now, "He" and "Himself" were always fighting each other but never producing a clear winner. One day "He" would be on top and "Himself" would retreat from the blows; and on another day, the tide would turn and "Himself" would be top dog.

The state of affairs continued for a while until one morning, "Himself" caught "He" half-asleep on Camp Street by the Blue Light Store, and like a dog chasing its own tail, gave chase and delivered a solid knockout

Another well known character was 'Saul'. A man for all seasons, he dressed for every occasion, depicting the daily news.

His outfits and placards gave a running commentary to the events of the day, for if a condemned murderer was being hung at the jail on Camp Street, Saul was the first to show and tell. Saul was also the first to coin the saying, "Why get sober if you have to get drunk all over again?" During a cricket test match, Saul ran around the ground at Bourda, dressed as a cricketer with paper gloves and cardboard pads, bringing the game to a halt and getting more attention than the Governor!

Another Bourda character was 'Daddy Ben', who the M.C.C. press called 'Daddy Bell'. 'Daddy Ben' had a permanent bird ticket up a tall tree at Bourda, on the eastern side of the ground by the Georgetown Football Club during a Test Match. From that vantage Turn to page XXVIII ►►►

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Sarah says lives must be saved for better tomorrow Sarah Jakaran is an eighteen-year-old aspiring entrepreneur and one of several vying for the title of Ms. India Guyana 2017.

The number nine delegate, who holds the platform of Preventing suicide among vulnerable Teens in Guyana was born and raised in Guyana and has described herself as warm-hearted, bold and independent.

According to her, the chosen platform, “Brings great emotion to me and I believe that suicide should stop. Lives must be saved for a better tomorrow.”

Sarah Jaikaran showcases her Indian wear

She added, “I am in this pageant to raise my voice and let it be heard. My goal is to reach the minds of persons that wish to end their lives and to help save those lives; to let people see that there is always a tomorrow and that their lives do matter.”

She is sponsored by Rajkaran & Sons’ Auto Body, Anjees, Survival supermarket, Chris Auto Store, Najab’s trading and Mr. John.

Take a risk, open a new book and turn the page to a new Journey is the quote by which she lives her life and encourages others.

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‘Irish’ potatoes – home

By Shauna Jemmott

WITH A newly-discovered potential of harvesting potatoes on the coastal plains of Guyana, the country can save the over US$4 million it invests annually in the importation of potatoes and earn millions through the export market if ‘Irish’ potatoes become homegrown on a massive scale.

The World University Service of Canada (WUSC)/Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROP E L ) h a v e f a c i l itated the project of harvesting potatoes and onions in Guyana through the establishment of Farmer Field Schools, as part of a Canadian Government fund to the amount of CAD$100 million.

WUSC Caribbean/PROPEL and the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) have collaborated to push for crop diversification, the introduction of new crops and the production of non-traditional crops within Guyana’s agricultural sector, WUSC Caribbean executive Johanna Robertson said.

She was speaking to a gathering of farmers, PROPEL/WUSC staff and the media who visited the farm of Mr. Bhagwan Persaud at Little Biaboo, Upper Mahaica River, Region 5 Thursday, when the first crop of six

varieties of Irish potatoes, a major import product, was successfully harvested on the coastal plain of Guyana.

Smiles were on the faces of Mr. Persaud and other farmers as they reaped the potatoes and packed them carefully in green mesh bags loading them in a canoe and a white cruiser truck, some miles into the area dom-

inated by rich vegetation.

Robertson pointed to statistics which showed that Guyana is a major importer of potatoes and in 2016 alone the country imported 10 million kilograms of potatoes at a cost of US$4M. The first successful potato farmer on the coast, Persaud was both surprised and filled with joy that the first harvest was a great success.

“I feel good, I feel proud. And I must say thanks to PROPEL for encouraging me

…Guyana can save milli

,”he told Sunday Pepperpot in an interview.

PROPEL pushed him into harvesting the product. He said they visited the area where they worked with a group of farmers, and threw the challenge out. He was the only farmer who boldly accepted and the organization invested some $250,000 into the project and a Field School was established on his farm utilizing less than a quarter of an acre for the new production.

“We have a group that works with PROPEL. They asked who were interested in potatoes and onions and just me alone put my hand up. It was a good experience, because I am a farmer throughout my life and I never grow potato. I never see how potatoes grow. I never heard that anybody grow it in my career. But there is always a first time, so I say I will go with that.”

Persaud was guided by PROPEL professionals and got started by clearing the plot of bushes and grass, before preparing the soil.

“When I finish ploughing it, they give me

some lime stone. I shy it then they plough it back and mix the lime stone into the earth.

That does cut out the sour from the soil,” he explained.

Drains were made in the midst of the potato beds to separate the land into several smaller banks.

“Then you put down the alu (potato) inside and yuh cover down the alu about four inches in the earth,” he said.

He maintained the product, watering it and cleaning the bed for 90 to 100 days, giving the plants water only thrice weekly while they were yet young. But as the time grew closer to harvesting more water was added.

It was easy and he got some help from several members of the PROPEL group in planting the potatoes, while he and his son maintained the crop throughout until harvesting, when additional hands were added.

A few mistakes were made or production would have been greater, but Bhagwan Persaud said next time, there will be no making of mistakes as he was preparing to plant again on a larger scale, with PROPEL on his side to ensure the availability of adequate market.

