Pepperpot 12 17 2017

See inside:

Christmas of yesteryear II ► Page

Young ‘Aviators’ get academic inspiration ► Page

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'Just a Little Bit Kids Foundation’ gift distribution in the Upper Demerara River

► Page

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Christmas is for the kids

Bringing holiday joy to children in Sophia, Region 10 and Essequibo

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Editor’s note THERE is just one week left before Christmas and the feeling is certainly in the air. But with all the hustle and bustle, we bring you some worthwhile reading in an aim to contribute to the Christmas Spirit.

In this edition of the Pepperpot, we bring you stories on activities that are helping to bring joy to children, young people and the less fortunate.

We reflect on one man’s memories of Bam Bam Sally and the thrill of

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

taunting and teasing the Mad Cow during masquerade at Christmas time. We also take a look at what some private establishments are doing to play their part in giving back at this time of year. It is our job to help to put you in the Christmas spirit and we hope that our stories do just that! Happy holidays!

Christmas of yesteryear Do you remember ‘the bamboo gun’?

By Ravena Gildarie CHRISTMAS is a season of reflection, and though life changes, the memories remain. Whether happy or sad, good or bad, we somehow never forget our childhood Christmas festivities and traditions. Like in the Pomeroon where the sounds of bamboo guns once rapidly rippled through the tall mangrove trees that lined the riverbank, the echoes Children of Moruca firing bamboo guns rung out for miles away across the cold, black water.

It was an amusement for all, and a highly-anticipated practice all season through.

“My experience with the bamboo gun is one I remember vividly,” says 37-year-old Dwayne John, a civil engineer, who grew up at Siriki, Pomeroon. It would appear that the bamboo gun tradition is known predominantly in the riverine communities where bamboos grow. It has been and remains customary in communities throughout the Pomeroon, Moruca, Mabruma, Wakapoa, Akawini, Santa Mission/Aratac and along the Kamuni Creek. Though little is known of the origins or history of the tradition, the bamboo gun is also popular in some rural communities of Trinidad and Tobago too, again where bamboos are situated.

“I use to go into the bushes with my friends and uncles to cut the biggest diameters of bamboo,” John recalled, adding,“ we would design it to our likings at my father’s boathouse.

While it was to be left to dry for two days before use, we defeated that procedure by mixing kerosene and gasoline 50:50.”

“We would arrange all in a boat as if fighting a war,” John chuckled, as he reminisced.

He continued: “then as the tide changes, we would begin to listen whose bamboo gun was the loudest. A flambeau in a drifting boat would be the setting.”

John grew up seeing the bamboo Homemade bread gun as a Christmas tradition, and when he was old enough, his friends taught him to make it. He hopes to someday pass the skill on to his son but is saddened that Christmas these days is no longer as exciting as it was when John was a child.

Reflecting on the house parties where ginger beer, home-made bread, pepperpot and garlic pork were shared with families, neighbours and friends, John said the holiday was more of a “season” instead of just a one-day event, as it appears now.

This is also the view of Michael Patterson, 48, originally of Santa Aratac. He remembers a Christmas season during which the men of the village hunted and the women prepared festive delicacies such as tuma, which was shared on Christmas morning after families

would have enjoyed a morning swim, then church service on Christmas day. He remembers a season of togetherness when his grandfather hosted almost the entire village at his home for breakfast. The children were treated to new clothes and ‘buck top’ and bamboo guns were plenty.

MAKING OF THE BAMBOO GUN He explained the process of making the bamboo gun, which started by selecting a well-matured, thick and sturdy bamboo that could withstand the blast. “Young shoots would burst,” he cautioned, as he recalled paddling in a canoe for four to six hours to and from the bamboo patch that grew at the entrance of the Kamuni Creek.

Back home, a long stick was used to crack/break the joints inside the bamboo allowing for a hollow pole down to the last joint that would serve as the base. A gun is usually cut in length of about four to six feet.

A square cut is then made at the base of the last joint where the fuel would be placed.

“You also need to have your flambeau lit with a fine piece of stick that is soaked in the kerosene firstly, then ignite from the lamp then back into the gun. That fire into the gun chambers then create smoke to clear the barrel, getting it ready for the first shot,” Patterson sentimentally reflected.

“So the smoke passes from one joint to the next until it exits out at the tip of the gun,” he described, adding that: “the gun is only ready after a thick layer of dark smoke emerge from the chambers. Once the gun is ready, then it is just a tip into the fuel, onto the lamp, then into the chamber from which a Santa in Santa Aratac loud blast is made.”

Patterson warned, “This can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use it.” Many persons who know about the bamboo gun, know of eyebrows burning out as well as some hair on the head. But yet it fetches great excitement for both males and females.

Mahalia Gouveia, 31, remembers even putting toads in front of the chambers of the bamboo gun before it is fired, as part of the mischievous fun during Christmas time while growing up at Jacklow, Pomeroon.

Imitiaz Barakat, who also grew up in Pomeroon, recalled the bamboo gun fun would start promptly at 18:00 hrs sharp, and went until the wee hours of the morning. “It was a race for the loudest sounding ones from neighbours, and the guns could be heard in almost every yard,” he said.

These days, the bamboo gun seems to have lost momentum in some communities as some villagers even find it ‘bothersome’ and ‘noisy’. The increased availability of firecrackers and squibs has also replaced the creativity of the amusement at Christmas.

Though the younger of this and upcoming generation may never know the fun and thrill of the bamboo gun, those who used it as a child have memories to last a lifetime.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

Christmas is for the kids

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Bringing holiday joy to children in Sophia, Region 10 and Essequibo

By Ravena Gildharie IT is the season of cheer and goodwill once again, when almost everyone is moved to do a good deed and extend a helping hand. Whether it’s a donation of money, food or clothing, a volunteer of service and time, a charity dinner, raffle, kids’ toys drive or Christmas social, the mood is most benevolent, and the philanthropic gestures are plentiful this time around. Certainly, these do create lasting impressions for many beneficiaries.

But what about those who maintain the momentum yearround, some even through their own sponsorship, to ensure that less-fortunate children or youths in depressed communities are given consistent support?

Take for instance Doris Anetha Shelto, founder of the Sophia Sparkle Youth Group and Mothers Action Group on Social Issues, non-profit ventures that she has led and maintained for the past 25 years. Last Sunday, at her ‘bottom house’ at B Field, Sophia, children and youth gathered in their numbers; some along with their parents; for the annual

Region Two Youth Coordinator Herald Alves distributing gifts during Christmas party in Essequibo

Doris Anetha Shelto urging applause from the children after a youth performance

Sparkle Christmas party. Yes, there was Santa Claus, music, dancing, gifts, food, cake and drinks, all made possible by several generous sponsors such as businessman Stanley Ming, Lloyd Phillips and others of Anything Guyanese Facebook Group , and relatives of Shelto including her sister, Lynette.

As Calypsonian Roger Hinds, better known as ‘Young Bill Rogers’ pulled off one of his lively Christmas parangs, the children were all in smiles and giggles. After all, Hinds is no stranger to them, since he usually takes time off his busy schedule during the year to take part in the Sparkle activities.

This year, his 10-year-old daughter joined in the festivities with a spectacular steel pan rendition of several popular Christmas carols.

The children also participated in a concert that included several dances, both performances in groups as well as individual presentations. More than 70 children from across Sophia turned out to the event. After lunch and distribution of gifts, the children danced for a few hours, marking the official close of the Sophia Sparkle Youth Group programme for 2017.

Throughout the year, the Group had engaged children of the area in weekend educational activities such as reading, literacy and public speaking. At the classes, the teachers, all volunteers, help identify the students’ weak areas in school and work with them individually to improve performance.

They help with homework and school projects too. During the Easter and July/August Holiday season, the Group focuses on skills building where the children are taught ac-

tivities like floral decoration-making and embroidery. There are reading classes and interactive sessions specifically designed to accommodate all age groups. Children are allowed to raise issues affecting them and some engage in counselling.

Shelto previously explained that the focus of the Group is to build the capacity of each child through education and discipline while teaching them the importance of morals and religious upbringing. She believes that children in depressed communities such as Sophia need as much support as possible to ensure it produces well-rounded individuals who can benefit from available opportunities and a better standard of living.

CHRISTMAS IN REGION 10 Meanwhile, overseas-based Guyanese Gary Chow-Sam is on a similar mission, though he relies on his own financial backing to carry out his charity work which currently, mainly focuses on Region Ten. He started ‘Just a little bit, Kids Foundation’ last April after an experience he had while visiting a childhood friend, who is a teacher at a school in Coomaka. Chow-Sam related that while at the school he noticed a handful of children who sat in class during the lunch break instead of going out to play with the others. Afterwards, he observed his friend purchasing biscuits and distributing to them. He then realised that the children didn’t have lunch. After buying lunch for the children that day and the following, he was motivated to do something to help in a sustained way.

On his return to the United States, where he resides, he began purchasing items including school supplies, clothing, toys, footwear, toiletries, bicycles and others while helping also to set up a small kitchenette equipped with microwaves and gas stoves in some of the schools in need. He has so far reached out to schools in areas such as Bamia, Silver Hill and Muritaro. Chow-Sam has since created a network of volunteers in Guyana including a few teachers and some of his relatives.

Though he is now working to have his foundation officially registered as a non-profit in the U.S., Chow-Sam is also seeking donors. To date, he has linked with a sibling in New York and relatives in New Jersey and in Florida. His plans include expanding the donations for the benefit of more children in Guyana’s interior and perhaps later taking it to other countries in the Caribbean.

To ensure this holiday is special for the kids, Chow-Sam made sure toys and other gifts were shipped to Guyana a month before.

In Essequibo, the Region Two Department of Youth hosted its annual Christmas party and sharing out of gifts for over 130 kids from the Adventure Nursery School Annex and the Suddie Primary School Extension situated in the Onderneeming Sand Pit area. Coordinator, Herald Alves said it was the biggest party the Department has ever hosted and its benefitted scores of young children from rural communities of the Essequibo.

A section of the gathering at Sophia Sparkle Youth Group Christmas party and concert

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

FILES E S A C COURT

Woman killed in pavement accident

Daughter awarded damages, costs IN 1967 66-year old Bridgeragie, a vendor was sitting on a pavement in Albouystown when a motor car owned by Mine Workers Union Leader, Winston Verbeke mounted the pavement, killing the aged woman in the process.

Judge Akbar Khan nicknamed the “Angry God” who tried the case, awarded judgment to the daughter-plaintiff, Mini Persaud, in the sum of $2,550.00.

The deceased, and mother of the plaintiff, was sitting on a pavement when a motor vehicle which was owned by the defendant and operated as a hire car by his agent, Johnson, mounted the pavement, struck the deceased and pinned her under it.

As a result of the injuries received she died within an hour. At the time the car mounted the pavement, one Eleazer was driving with the permission of the defendant’s agent who had engaged his services, in order to assist the agent to extricate the rear bumper of the car which was hooked on to a refuse box and the rear wheel which was fastened in the mud.

The defendant admitted that Johnson was employed by him as his agent to drive the car, but stated that he was the only person authorised to do so and that as the defendant did not give Eleazer the authority to drive his car, the action of his agent in permitting Eleazer to drive was outside the scope of his authority or employment.The evidence also disclosed that the plaintiff had worked jointly with the deceased as a fruit and provision vendor, and it was submitted that the plaintiff was not a dependent.

HELD: (i) the agent Johnson acted within the scope of his authority in obtaining the assistance of Eleazer to extricate the car. It was a joint operation which was negligently performed by Eleazer; (ii) the defendant was vicariously liable for Johnson’s negligence in not ascertaining whether Eleazer was a competent driver. Johnson’s act was an improper mode of performing his duties;

(iii) the plaintiff was not a dependent, and was entitled to an award of damages in the sum of $1, 800.00 for loss of expectation of life under the law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)Ordinance.

Judgment for the plaintiff.

A.S. Manraj, S. C., for the plaintiff.

B. E. Commissiong for the defendant.

Delivering the judgment Justice Khan said: The Plaintiff is the administratrix of the estate of Bridgeragie, deceased. She is the only child of the deceased who died on the 17th of October, 1967, from injuries arising out of a motor car accident while she was sitting on the pavement at the corner of James and Callender Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown.

In her aforesaid capacity and for her own benefit the Plaintiff claims damages in excess of $500.00, under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance Cap. 4 and Damages and pecuniary compensation in excess of $500, under the Accidental Deaths and Workmen’s Injuries (Compensation) Ordinance, Cap. 112, as amended.