“One of the major mistakes that I made here was that I plant it too close, so I didn’t get the amount of earth to mold it up. More you mold it up the more bearing yuh going to get. When fuh give them the amount of water I didn’t know the amount of water to give it.

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grown on a massive scale

ions and earn foreign $$ I get the experience from this here now fuh know about the amount of water required,” he posited.

“It was a joy sowing and reaping ‘Irish’

potatoes he said. “I would advise farmers to grow it.”

Weighing the potential the local market alone has, he is willing to go the extra mile and invest big, even as he continues producing his traditional farm produce of a variety of locally grown vegetables. He is also willing to try his hands at other non-traditional products.

“I travel around Guyana here… people eating potato plenty in Guyana here, so I think we have the market fuh when we produce it, and it’s not expensive to grow. I will go more large this coming crop. I have some (seeds) for sale and some which I will reuse.

I willing to try (other products). I was asking them to do garlic. Now you looking at the internet you see how garlic grows. Putting it in the soil and maintaining it, I want that experience also,” the farmer said.

Deputy Project Director of WUSC Caribbean Munish Persaud said conversations on the Turn to page XXVII ►►►

harvesting of Irish potato and onions began four years ago, and the project has already achieved a few success stories. With market analysis and a few other connections in place, accomplishments can become unlimited.

He recalled that during the 1970s Guyana’s potential was already recognized and Irish potatoes were successfully harvested in the Pakaraima mountain in Essequibo.

Transportation of the products from the mountains, however, was quite costly and so the project became too expensive to maintain.

Attempts were again made in recent years to grow potatoes on the coast but proved unsuccessful.

He said potatoes can contribute significantly to food security and on Guyana’s coast a few farmers are hoping to up production.

A taste-testing event will be staged in two weeks at the Pegasus Hotel and Persaud said one can guarantee that the locally-grown potatoes will have a sweeter taste.

“It has now been proven that potatoes can be grown on the coast of Guyana and taste even better.” he said during a simple ceremony on the farm.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

Help Guyana to achieve becoming a

– First Lady, urges women at Region Two Regional Women’s Conference First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger on Friday urged women to recognise the importance of their role in the growth and sustainable development of their family, community and country, even as Guyana continues along the path towards becoming a ‘green’ state. The First Lady made these remarks while attending the National Congress of Women’s (NCW) Regional Women’s Conference held at the Good Hope Transformation Centre in Pomeroon/Supenaam (Region Two).

The First Lady noted that it is important for women to play a greater role in the decision making process. “We must proudly take our places in our families, our neighbourhoods, our villages and at the regional and national levels so that our voices are heard, our needs are recognised and met and we help to change the environment and the circumstances in which we and our families live… Help Guyana to achieve its goal of becoming a ‘green’ state resting on four pillars: energy, environmental security, ecological services, enterprise and employment,” the First Lady said.

Mrs. Granger said that women make up over half of the country’s population and she encouraged them to tap into opportunities to advance their education, improve their skills and to raise their standard of

First Lady Sandra Granger and Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence, upon their arrival at the Supenaam Stelling, were joined by other attendees of the National Congress of Women as they make their way to the Good Hope Transformation Centre

living. “Learn from the skills and experience of your sisters and those who truly have your interests at heart… We have the

A section of the audience at the Conference

power of numbers. What we say must be recognised as something important in our neighbourhood, our regions and our na-

tion,” she said.

Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence, who serves as Chairperson of the NCW, in her remarks, said that the theme of the conference “PNC/R Women Supporting a ‘Green’ Economy” is one which is ever important at this time and that women must, therefore, see their value in playing an important role in the country’s ‘green’ agenda.

“Our President, cognisant of the measures that must be put in place to mitigate the effects of climate change, has asked Guyana to go green, challenging us to become masters of our destiny and the destiny of future generations. We have to move out of our comfort zone. We have to mobilise ourselves to support this ‘green’ initiative because Guyana is a country blessed with available natural resources some of which remains untouched to this day. And so I am convinced that we as a nation have no reason to undergo suffering given the vast resources at our disposal,” she said.

Friday’s conference featured discussions regarding Guyana’s ‘green’ agenda and steps that can be taken by the NCW to contribute to this thrust. The National Congress of Women is the women’s arm of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and was formed in 1957 as the People’s National Congress Women’s Auxiliary. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017 interest in harvesting ‘Irish’ potatoes.

He said too that the potato being a non-traditional product and new to farms in Guyana, farmers needed to be educated on the products, its needs and the soil preparation and nutrients needed for its production.

“Now that we know that we could do it here right we need more farmers to be interested in planting the potatoes. Once we can have an organized setting, we could do a lot more in making the production of potatoes in Guyana a real success,” Adams told Sunday Chronicle in an interview.

He said the loam or loose soil is the best for such farming and such soil needs can be constructed with the right technology and soil nutrients.

“The best soil you have is the loam, the loose soil, potato needs loose soil. And

◄◄◄ From page XXV

Persaud said sometime back, the late Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh aggressively campaigned for the growing of non-traditional crops and PROPEL in response did an analysis of non-traditional crops which they wanted to have farmers produce in Guyana.

They were looking at products Guyanese import on a large scale and identified onions and potatoes.

“PROPEL is taking a market systems approach involving input suppliers and developing a network of actors to make it possible,” the Deputy Director said.

The organization is collaborating with several market actors including buyers, producers, input suppliers, research institutes, extension service providers and government to connect buyers from the Caribbean and beyond with local producers and ensuring products under their watch meet high value market standards as well as meet those markets.

Input Supplier of the project Beaufort Ad-

ams of BLT hailed the success of the project and is calling on more farmers to develop an

XXVII apart from having the loose soil which you could make actually, you need to know the nutrients of the soil, you need to know what potato needs and then you need to know what nutrients exactly the soil has that you’re going to plant the potato on, and then you tailor the soil to suit the needs of the potato. That’s basically how you become a successful farmer,” Adams explained.

Meanwhile, Field Manager of the WUSC Farmer Field School, Jason Persaud, said although potato has been known to attract pests and diseases, it is remarkable that throughout the ten weeks of sowing, there has only been a minor presence of late blight but no major pests present in the field at Little Biaboo.

XXVIII ◄◄◄ From page XXII

point, whenever he got bored or he wanted a wicket to fall, he would ring a big bell loudly, and sure enough, wickets would start to tumble, to the amusement of the crowd and the amazement of the players.

'Oscar', the blind paper man, walked up and down the streets of Georgetown before dawn and cock crow, shouting the headlines and selling newspapers, "Argasy! Agasy!"

Although he was blind, he know his coins well and anyone who tried to cheat him would be cussed out.

Horse racing at Durban Park would not be complete without the appearance of 'Pele', an East Indian man who walked around, dressed up in a suit, smoking two cigarettes at the same time! He gave a running commentary on the races and every other subject imaginable. He was also a passionate suitor, for if he liked a young lady, he would find out where she lived and go and sing loudly outside her bedroom window, from midnight to dawn!

'Pussy In The Moonlight', alias 'Pussy Foot', was a bearded Portuguese man who wore a jacket and plaid shorts. He sold sweepstake tickets in between drinks, and was reputed to live in Albouystown with many children, some of whom walked around with him. School children were sometimes cruel to Pussy Foot, taunting him with a verse, "Pussy in the moonlight, pussy in the dew, pussy never come home till half past four." Another Portuguese character was 'Tunus', a strong, hard-drinking man whose favourite haunt was the Red Coconut Tree rum shop at Cummings and Second Street.

Tunus apparently went to jail for stabbing a policeman, but

he was better known for playing a mouth organ with one hand and doing the unmentionable with the other!.

An icon among Guyanese characters would be Bertie Vaughn, a black man. Bertie apparently came from a "good" family, and was himself once a school teacher, and it is said, a candidate for the Guiana Scholarship before "too much studiation sent him off his pins." From then on, his station in life was to sit on a parapet by the main Post Office, shaving his head and other parts of his anatomy clean, clean, with a broken "grass bottle" in a fashion that would make Gillette both envious and anxious about the competition.

In between picking a sore in his scalp and begging, he also drank iodine, miraculously without poisoning himself, having built up a tolerance over the years. If he begged for a six cents piece and you gave him a bit (an eight cents piece), he would return it saying, "ah want six cents". At one time he had a Raleigh bicycle, replacing the bell with a horn, saying "school children gun listen to the horn." Later for no apparent reason, he ran his Raleigh bicycle into the Demerara River.

'Walker The British' was a mixed-race (Mulatto) man, who sold sweepstake tickets around Water Street, armed with two bricks. Apparently, he came from an educated family, and then, like Bertie Vaughn, "went 'round duh bend". He was an ardent supporter of British superiority, shouting "British yuh fool! Highest hair and colour!" People taunted him, calling him "Walker the nigger" and so he retaliated with his two bricks, sometimes drawing blood from his tormentors. He slept at the Palms, letting himself out daily on his rounds.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017 Another Post office character was 'Telegraph George', who used to work at the Post Office as a telegraph messenger before he "went off". He could then be found, making signs with his fingers, looking at the heavens saying "ah gun talk to God." One character I had some fear of as a schoolboy was 'Cato', a somewhat deranged black man who wore short pants and rags and often exposed himself to bystanders for money, saying, "Ah want a penny tuh buy a panty fuh me sister". 'Cato' also had a weakness for rubber, devouring pencil erasers and chewing on the rubber seals of bottles.

Once on an indecency exposure charge in court, he saw Forbes Burnham and shouted "Uncle Forbes, get up an' talk fuh me maan. Yuh gun leh dis coolie magistrate do dis tuh meh?" Apparently, this was one of the rare occasions when Burnham was at a loss for words.

And who can ever forget 'Law And Order' who staged an execution in his push cart everyday, every hour on the hour.

During the executions of his rag doll, he gave an address on the evils of crime and the benefits of the British Empire, of laws and order. He was always sole judge, jury and executioner. Curious crowds always gathered around 'Law And Order' at Bourda Market and the Public Buildings where he was a regular show stopper. 'Law And Order' and his push cart also marched proudly in the Armistice Day parade on November 11, each year, getting loud applause and holding his own with the veterans of many campaigns.

One of my favourite characters was 'Bicycle Jack' a museum on wheels. 'Bicycle Jack' rode a bicycle all day long in the Georgetown sun, with every object imaginable attached to the bike - clips, wires, bells, horns, lights, decorations, flags, the most prominent being the Union Jack, homemade toys, and spinning windmills, to name a few. The wheels were also gaily decorated, all in all, a sight to behold. His only problem was when rain fell, when he had to peddle fast to find shelter.