The deceased was a 66-year-old fruit and provision vendor. She resided at Lot 22 Callender Street, Albouystown, and carried on a business as aforesaid on the pavement at the corner of James and Callender Streets, Albouystown, under the shed of a shop.

On the 17th October, 1967 at about 09:00 hrs while the deceased was sitting on the pavement and attending to her business, motor car HM 112, owned by the defendant and operated by his agent mounted the said pavement and collided and pinned the deceased under it. The deceased sustained extensive injuries resulting in her death, within an hour.

The evidence of Mohamed Haniff –the only eyewitness who testified – was undisputed. His evidence disclosed that motor car HM 112, was on the southern parapet in James Street near to Callender Street.

The defendant’s rear wheel was stuck in the mud and the

By George Barclay

rear bumper hooked on the Mayor and Town Council refuse box, which was about 8 feet by 8 feet by 12 inches high on the Eastern parapet of Callender Street, and James Street.

Sitting behind the steering wheel with the engine beating heavily was Herby Eleazer. At the same time James Johnson - the admitted agent of the defendant - was outside and behind the car lifting the bumper in an effort to extricate it from the refuse box, while the driver was accelerating forward. In the course of the joint exercise, the car moved forward and backward again and again, and finally it bounced forward and mounted the pavement where the deceased was sitting, and pinning her under it . Haniff who was looking on at the operation went closer and saw Eleazer leaning against the steering wheel as if he was hurt.

Haniff, James Johnson and one Leacock then lifted the car and the deceased was pulled out from under it. She was bleeding and unconscious.

The police ambulance took her away shortly afterwards to the Georgetown Hospital, where she died before 11.00 a.m. The account given by Haniff is uncontradicted He impressed me as a credible witness and I believe and accept his evidence in its entirety.

On the question of the plaintiff being a dependent I agree with Mr. Commissiong‘s submission. I find that she worked jointly with the deceased, and was never a dependent.

On the question of damages for loss of expectation of life and consequential loss under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance Cap; 4: I have considered the relevant authorities both local and English .

Having regard to the deceased age: she was 66-yearsold at the time, and other relevant matters .

I award the plaintiff damages in the sum of $1,800.00 with costs fixed at $750.00.

Judgment for the plaintiff.

Some human – animal bonding considerations at Christmas time

By Dr Steve Surujbally WELL, it’s Christmas time again. The season of goodwill and reflection is upon us. So, perhaps it is opportune to reflect a bit on the human-animal bond.

Pets, we prefer to call them companion animals, have been with us since the dawn of civilisation. In the case of dogs, well, they have been our friends for over 50,000 years.

Cats, on the other hand, seem to have been associated with man for only about 5-7 000 years. Interestingly enough, cat fossils, together with human remains of the same period, have been found in Europe, Asia and Africa but not in the Americas.

When humans began domesticating wolves thousands of years ago, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Many dog lovers say their pets seem to know what their masters are thinking. A study in the journal “Science”, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, suggests that this line of thought might be at least partially right. Something about the process of domestication seems to have given dogs the ability to “read” certain human social behavioural patterns – something wolves, and even chimpanzees, can’t do. Alexandra Horowitz’s seminal bestseller, “Inside of a Dog” deals extensively on this subject.

Some scientists argue that, at least sociologically speaking, dogs (not chimps) are most like humans. Chimpanzees may share many of our genes, but dogs have lived with us

for so long that they offer a good model for understanding human social behaviour. I read some time ago that the ancestors of today’s dogs perceived that humans were going somewhere (advancing) – evolutionarily speaking – and they just latched on to that social group (namely us humans) from which they could receive protection and could be provided for. In other words, dogs’ ancestors adopted humans and not the other way around.

Irrespective of how we associate with animals, whether as pets, or for the show arena or as working dogs (hunters, guards, pullers of sledges or rescuers, etc), expressions of love have to be offered. This love of animals must not be based solely on emotion, rather it must be an “educated” love. For example, we may condemn our neighbours for “starving” their dogs, while we commit an equally hurtful act by overfeeding ours, especially at Christmas. Or we may abuse our animals by bathing them too often, or feeding them chocolates and spices that are inimical to their health, and so on. To me, it makes no sense berating a child for throwing a squib near a dog, while you yourself will hit a goat for eating your hibiscus plant which hangs over the fence.

Companion animals are just that. They are our companions. Since domestication, cats and dogs have lived in close contact with humans and we must co-exist peacefully and lovingly. And we are lucky! Any Tender Loving Care (TLC) which we give a companion animal, we get it back many times over.

Experts have proven that the special friendship between animals and humans, in addition to being fun and fulfilling, actually can benefit a person’s health. When an affectionate greeting from your dog at the end of a hard day seems to lift

your spirits and ease tensions, it is not just your imagination.

Your pet is good for you, both physically, mentally and emotionally. Researchers have proven that the simple act of petting a cat or dog consistently lowers the blood pressure of heart patients. Many studies have since been embarked upon which show the significance of pets in our lives. Researchers say that such studies are like exploring a new frontier, and they are only touching the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

The fact of the matter is (what we pet owners/carers always knew) that the presence of pets simply makes you behave in a more relaxed and open manner. Pet owners are happier, smile more readily, communicate better, etc., all of which lead to improved general health – your own.

The loyalty and friendship (very pronounced in the case of dogs) that pets offer to us humans are many times more valuable than any bit of TLC we give to them. One Senator George Vest wrote, in 1870, a tribute to a dog. I’d like to share it with you: “The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world; the one that never deserts him; the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.

A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince.

When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey thru the heavens.”

Enjoy the Festive Season!