There were other characters too, like 'Bubble Up', the white woman with 'big foot', who cursed like hell; and 'Mary Bruck Iron', a prostitute, who had established a reputation for 'brucking iron' in Tiger Bay. Be it 'Monkey', 'Sharkey', 'Live Wire', 'Dribbly Joe' or the legendary 'bag men' used by parents to develop fear in children, street characters were always around. Some times in retrospect, I wonder if the colonial powers allowed these characters to roam free in order to provide distraction for the local people, while they exploited the country.

Additional Submissions by Gus Corbin There were a few other names also, "Spungdown." A short stocky and elderly black man worked with a Lykin Funeral Home. He bathed the dead and informed familles when their loved ones died, particularly from the Public Hospital.

It was known that he carried a dead man on his cycle from Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown. He made it appear as if the man was drunk, slapping the man several times and talking to him on the way to G/T. The other was "Bastiannie." A short Indian man worked with Bastinannie Funeral Home in Albertown. He would also bathe the dead and sleep in coffins at the parlor. It was said that people would be scared to death, when they went to the Parlor to make funeral arrangements. He would be seen coming out of a coffin as if he was dead.

"Bertie Sammon." - a short and stocky strong handy man from the Village. A bit retarded, but he had his own kind of sense. He ran errands for people in the neighborhood, and lived around John and Durban Street Lodge. He had an infectious laugh, which you can hear him blocks away, when the night is still, even as you stood in Hadfield Street. After the end of each race day at Durban Park, he would go into the Stands to search every drawer for money hopefully left by ticket sellers or anyone dropping a shilling. He had a big appetite. He would eat 12 tennis rolls, many large cups of mauby or swank and anything in sight. He loved going to Indian weddings in the Village, where he would eat several plates of food (rice and doll) and wash down with more food, when he is in the mood. He was the Gallon of the area.

The next person was Jamesie Moore - one time amateur boxer. He became mentally disturbed, due to some woman. He ran around the D'urban Park, each day shadow boxing, always training for a fight that never came off. He liked drawing a horse on a piece of paper that he said must be printed into his own currency. He brought the paper to the Argosy news paper company in Bel Air Park each day to be printed. He ran errands, and also lived near John and Durban Streets in Lodge. He sang to the top of his voice, when he sat on St Sidwell’s school steps. I believed he was a member of the choir years before he became ill. It is sad that some of our best brains ended up that way. Mental Health is big social problem which needs to be addressed. We took the problem as entertainment and an individual problem.

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Study on indigenous women, children launched in Moruca

By Isaiah Braithwaite

(GUYANA, GINA) - A study on Indigenous women and children in Guyana was launched in the Moruca Sub-Region, Region One on Friday by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs in collaboration with the United Nations

groups of women and children.

Minister Allicock told residents that the study would provide the government with the information needed for better planning, management and stronger economic development.

“We have talent, we have the capacity, what we need is the opportunity and here is a good time to begin that process,” the Minister stated.

Minister Allicock pointed out that the study would be an example to follow that would make headway in each and every indigenous commuTurn to page XXXI ►►►

Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock

Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The launch of the study is the first of its kind in the Caribbean and Latin America. The study is expected to map the issues indigenous women and children face in the hinterland, and provide solutions that will have a positive impact on their lives.

Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said he was honoured to be launching a study which is aimed at the development of vulnerable

UNICEF’S Country Representative Sylvie Fouet

Some of the Moruca, Region One residents who were present at the launch of the study on Indigenous women and children in Guyana

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

Guyanese invited to Independence celebrations in NY A NUMBER of activities have been set, and the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee in New York is inviting all Guyanese to join them overseas to celebrate the country’s 51st Anniversary of Independence from May 26 to June 11.

The Committee’s Chairman, Rickford Burke said that the activities will kick off with the Independence Day Flag Raising Service which will be held on May 26 in the Courtyard of the Alexander Hamilton US Customs House, 1 Bowling Green, Manhattan NY 10004 (at the Broadway/ Wall St Bull).

A Cocktail Reception & Awards Ceremony will immediately follow in the Rotunda of the Alexander Hamilton US Customs House. On Sunday, May 28, an Independence Service will be held at God's Battalion of Prayer Church, 661 Linden Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11203 (at Linden Blvd & Schenectady Ave), while a soccer tournament will be on

June 4, 2017 at South Shore High School Park, Flatlands Ave and Ralph Ave., Brooklyn.

A cricket competition is set for the morning of June 10, in Queens, while the Independence festival is set for the afternoon at Brooklyn Rocks Night Club, (Formerly Temptations, on 2214 Church Ave at Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn 11226.) The independence celebration will conclude with the annual Independence Mashramani Parade on Sunday, June 11, on Church Ave., Brooklyn.

The annual Unity Concert will immediately follow the parade at 8014 Preston Court at Ralph Ave, Brooklyn NY 11236; (Ralph Ave between Foster and Ave D).

The Mashramani Parade is a trait of the Guyanese people and it will be an annual event held on the second Sunday in June each year, Burke said.

The Guyana Independence Celebration Committee (NY) says it performs functions that are “community” oriented and for community benefit.

Burke related that, in honor of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary last year, the organization hosted a one week celebration that included an interfaith service, symposium on Guyana’s history, volunteer day with free medical and legal clinics, a flag raising ceremony, investment conference, cricket and soccer competition, kids fun day, a State dinner at which President David Granger was guest of honour and the Mashramani parade and unity concert. “We united with the Queens community and created a diverse organization that reflected all of Guyana,” Burke said.

He related that the organization is comprised of 163 members from every realm of the Guyanese diaspora in nine US States that are divided into and 13 sub-committees. “We mobilize thousands of nationals and our website generated over 5 million impressions. This was never achieved in the Guyanese diaspora,” it was noted.

Under US law as a “not for profit organization,” the committee is prohibited by Federal law from affiliating or coordinating with political parties. The committee says it has no political connections and engages in activities tailored to the diaspora in a bid to foster diversity and inclusiveness.

“We assure our brothers and sisters in Queens and other communities, that we eschew partisan politics and division… Guyana belongs to all of us. We must therefore work unceasingly to achieve national unity.”

The committee could be contacted for more information on the independence celebration at www.celebrateguyanainnyc.com, info@celebrateguyanainnyc.com or call Tel: 929-263-2556.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXIX

nity and even coastal communities.

“We cannot wait until development is upon us, and that is why the information here is so important to get us in readiness for what is coming,” Minister Allicock explained.

The study will provide the Ministry with the opportunity to “have the facts so that the communities could be stronger, the village council could be stronger,” he posited.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido – Lowe also speaking at the launch of the study, noted that it would help Ministries and international agencies when designing programmes for the indigenous people.

Minister Garrido-Lowe pointed out that the experiences of the indigenous women and children were unique when compared to those living on the coast.

“You cannot paint us with one Guyanese brush because we are a unique people, we have our culture that we have maintained and we have a way of thinking that people have to respect and understand when they come to work with us with projects and programmes,” the Minister explained.

Once the study is completed, it will help to empower indigenous women and children so that there is equity all across the country, she stated.

“When the findings are documented and given to the government and other agencies, they will see that although we are getting opportunities, the problem that is there most of the time is the problem of equity,” Minister Garrido-Lowe stressed.

UNICEF’S Country representative, Sylvie Fouet, said that the study would provide critical data that will serve as a guide to what is needed to be done to help the indigenous people.

However, Fouet told the residents that the study was not expected to “give you the fish, but rather to teach you how to fish”, pointing out that it is “really helping you on seeing what else we can do differently to really improve the lives of our children, women and parents.”

According to Fouet, UNICEF will continue to work with the government to provide programmes and policies for the development of indigenous communities.

The study will be done in several communities across Guyana and is expected to be completed in June 2017.

Also present at the launch of the study were Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Alfred King, Regional Vice-Chairperson, Region One. Sarah Browne, International Researcher from UNICEF Marcio Carvalho, and representative from the Steering Committee on the study on women and children Donna Keiller-Mckinnon.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe

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Uber faces criminal probe in US over 'greyball' code

Ride-sharing firm Uber is facing a criminal investigation by the US government.

The scrutiny has started because the firm is accused of using "secret" software that let it operate in regions where it was banned or restricted.

The software, called "greyball", helped it identify officials

seeking to stop the service running.

A spokesman for Uber declined to comment on the investigation, reported the Reuters news agency.

It is claimed greyball was used in several areas, including Portland, Oregon, where the ride service was still seeking official approval to operate.

Bookings blocked In those areas, transport regulation officials posed as passengers in a bid to prove that the company was operating illegally. Greyball worked out who the officials were and blocked them from booking rides with the company's drivers.

In a letter sent last week to transport regulators in Portland, Uber said it used the greyball software "exceedingly sparingly" in the city and had not used it since April 2015 when it was granted permission to operate.

Uber's use of the software was revealed by the New York Times earlier this year. Uber defended its use in a blog saying the software helped it work out if a ride request was legitimate. It helped Uber limit fraud and protect drivers from harm, it added.

It is not clear what sanctions Uber will face if the investigation finds that it did act illegally.

The criminal inquiry comes at a difficult time for Uber which has faced criticism on many fronts. It is currently fighting a lawsuit from Google-backed self-driving car firm Waymo.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 7, 2017

High-tech polls, robot helpers

On this week's Tech Tent we ask whether new technology can provide better ways of assessing the state of public opinion in the run-up to elections. We also meet a robot which promises to guide us around airports and we hear about a court battle between two big Silicon Valley names over self-driving car technology.

The performance of opinion polls has been under scrutiny over the last year - and found wanting. The pollsters were confident that the Remain side would win the EU referendum and Hillary Clinton would beat Donald Trump to the US Presidency, and they were wrong.

But that seems to have sparked some interesting ideas on using alternative methods to gauge the public mood and we spoke to two technologists who think they can beat the pollsters.

Rob Lancashire at Essencient believes his company's use of natural language processing to analyse the mood on Twitter can pick up signs that elude the polls.

Now, when I was the BBC's Digital Election Correspondent back in 2010, this kind of sentiment analysis of social media was just getting going - and the results were pretty unimpressive.

It turned out that Twitter was something of a Liberal Democrat echo chamber and the analysts vastly over-estimated the number of seats it would gain in the election.

But Mr Lancashire claims that his technology is far more sophisticated at evaluating the deeper meaning of tweets and what they show about someone's intention to vote in a particular way. He says it spotted both the result of the EU referendum and the late swing towards Donald Trump in the US election.

And he says that the there's a flaw at the heart of what pollsters do which his approach avoids. "The trouble with asking a question is that immediately you're introducing a bias into the process," he says.

But Qriously, the other company we interview, is all about asking questions, which are posed to the vast global audience of smartphone users. It buys up advertising space to place a simple question in smartphone apps.