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

V

#SupportCreativity

My Favourite Spaces for Writing in Georgetown (Part II)

By Subraj Singh

THIS week we reAt Café Bellvana – Middle Street, Georgetown turn to the subject of those aspects of the elusive muse that all writers seek: place and atmosphere. Although many people do not realise this, where a work is written can have as much influence on the piece as who is doing the writing. The atmosphere we work in contributes to the moulding of our finished poems, stories and plays and, the compound. Of course, the most important therefore, space is an important element to consider when element of writing at Castellani House is the it comes to the writing process. While the fact that it serves as a gallery for a range of aroutdoors and the natural environment tistic displays throughout the year. Although I can be conducive to writing, the indoors have only ever only used my pen and notepad – our homes and schools, indeed those to make notes and short jottings for later use spaces within which we are most relaxed while in the building, it is doubtful whether and comfortable can be equally beneficial the staff would make much of a fuss about a to the creation of good literature. Apart writer viewing the artworks while writing his/ from your own home, there are several her own pieces using their personal devices. avenues for indoor writing to be found in Art is fodder for writing. So when you sit on one of several benches that are strategically Georgetown. placed throughout the building and you gaze upon one of the many paintings, tapestries, THE INDOORS Now a church may not be the first thing sculptures and photographs that can be found that comes to mind when one thinks of (depending on what events are happening), it good writing spaces, but the St. George’s is possible to find yourself heavily inspired Cathedral, located in Central Georgetown, is by the works of other artists. Sometimes this actually a fantastic place to get some writing kind of exposure to art while writing can lead done. I know the building was undergoing the writer to include new themes, ideas and some repairs earlier this year and I do know symbols into his/her work and can also help that the cathedral has a sordid reputation to shape even elements such as the format or because of what happens on its premises at structure of the piece that is being written. Art night. However, during the day, the inte- inspires art. The winding coils of a sculpture rior of the cathedral is a serene place with can show a writer how to braid the words in little (sometimes there are worshippers) to his/her poem. The natural elements hidden in no noise. The grand altar and the intricate a painting of a cityscape can impact the way windows are both inspiring and beautiful. As a writer thinks about the environment. And so with most churches, there is a sort of tran- on. Of course, Castellani House is primarily a quility that seems to connect the spirituality visual arts space, so it is probably best that the of religion and the spirituality of art. This vicinity is not flocked by writers and is only combination can work together to contribute sparingly used by those who do go.

Cafés have traditionally been places freto good writing. Of course, as it is a church, it is advisable that if you do use the space to quented by writers. J.K. Rowling has spoken write a quick piece, you probably should use about one of her favourite writing spots being one of the pews that are farthest away from in a café, and our very own Ruel Johnson is known for his attachment to Oasis Café. the altar, towards the back.

Another building that is secretly well There is something about cafés, whether suited for writing is the Castellani House. it’s the lure of a constant, shifting stream of The colonial structure of the house ensures interesting people to use to create characters that it is always well-ventilated with wide, or whether it’s the presence of coffee – the open windows that look over the lawns of life source of most writers – there is no doubt

that cafés are crucial to the writing world. I recently discovered a quaint and quiet café on Middle Street, near to the Hibiscus Bar, that is perfect for writing. Café Bellvana is small and cozy with free wifi and wall outlets to charge your devices. It is air-conditioned and offers a nice view of the street. The guava turnovers and the different varieties of coffee are quite good. However, the most important thing about this café is the

way in which the soft soothing music plays in the background, the simple seating arrangements, the clean moderate lighting and the general snugness of the place ensures its conduciveness to writing.

While these three buildings are, for varying reasons, good places for engaging in the writing process, it is important to remember that the most obvious and underused spaces for writing also include the two most popular libraries in Georgetown: the National Library and the University of Guyana Library, both of which offer suitable nooks and crannies for writing, a plethora of books to inspire the writer and the silence and kind of antiquated atmosphere of knowledge, history and art that often lead to the creation of the best pieces of literature.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

‘Hope, strength, stamina, energy’

The growth of ‘Merundoi’ over the years

By Lisa Hamilton ‘MERUNDOI’- to some outsiders, the word may seem like something made-up, originating from the depths of one’s wild imagination. But, to many Guyanese at home and abroad, Merundoi is a household name which represents a balanced combination of both education and entertainment.

To the non-nationals who come to know about Merundoi through one form or fashion, they are made aware that the word is not a mere figment of one’s imagination but rather an Akawaio word which means ‘hope, strength, stamina, energy’.

Quite deliberately, these are the words that can be used to describe the feeling one can derive from being in contact with the organisation whether it be by radio, through drama or various outreaches.

In short, Merundio Incorporated is an organisation which works toward strengthening communities, especially young adults and vulnerable populations, to take ownership of their attitudes,actions and behaviours and to work together for their mutual benefit.

The group which was formed over a de-

Eighty youths trained in the Merundoi-IDB Theatre Programme (Photo by Merundoi)

cade ago, in the year 2006 through project MARCH (Modeling & Reinforcement to Combat HIV/AIDS) was established as a President’s EmergencPlan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Project.

Then,one year later, it was registered as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) and happens to be the only Behaviour Change

Communication (BCC) NGO in Guyana with a US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved by the BCC methodology.

Today, we are unable to say whether anyone truly envisioned the magnitude to which the organisation would expand and evolve, but what Executive Director of

Street Theatre School Outreach discussion session (Photo by Merundoi)

sands of Guyanese with behaviour change messages, while using the platform to dispel harmful myths.

Yet, one must question, how does Merundoi come up with its creative material?

Lawrence revealed that the storylines are crafted from research combined into a Data Summary Grid which helps to give reality and accuracy to the drama.

Listeners are then able to identify with the positive, negative and transitional characters, causing them to participate in introspection on how they can change negative behaviours and culturally embedded malpractices.

Today, Merundoi is the longest running Radio Serial Drama in Guyana and the Caribbean, aired on several local radio stations including NCN, 93.1 Real FM, Radio Paiwomak, Radio Lethem, Radio Mabaruma and 104.3 Power FM. Guyanese scattered all across the globe have been eager to tune into the radio programme which attracts over 20,000 hits monthly from roughly 40 countries.

Mrs. Margaret Lawrence (first left) takes a photo with European Union Ambassador, (fifth from left); his wife, Ruta Drizyte- Videti? (third from left); his daughter, Celeste Videti? (fourth from left); and other awardees (from left) Riane de Haas-Bledoeg, Denis Chabrol, Halima Khan, Ameena Gafoor and Saroj Rambarran. (Photo by Delano Williams)

Merundoi, Margaret Lawrence, is certain of is that the organisation has definitely come a long way.

“I think it has made a significant transformation because the scope of our work is much wider,” Lawrence assessed. “When we started, we focused mainly on HIV/ AIDS. Now, because the methodology is so versatile, we’ve been able to apply it to lots of other social and health issues.”

These social and health issues are modeled, fostered and reinforced, today, through innovative public education by utilising drama and other media.