If someone responds, they are then presented with more queries, perhaps about their electoral preferences or about a product - Qriously's customers are mainly companies doing market research.

The founder Chris Kahler showed me a map with pulsing lights showing responses coming in from smartphone users across the UK. "It's a very simple idea," he says. "The difficult part is deciding who to serve the questions to and how to make sense of the results when you get them back."

That is where machine learning comes in, with the system teaching itself to assess the likely background of someone agreeing to take part in a survey. Like Essencient, Chris Kahler claims to have successfully predicted the outcome of the EU referendum and the US presidential election.

And his technology seems to have convinced both investors and customers. Qriously has been backed by the venture capital firm which put money behind the likes of Twitter and Oculus and it was hired a a few weeks ago to predict the results of the French presidential election.

Before the first round it put online a code which will unlock a document containing its predictions once the final result is known. The pollsters have actually done pretty well so far in assessing the mood of the French populace - let's see if this new approach can match them.

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France bans extremely thin models A law in France banning the use of unhealthily thin fashion models has come into effect.

Models will need to provide a doctor's certificate attesting to their overall physical health, with special regard to their body mass index (BMI) - a measure of weight in relation to height.

The health ministry says the aim is to fight eating disorders and inaccessible ideals of beauty.

Digitally altered photos will also have to be labelled from 1 October.

Images where a model's appearance has been manipulated will need to be marked photographie retouchĂŠe (English: retouched photograph).

A previous version of the bill had suggested a minimum BMI for models, prompting protests from modelling agencies in France.

But the final version, backed by MPs 2015, allows doctors to decide whether a model is too thin by taking into account their weight, age, and body shape.

Employers breaking the law could face fines of up to

Non-O blood group 'linked to higher heart attack risk' People with a non-O blood group have a slightly increased risk of heart attack and stroke, research suggests.

Scientists say it could be because higher levels of a blood-clotting protein are present in people with A, B and AB blood.

The findings could help doctors better understand who is at risk of developing heart disease, the researchers said.

But a heart charity said people should focus on giving up smoking and eating healthily to reduce their risk.

The research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress, analysed studies involving 1.3m people.

It found that 15 in 1,000 people with a non-O blood group suffered a heart attack, compared to 14 in 1,000 people with blood group O. Although the increase in risk was small, when applied to a whole population the numbers become more important.

Previous research found that people with the rarest blood group - AB - were the most vulnerable, being 23% more likely to suffer heart disease.

The most common blood group in the UK is O, which 48% of the population have.

There are a number of factors which can increase the risk of heart disease, such as smoking, being overweight and leading an unhealthy lifestyle.

These are all things we can do something about - unlike our blood group.

Which group you belong to is determined by the genes inherited from both parents.

Assessing the risk Study author Tessa Kole, from the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, said more research was needed to work out the cause of the increased cardiovascular risk in people with a non-O blood group.

And she said looking at the risk for each individual blood group would help.

She said: "In future, blood group should be considered in risk assessment for cardiovascular prevention, together with cholesterol, age, sex and systolic blood pressure."

People with blood group A - who are known to have higher cholesterol - may need a lower treatment threshold for high blood pressure, for example.

75,000 euros (ÂŁ63,500; $82,000) and up to six months in jail.

"Exposing young people to normative and unrealistic images of bodies leads to a sense of self-depreciation and poor self-esteem that can impact health-related behaviour," said France's Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Marisol Touraine, in a statement on Friday, French media report.

France is not the first country to legislate on underweight models - Italy, Spain and Israel have all done so.

Anorexia affects between 30,000 to 40,000 people in France, 90% of whom are women.

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Fashion & Lifestyle

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED TOWARDS A GOAL I started blogging in January of this year, and already I'm feeling the pressure. I just want to be there already, you know?

It'd be nice to skip all the hard work and time it takes to make a dream a reality.

But as I've said before, nothing becomes a success overnight so its important to stay motivated and keep pushing to reach your goal. So here are a few things you can do to stay motivated:

1. Plan and Get Organized This is super crucial to your goal. After all "A goal without a plan is just a wish."

Planning helps you to get organized and when you layout the steps to your goal, it makes the journey a little easier. All you need is a calendar and pen! There's so much to learn and a lot to contribute to blogging, so I make sure to plan my days; this way I can maximize productivity and get closer to where I want to be each day. Plus, checking off your daily tasks will make you feel more accomplished and confident in your pursuit.

2. Celebrate Victories You know those stressful days where you question your work because you have a long way to go and you wonder if you're ever going to get there? And you're always thinking of your failures or feel plagued by them? Yep, so do I but its alright to feel that way. Acknowledge and learn from your failures, but also recognize and celebrate the victories (even the small ones). Whether it be making your first sale or getting new followers on Instagram, celebrate! You're making progress and you should be proud of all your accomplishments.

3. Remember What its all For Last but not least, remember what all of your hard work and dedication is for. Remember the reason why you get up at 5:00 am in the morning, or stay up until 2:00 am at night.

Maybe the reason is so you can be financially independent, or find a cure for a disease, or build a successful business. Nothing gets me pumped more than thinking of the life I

want to have. Visualizing success and reminding yourself what the struggle is all for is a great way to stay motivated. Keep pushing, never give up and I'll see you at the top.

bored out of mind and need fresh air. By myself, I plug in my music and sketch. Other times, I go with family or friends and we hangout while having lunch.