THE JOURNEY OF MERUNDOI Over the past decade, Merundoi has created and produced over 1,000 radio drama episodes entertaining and educating thou-

STREET THEATRE But that’s not all, the Executive Director revealed that, “In the radio drama, you talk about the messages, but when you get into the community you’re able to appeal more to persons who might be illiterate.”

This appeal is done in the form of Street Theatre Outreaches. Many communities have witnessed Merundoi’s performances designed to utilise an interactive approach, creating a safe space where issues can be discussed among community members.

After the drama presentations, the body makes an effort to end each session in discussion forums moderated by staff and volunteers and/or relevant resource personnel Turn to page VIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

VII

The cost of dental treatment COST is surely a major factor when considering dental treatment in Guyana. Why is it so expensive to have dental work done in the private sector? Is the public being exploited by private dentists? How could you know if your dentist is overcharging you? Is it possible for comprehensive dental care to be within the reach of the low-income citizen? Undoubtedly, these are burning questions and an attempt would be made to answer them.

Anyone who has made a deliberate effort to systematically study and compare oral care delivery from an international perspective, would know that dental treatment is exceptionally costly all over the world. Many governments realise that the poor masses would not be able to pay for treatment. In fact, when research done by the renown universities confirmed the enormity of the social and economic impact on most countries, public health dentistry was introduced as a specialised field of study.

So, since 1939 the strategy was to emphasise on prevention with water fluoridation on the forefront. But even a national prevention programme whose aim is to cut down cost, itself proved to be too expensive for some governments. And in any case, it takes many years before a national prevention programme manifests itself sufficiently to be obvious. This fact alone often serves as a disincentive for economies to spend scarce money on something not generally considered to be a matter of life and death. In addition, politicians and technocrats, quite understandably so, could never be convinced that the oral health status of the population is just as important as the numerous ‘priority services’. I can personally attest to this fact as I once worked as the link between the dental health service of the Ministry of Public Health and the political directorate.

Private practice has flourished mainly against the backdrop of governments’ inability to adequately provide dental services for the population. As a result, numerous quacks and charlatans openly exploit the population and governments turn a blind eye to this unfortunate situation, simply because the suffering public often has no other place to turn to for help.

Furthermore, despite the fact that dentistry is certainly the most expensive career to pursue, many private dentists have capitalised on, and exploited the circumstances.

The criteria used for charging fees greatly depend on the dentist himself or herself. Naturally, the primary expense the patient pays is the so-called overheads, which include rent, material, electricity, staff salaries and income tax, etc. After the dentist has added his/her personal earnings, the average cost of an extraction should be $4,500 and a filling $8500.

Prophylaxis should be in the vicinity of $6500.

Clearly, patients who prefer an air-conditioned, carpeted office with Mozette paintings on the walls, where coffee is served while you wait, must expect to pay dearly for such luxuries. Some dentists are encouraged and ‘spoilt’ by patients who unflinchingly pay obviously unreasonable fees for simple conventional procedures. And in some cases, patients pay more for simply who they are, especially business persons.

Some people erroneously evaluate the quality and standard by how much they pay. So, they assume that a dentist who charges high fees is better than one who charges low fees.

Incidentally, patients who sometimes contemplate the question of quality of work must be aware that this has far more relation to impropriety and negligence rather than the doctor’s incompetence.

The first step in ensuring that you are not exploited by your dentist is to know what the prices various others charge are. Dentists who are reluctant to disclose an average cost of their fees could be considered less than honest because they cannot inflate their charges in a whimsical fashion. Try to find out and pay for a procedure before it is done.

If the dentist asks you to pay afterwards you feel psycho-

logically insecure and may become exposed to exploitation.

In addition, asking you to pay after the procedure instead of before, could be a trick to force you into commitment with a cost for which you cannot escape. Wherever possible, always seek a second opinion. One can consult with any or even all of the dentists at the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre for a very small fee.

Guyanese who fall in the low-income bracket can have adequate dental coverage by means of dental schemes similar to that existing in other countries. Workers contribute a small monthly fee monthly or weekly to a fund which pays a group of private dentists to provide dental treatment for them. This system differs somewhat from our own NIS in that it is voluntary, the patient never pays the dentist directly, all the dentists

involved charge the same fee and every dental procedure is accessible to the patient. Apart from this, the participating dentists are monitored and required to meet established ethical standards.

Private enterprises are especially attracted to these schemes because the owners profit in one way or another.

Insurance companies also become involved with dental schemes which can make a handsome profit while simultaneously benefiting their contributors.

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

MENACE OF AFRICANISED BEES

EVERY month, on the average, one or two persons die from attacks by Africanised bees and scores of others suffer stings in greater or lesser degree. Within the last four weeks, for example, a farmer in Berbice was attacked and died in the field he was ploughing , and on East Coast of Demerara (ECD), a security guard was attacked and killed while he was going to work. These bees often build their nests in schools or near school compounds and cause great fear and discomfiture among students and teachers. At the beginning of this month, there was a report of an Africanised bee colony at the Aurora Secondary School in Essequibo and classes had to be suspended several times during the term to protect the children. Sometimes, these bees swarm into areas they were never before seen and attack unprepared and unsuspecting people. In one such incident three years ago, a baby was stung to death.

Two generations ago, Africanised bees were unknown in Guyana. In the past, the bees which were cultivated in hives were mostly Capilano bees and they also lived in the wild.

These bees were comparatively mild and were never as persistently aggressive as the Africanised.

Africanised bees were first bred in Brazil: Brazilian scientists, in their efforts to develop ◄◄◄ From page VI

to help answer questions and concerns that community members may have.

“Our street theatre is very active because other agencies have seen the usefulness of how you portray messages to those in areas who cannot access media,” Lawrence explained. “We’ve been able to impact in terms of health, HPV, suicide, mental health, malaria, solid waste management and other

social issues.”

Attesting to this was Timolyn Barclay, who spoke on her experience spearheading the Street Theatre ventures with Merundoi.

“Different communities respond differently, based on whatever the culture is there. Some parts of the script where persons might cry, some might find it funny but either way, we use all of this for research,” Barclay began Then, telling of a recent experience at a

a strain of bees which were greater honey producers, crossed African and European strains.

Some of these bees escaped and built their nests in the Brazilian jungles, spreading from there all over South America. The bees were good honey producers but they were like very fierce and aggressive wasps or marabuntas and their stings seemed to be more poisonous than Western bees. They also seem to multiply at a faster rate and some of their colonies contained tens of thousands of bees. These bees have now overtaken the whole of the Guyana territory.

Livestock and other animals also suffer attacks from these bees. Early in the year, it was reported that four goats belonging to an East Coast Demerara farmer were killed by these bees and dogs regularly die from attacks by these bees.

In the towns, they tend to build their nests in disused septic tanks, disused containers, barrels or any crevice they could find near the roof of houses. The incipient nests are never discovered until they become threatening. One sign of knowing that the bees are in a vicinity is that a few of them would be seen flying around lighted bulbs.

If they are just beginning to build a nest with very few bees, one may risk exterminating them with a very powerful aerosol insecticide like Baygon, but once they become more numerous and have established a nest, only a professional exterminator should deal with them.

Indeed, most people are afraid to go near a nest and this overwhelming fear has prevented persons from rescuing other persons who have been attacked. The security guard mentioned above was lying on the roadside but the passersby were afraid to try to help him.

There is very little one could do to help one’s self if attacked by these bees. However, the following precautions may be useful:-If one is under attack, run away as fast as possible and take shelter in a house or car, closing the windows as quickly as possible. The bees usually pursue about 300 feet but there are instances where they have gone to a quarter of a mile.

While running away, cover your face with Turn to page IX ►►► few secondary schools in Linden, Barclay said, “Persons enjoy it…We have a lot of applause and persons are coming to us afterwards, asking us for more. We just came from Region 10 and when we were finished with one presentation they were asking ‘Can’t we have another one?’

“They’re very responsive and they’re very eager to try and solve their own problems and tell us what they can do to change whatever situation depicted in the drama,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine.

CHALLENGES However, these fruitful experiences are not overnight achievements. Lawrence told of the many hurdles the organisation faced in the past and the challenges that still remain today.

After the funding from the PEPFAR programme, which lasted for five years, Merundoi was faced with a financial crisis which left them barely being able to keep the business afloat.

“After that, we were on our own and that had its own challenges because we had to find sponsorship, we had to find proposals, find private and public sector sponsorship,” she revealed.

“So there were some months, I’ll tell you, that we went without salaries. It was as serious as that. But, I think the staff was very, very receptive and I want to credit the staff that has been with us over the years because they have sacrificed family life, money to pay their mortgages and school fees,” Lawrence said as she reminisced on the past.

She then added, “But we plugged through it.” Eventually, they were able to convince a few sponsors and Lawrence is optimistic about the support the organisation can receive from the “much more responsive” public sector.

“Now the Ministry of Health comes on board, communities come onboard; Social Protection is now on board, so it’s not so difficult to negotiate with them.”

ACCOLADES Over the years, Merundoi has accumulated a long list of accolades such as: the 2008 Guyana Business Coalition against HIV/AIDS (GBCHA), Award for Business Excellence on HIV/AIDS through National Action; the 2014 PAHO/WHO Media Award for Excellence in Health Journalism – Certificate of Merit and the PEPFAR HERO Certificate.

That’s not all, in 2012, through the Merundoi Playwriting and Stage Production workshop which saw 65 young people being trained, eight short plays won 18 awards at the National Drama Festival.

Awards were won for categories such as Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Guyanese Play which in turn motivated the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport to adopt the Merundoi Model as a means to mentor various groups across the regions in 2012.

Just as recent as this month, Merundoi was among a group of NGOs that were bestowed with Human Rights Awards by the Delegation of the European Union for their advocacy works for basic human rights for all Guyanese.

In response to the organisation most recent accolade, Lawrence commented, “I think why most of us are still in this job is because when you do what you love it isn’t work anymore….it’s just a joy. And then, when you get acknowledged and you say, ‘okay, somebody did take note’, you didn’t do it for that, but you’re happy about it. It’s nice to be recognised.”

Throughout the years, Merundoi has collaborated with ministries of the government, the private and public sector, civic organisations, regional and a large number of international institutions and groups.

Merundoi wishes to credit the Board members: Sven Wills-Chairman, Carole James-Boston, Evelyn Hamilton, Beverly Chan, Jocelyn Josiah and Durwin Humphrey; the Management and Production Team: Timolyn Barclay, Felicity Jackson, Nizam Bacchus, Mosa Telford, Ron Robinson, Romona Khan as well as the Street Theatre Troupe and volunteers.

Lawrence is a strong believer in the power of knowledge and information, and as such, she leaves with the words of wisdom: “If people are not informed, you can’t expect them to operate in a certain way,” she began.

“If you’re not informed that you need to take a particular vaccine to ensure that you’re healthy, and you’re not given the messages so that you can make a wise choice, it’s going to affect you, your family, your community and your country.”

In 2018, Merundoi hopes to launch its first six-part television series focusing on mental health and suicide, as well as to train vulnerable young people in Georgetown on the use of multimedia to enable them in becoming young entrepreneurs.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

IX

Christmas time with Mr Stick-Um and Bam-Bam Sally

By Francis Quamina Farrier I’M always grateful to my parents for my upbringing; born of a Grenadian father and a Guyanese mother.Experiencing life in the city, the rural areas, the intermediate savannahs, the mountains and also the southern savannahs of my homeland, Guyana, all before I reached my 20th year of life.

Growing up in McDoom Village, on the East Bank of Demerara, which was not a part of the city of Georgetown, in colonial British Guiana, I can share with you, some of the enjoyments of the Christmas Season activities in a pre-Independent, rural British Guiana.

The experiences of older Guyanese have many similar experiences of the Christmas Season in British Guiana of 70 and more years ago.

Let’s start with Mr Stick-Um and Bam-Bam Sally, (one and the same person), who was based in my boyhood McDoom Village. Think of this elderly gentleman who is of medium build, dressed as a woman in a very colourful outfit and wearing a very pregnant tummy and extra protruding posterior. He is one of the fixed traditions of the Christmas season on the lower East Bank Demerara. A one-man (woman, if you will) display, going around the villages - Meadow Bank, Houston, McDoom, Agricola, Eccles, Bagotstown and Peter’s Hall - singing a monotonous rhyme, “Ah woh fo’ happen, leh he happen one time. [What’s to happen, let it happen now].”