HOW I STAY UP TO DATE ON FASHION Surprise! Its the Vogue Runway App! (Even though you probably already guessed by looking at the pic on the home page). Its a great app and its perfect for the girl who worships fashion and the trendy guy that loves looking good. When you first open the app, you're brought to the home page which contains the latest shows to hit the runways. From there you can click on the show, see the entire collection, read reviews and check out past shows of that brand! ​Y ou can also see videos, street style segments, parties and search other brands to see what they've been up to on the app. I use it all the time during fashion weeks to stay current on trends and events. I also log onto the Vogue and WWD (Womens Wear Daily) websites for more thorough information in fashion. Anyway, I can pretty much promise if you download the Vogue Runway app you won't be disappointed. P.S. its free!

MY FAVORITE BRANDS (THAT I HAVEN'T MENTIONED BEFORE) 1. The Kooples A French brand with a British punk feel-I can't get enough! I first came across them through Bloomingdale's (another fave) during their Friends and Family sale (BTW, both brands are having one right now so check them out!) Anyway, I own a few pieces and love their intricate designs; its definitely worth the money.

THE PERFECT LOOK FOR COACHELLA Coachella is known for its Indie/Bohemian atmosphere. We typically see some combination of fringe, kimonos, distressed booty shorts and crop tops. So why not try something a little different? Take it up a notch next weekend by wearing the following: Of course these are just the basics. And yes, it can give off a vacation vibe but make your look boho chic by accessorizing with a tribal or intricate necklace piece, bracelets and cape scarf (ok, or the kimono). Be sure to check out my Instagram next week for Coachella savvy looks.

THREE THINGS I DO TO MAINTAIN ENERGY THROUGHOUT THE DAY Here are the three things I do to stay on top of my work: 1. Take Vitamins I take GNC's Energy and Metabolism vitamins before I start the day.

Its great to have them as an alternative to coffee, since we all know we get a great high from caffeine but then crash later when we take the coffee route.

The best thing about these vitamins is that they actually work! I feel energized a good half hour after eating them so I highly recommend them.

2. Exercise My workout regimen is literally an Insanity video which takes about an hour to complete and is done first

thing in the morning to wake me up. When I have the time, I go for a walk in the middle of the day to stimulate my mind and release any stress I build up from working too.

3. Power Nap Yes, yes and YAAS. Power nap! You know they say taking a 30 minute to an hour nap recharges your battery, so to speak, while also increasing your ability to concentrate. So if you're pulling an all nighter or have been up for hours on end taking care of business, take a nap! Trust me, I do it every now and again and it works wonders.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE BROKE BUT WANT TO HAVE FUN 1. Window Shop Obviously not as good as buying, but when you need to get out of the house and go somewhere the mall is a good option. Besides, its a great way to see whats trending first hand and see what deals are going on. I usually grab a Starbucks frappucino and take a stroll.

2. Cruise When you don't have a ton of cash but just enough to get around, call up a friend and go for a ride on the town. You don't have to travel far either; in fact one of my closest friends and I go for a ride when we've done just about everything else or don't care to do much else in the day. We hangout, chat and have a good time overall.

3. Park The park can be a very relaxing spot believe it or not. Plus its free! Its where I go to take my walks too but I like to go when I'm

2. BCBGMAXAZRIA I've been shopping BCBGMAXAZRIA for years and have never been disappointed. This is the brand that speaks most to sense of style, meaning they always make designs I like and at good prices too. The best part is they ALWAYS have a sale so I save a little and get to have more fashionable pieces in my wardrobe.

3. Sandro This is a French brand created by one sister of a sister duo (Maje was created by the other). I love their use of silk and ultra luxe fabrics. Plus its fun shopping Sandro in store since Maje is next to it and you get see the different aesthetics between the sisters (and some similarities).

BRANDS I LOVE THAT DON'T BREAK THE BANK 1. Express Honestly, there was a time I was NOT a fan of Express. But that was back in my teens and now I see they have fun, trendy clothes for both men and women that are good quality and set at amazing prices! They have consistent sales so you're always saving money and its where I go to shop for new looks.

2. BCBGeneration The junior version of BCBGMAXAZRIA. Literally. They have similar styles to their big sister brand without the big sister price. And of course they're always having deals so there's now way you can't get more bang for your buck.

3. Bloomingdale's ALL. TIME. FAVORITE. Bloomingdale's is a spectacular luxury department store that carries affordable brands, believe it or not. The key is to shop contemporary/junior brands like AQUA, Guess, Lucy Paris, Hugo Boss Orange label, John Varvatos, etc. And always be on the lookout for sales on top of sales; this is how I've gotten clothes for $20-$30!

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Entertainment

Miley Cyrus Clarifies Stance on Hip-Hop After Controversy "I Respect ALL Artists Who Speak Their Truth" Miley Cyrus says she respects "all artists who speak their truth" and appreciates "all genres of music," following controversial comments she made about the hip-hop scene.

The 24-year-old pop singer had spurred accusations of appropriating black culture with her remarks, which she made in a an interview with Billboard that was posted Wednesday, Miley told Billboard she loves Kendrick Lamar's new song "Humble," which contains the lyric, "Show me somethin' natural like ass with some stretch marks."

"I love that because it's not 'Come sit on my d--k, suck on my c--k.' I can't listen to that anymore," Miley said. "That's what pushed me out of the hip-hop scene a little. It was too much 'Lamborghini, got my Rolex, got a girl on my c--k'—I am so not that."

Miley took to Instagram Friday night to clarify her comments.

"To be clear I respect ALL artists who speak their truth and appreciate ALL genres of music (country , pop , alternative .... but in this particular interview I was asked about rap)," Miley wrote. "I have always and will continue to love and celebrate hip hop as I've collaborated with some of the very best!"

The singer has collaborated with rappers such as Future, Snoop Dogg, French Montana and Wiz Khalifa.

Miley told CNN in 2012 her her latest album Bangerz as "dirty South hip-hop," made twerking more popular and also changed her fashion style in the following years, which has followed a five-year run as Disney's Hannah Montana. She has since revamped her music and look.

"At this point in my life I am expanding personally/ musically and gravitating more towards uplifting, conscious rap!" she wrote on Instagram.

"As I get older I understand the effect music has on the world & Seeing where we are today I feel the younger generation needs to hear positive powerful lyrics! I am proud to be an artist with out borders and thankful for the opportunity to

explore so many different styles/ sounds!"

"I hope my words (sung or spoken) always encourage others to LOVE.... Laugh....

Live fully.... to be there for one another... to unify, and to fight for what's right (human , animal , or environmental )," she added.

"Sending peace to all! Look forward to sharing my new tunes with you soon! - MC." Miley's new single Malibu, from her upcoming sixth studio album, is set for release on May 11.

Pregnant Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Get into the Holiday Spirit

No margaritas for Beyoncé this time, but she did get to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with her BFF. The singer, who is pregnant with twins, marked the holiday Friday in Los Angeles with Kelly Rowland. Both singers were photographed wearing sombreros while exiting the Gracias Madre vegetarian Mexican restaurant in West Hollywood.

Beyoncé paired hers with a pink patterned shirt, ripped blue skinny jeans, nude sandals and a light floral jacket and also clutched a maraca while being led by a bodyguard. Kelly, who was seen sitting in a car, wore a denim jacket over a white top.

Bey is in the third trimester of her pregnancy. A source had told E! News that she is expected to give birth later this month. The twins will join big sister Blue Ivy, 5.

The singer and husband Jay Z know the sexes of their babies but have not revealed them.

Bey and Kelly had also reunited with

fellow Destiny's Child star Michelle Williams a few times in recent months, most recently at Tina Knowles Lawson's Wearable Art Gala.

Michelle told E! News at the event that Beyoncé was "doing great," while Tina said her daughter was "feeling good."

Entertainment

Chris Brown Served With Karrueche Tran's TRO Papers Chris Brown has officially been served.

The Grammy winner received temporary restraining order papers Thursday night outside of a Houston nightclub. The temporary order was granted to Brown's ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, in February.

The former pair broke up in 2014.

In the documents obtained by E! News at the time, Tran claimed the singer had been harassing her and had threatened to kill her. She also claimed Brown punched her in the stomach and pushed her down the stairs.

At the time, Brown took to social media in a since-deleted post and told his followers not to listen to "all this bulls--t."

"Make sure ya'll don't be listening to all this bulls--t, man. What all them other people on the outside doing, let them do what they doing. I don't know what the f--k they talking about."

Tran's attorney Michelle Trigger said her legal team feels "relief" after the successful delivery.

"This has been a frustrating endeavor trying to serve someone who was clearly evading service," she told E! News. "I feel better knowing she is safe and we can now focus on securing her a permanent restraining order, rather than playing cat and mouse with Mr. Brown."

Their next court date is scheduled for

Zoe Saldana Not Mad at Britney Spears Over Accidental Twins Announcement Zoe Saldana will always have Britney Spears' back.

The Crossroads co-stars crossed paths in September 2014, while Zoe was pregnant with sons Bowie and Cy. When the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 actress appeared on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen Thursday, a viewer called in to ask about the aftermath of her interaction with Spears. "I read that Britney Spears was the one who announced you were having twins before you even announced it," the caller asked. "Is that true? Did she apologize?"

Cocking her head to the side, Zoe said, "It's so true."

But Zoe isn't mad at Britney for spilling the beans. "Literally, the way that it happened was so innocent that I never even thought of holding her accountable to anything. We were on the same flight from L.A. to New York and we just talked for the duration of the flight. She has two boys. I was having twins.

We had such a beautiful talk—and I forgot.

It never even occurred to me to tell her not to say anything," the actress explained. "We

weren't trying to hide it; we were just trying to be discreet. And then when she disclosed it, she was just being Britney. I don't mean that in a negative way. I mean that in the way that she lives her life in such truth."

In 2014, Britney was if she'd ever like to work with Zoe again onscreen—and that's when she accidentally spilled the beans. "Who knows? That's a very good idea," the pop star said at the time. "But she's pregnant with twins right now. I'm sure she's got a huge future ahead of her."

May 23 and Trigger told E! News they intend for Tran to attend.

E! has reached out to Brown's attorney for comment.

Carrot Cake Ingredients 3 cups grated carrot 1½ cup sugar 2 cups flour 4 eggs, slightly beaten with essence 2 tsp spice (cinnamon or allspice) ½ tsp salt 1¼ cup corn or vegetable oil A little baking powder Preparation ● Scrape, wash and grate carrot, and put in a large mixing bowl. ● Add sugar, spice, salt, eggs, oil and flour with baking powder. Put in greased cake pan. ● Bake for 30 minutes in a medium oven, or until side loosens from the edge of the pan.