Mr Stick-Um and his character Bam-Bam Sally collectively, was a figure of fun, especially for the young boys in the villages. They would run up to him (her) and hurl taunts. However, the greatest interaction with Francis Quamina Farrier pictured Mr Stick-Um and his Bam-Bam Sally, for the boys, was with the Wall Street Bull in the Manhattan Financial to get a touch of her over-sized ‘bam-bam’. In the real Downtown District of New York City world of 2017, that would be regarded as inappropriate touching of a female. Doing his rounds, Mr Stick-Um Now just in case you are of the view that only the female collected money for his performance. Some of the boys would anatomy was the butt (pun intended) of the joke for boys of the go to him with their cents and pennies, and while slowly colonial era at Christmas time, I am pleased to let you know handing them over, other boys would take the opportunity that the most tender part of the male anatomy was fair game to take a firm grab at Bam-Bam Sally’s ‘bam-bam’, much to at Christmas time as well. I refer to the smallest attachment the enjoyment of on-lookers, and the pretended anger of Mr of the Mad Bull. In masquerade bands of yore, that tender Stick-Um. It was a performance between actor and audience little part of the Mad Bull was the principal attraction of the in a mobile open-air theatre, depicting the Christmas story young boys. with a folk bias.

As you know, the ‘Mad Cow’ or ‘Mad Bull’ in the MasAs children, we had no idea what that chant by Mr Stick- querade Bands, was almost the size of a real bull. The rider or Um was all about; “Ah woh fo’ happen, leh he happen one dancer of the bull was strong and agile and would dance for time.” However, in life much later on, with the gathering of a hours twirling and twisting for hours on end. There was no few of us reminiscing on Christmases of yore in the village, let-up. In fact, the bull would give chase to on-lookers, much we came up with the following interpretation: Bam-Bam Sally to the fun of everyone. But that bull was not the only aggreswas pregnant. She represented the Virgin Mary, who was on sor. Some of the young boys were. In fact, it was a bit of the her way, along with her husband Joseph, from Nazareth to bravado of the `Run of the Bulls’ which is so popular in Spain.

Jerusalem, where she gave birth to Jesus in a humble stable.

The groups of young boys, who were usually good friends, Mr Stick-Um’s act, therefore, was portraying the pregnant would challenge each other as to who could make the first Virgin Mary, who was anxious to give birth to Jesus, Em- swift dash and get a “grab” of the bull. To achieve such a manuel, the Saviour of Mankind. “Ah woh fo’ happen, leh he dangerous feat, one had to be very bold and very agile. Since happen one time.” such daring was done with the collaboration of friends, the ◄◄◄ From page VIII

any cloth or net or mesh or even your hands since the bees go for the face and when they sting around the eyes, you would be unable to see. It is better to cover your face with your shirt since bites on the torso are less immediately dangerous than bites on the face.

Dark colours, especially black, attract bees. Lighter colours such as light cream or very light green do not attract them as much. Accordingly, if you go out into areas

where there may be bees, wear light-coloured clothing.

If you are under attack, do not try to smother them away, since the more body movement you have, the more irritated the bees become. On the other hand, do not try to be immobile or “freeze” because they will attack you as an easy target.

Going into any body of water like a canal or lake is really of little help since the Africanised bees would remain around for hours waiting to attack. As soon as you raise your

aggressor had a little of the operation in his favour. His friends operated as decoys to distract the “Mad Cow” dancer.

The other masqueraders would be doing their thing; the Stilt dancer, the Mother Sally, the drummers. The flute man, et al. “Christmas comes but once a year”, one would commence the chant, “and every man must have his share, even Willie in de jail, drinking sour ginger beer. “MUSIC!” The masquerade flouncers would begin their dancing. So, too, Mother Sally and the Stilt Dancers. But for the young boys, the Mad Cow was their main interest as it ran up and down and twirled this and that way. Then it was time for action by one or two of the brave boys. The objective being to rush in at the back and have a grab of the mad Bull’s you-know-what!

That was not easy as the Mad Cow was very active, moving here, there and everywhere; very swiftly. So the boy who was to make the grab had to have very good at timing. One false move, one slip, could result in disaster, with the Mad Cow dancer turning and ramming the horns of the bull into the unfortunate boy. That could be very painful, and also embarrassing for the victim, who would be immediately hauled away by laughing friends, and if need be, taken home and given medical folk treatment such as a massage and a cup of sugar water.

However, many were the successes by the boys, myself included. The successful boy would be regarded as a hero, and the Mad Cow dancer pretending to be very angry, would chase other ‘innocent’ boys who happen to be near-by.

But why was there this interest in getting a snatch of that extension of the Mad Cow’s anatomy? I am not too sure, save to say, that it was there. It was dangling and it attracted attention. That is so with the famous Wall Street Bull in downtown Manhattan, New York City, which I observed many years later. Just a little larger than a real-life bull, that statue located in the middle of the street in the New York Financial District, which was installed in December 1989, attracts hundreds of tourists every day. Many take photographs standing by its side, riding on it, or rubbing its “special” parts; for good luck, I’m told.

I’ve seen many tourists, both men and women, rubbing that small part of the statue’s anatomy. I’ve examined it closely and can conclude that it must have been rubbed millions of times over the years since the colour of that part of that bronze bull is lighter than the close surrounding areas. Well, even though Bam-Bam Sally and the Guyanese masquerade Mad Cow are a little over 2,500 miles away from the Wall Street Bull, there are certain similarities about how humanity connects with the special areas of their anatomies, especially at Christmastime.

With a similar interest in the anatomy of Bam-Bam Sally, a female, and the Mad Bull, a male, it would be safe to say that charges of inappropriate touching of the human and animal anatomy, can be levelled by both females and males as well, not only at Christmas time, but all year round.

head out of the water, they will attack.

As soon as you are able, use a credit card or any piece of stiff plastic or cardboard to press the sting out of your skin. This will prevent the venom from being absorbed into the blood. Death from bee stings is due to scores of stings dissipating their venom or poison in the body.

The Ministry of Agriculture once used to offer a free service to the community to exterminate these killer bees from homes, yards and agricultural fields. This protection

offered to the community by the Ministry was universally appreciated, We are therefore urging that the Ministry of Agriculture to resuscitate this service. The bee extermination personnel could be attached to the Honey Industry programme of the Ministry where they could be engaged in other work of the unit.

The Guyana Consumers Association has written the Ministry recommending the re-establishment of the Africanised bee extermination unit.

Beyond fine dining X

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

Backyard Café’s unique dining experience

By Gibron Rahim THE Christmas season brings with it mouth-watering delicacies that are authentically Guyanese. We have every reason to be proud of our local cuisine which is unique, not just in the Caribbean, but around the globe. This was a key part of the rationale for the establishment of the Backyard Café. This unique eating establishment, though, is more than a restaurant.

Located in West Ruimveldt in Georgetown, the Café is unconventional in several senses. For one thing, it is located in a backyard (hence the name). Whilst sitting amongst the trees and underneath the passion fruit arbour while sipping cold sorrel juice, its magnetic draw was clear. Over fruit salad, omelettes, fried plantains and wurst, the Pepperpot Magazine caught up with Delven Adams, one of the owners, and his mother-in-law and fellow team member Lynette James.

Delven explained that the concept of the Backyard Café did not begin with the idea of a restaurant. It began, he said, with farming. He and his family had

Backyard Café

of hard, back-breaking work, we did it as a team.” He expressed gratitude to everyone, both locals and visitors, who made it possible.

Backyard Café’s success is undoubtedly related to its unique dining experience. Delven explained that technically he is a personal chef. The café operates on a reservation only basis. There is no menu – the client who makes the call to the café tells the team what they wish to see on the plate. There is a reason for that, Delven explained. The concept is one of Breakfast from Backyard Café

e”

The café’s “wall of fam

invested in farming. The difficulties they faced, including finding a market for the produce from the farm, eventually took a toll. That led him to return to the first thing he knew – cooking. “Why not prepare the stuff that we got from the farm, or other people’s farms, and show our Guyanese people how this can really work?” he asked himself. Thus, the Backyard Café was born from this farm-to-table concept.

The effort put forward by Delven and the other members of his team has borne fruit – Backyard Café has recently won an award at the Guyana Tourism Authority’s Annual Tourism Awards in the Food and Beverage Establishment category.

The award is the result of a team effort and Delven was sure to credit his fellow team members for their hard work. Delven’s wife Malini Jaikarran is Backyard Café’s co-owner. He noted that she also takes care of all the café’s desserts and baked goods under the label “MJsMoistDelights”. Lynette takes care of the preparation of dishes such as pepperpot and homemade bread.

Another member of the team is French chef, Ezekiel Carbon who has been a big part of introducing the team to new flavours and techniques. Chef Carbon, who has roots in Guyana, has been returning to Guyana every year for the last three years to instruct the team and give them pointers.

“Bringing different flavours and cultures together helped us to win the award,” Delven said. Winning an award for being the best food and beverage establishment in Guyana means a lot to him, especially as he noted that if he was not mistaken, the award was people’s choice. “After four years

providing value for the customer’s money. Indeed, Delven takes care to use fresh ingredients. None of the meat served at the Backyard Café has been frozen – it is all prepared fresh. “We want people to be happy spending their money,” he said.

For this holiday season, traditional Guyanese Christmas cuisine will be available to clients. There will be pepperpot with homemade bread and garlic pork. There will also be garlic chicken and beef on offer for those who do not eat pork.

Considering the hustle and bustle that always accompa-

house itself had been child.

nies the Christmas season, Backyard Café acts as a getaway from it all.

That idea is built into the café’s concept. Customers can feel free to have their meals in a hammock.

They are encouraged to take their shoes off and eat with their hands without any worries. “You come, you relax and enjoy life as it is,” Delven said.

We as Guyanese go to other countries and enjoy relaxation there. Delven noted that Backyard Café is happy to offer a service that can be enjoyed right here at home.

The idea behind Backyard Café is more than simply food. Delven is passionately devoted to Guyana.

It is for this reason that he returned to the community where he was born and grew up to start his business. The bought when Delven was a

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT He explained that the establishment is a community-based project. Pointing out the plantains on the plate, he noted that they were bought from a vendor down the street.

This is one of the ways that he and others in the community are working to keep money within the community. He explained that at a recent community meeting, he and other community members resolved to attempt to keep their money in the community for at least 30 days. Such redirection within the community helps the development of the community, for the benefit of all.

The café’s team also plays a role in the lives of the students of the Ascension Secondary School.

They helped the school to start its own vegetable garden. “By next year we’re going to be buying the kids’ vegetables, cooking them in the Backyard Café and putting it on the plate,” Delven said.

That, he explained to the Pepperpot Magazine, will open a whole new door for the children. It teaches them farming and entrepreneurship. The help is not limited to that avenue, however. Delven was in the midst of helping out with preparations for the school’s graduation at which he was to make an appearance. Earlier that morning he had gone to help with putting up a sign. Lynette noted that Backyard Café also gives back to the community by offering free meals. She also mentioned that a project they will be working on for the holiday season is preparing hampers to distribute. They are deeply involved in the community.

Backyard Café is only the beginning of where Delven and his fellow team members want to see the idea going. “Technically we are in the food industry, not the restaurant business,” he said. He expressed interest in packaging and putting their name to everything that they prepare and having it on shelves all over the world.

“That is our goal,” he stated. The restaurant and farm are just parts of the overall business. He emphasised that he truly believes that the cuisine served at Backyard Café and indeed, Guyanese cuisine, can reach a five-star level.

The most important point Delven would like the public to know is that we need to be proud of ourselves and our culture. “Embrace yourself. Love yourself. Love your culture,” he said. Backyard Café’s slogan he said is “Live.

Laugh. Love” to which they have added, “Eat”. “Live once, laugh plenty and love a whole lot.”

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

XI

Relapse Prevention WHILE most of us are rightfully excited for Christmas, many of those who are experiencing mental health issues are nervous about the upcoming holidays and celebration.

When in recovery (from substance abuse, depression, suicidal ideation etc.), the holidays can have many triggers as while joyful, they still bring added financial strain, socialisation, overcommitment, poor time management and even loneliness.

I am going to focus on substance use but most of these guidelines can be followed by anyone who is experiencing any form of mental illness.

Those with mental health issues typically recover based on a strict and comfortable schedule which will be somewhat disrupted during the holidays. However, there are a few things that can be done to stay on the path of recovery (from any mental illness).

Substance abuse typically comes with a loss of job, money, family and friends – sometimes even after recovery -which can make the season that much harder.

During the holidays, use of alcohol/drugs is not only encouraged but mostly expected.

Therefore, you should avoid your triggers which could be people, places or things that bring out substance use, depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts.

If you are unsure of your ability to say no, avoid the situation in general.

Remember that even one drink/hit of your drug of choice can result in a relapse.

Keep in mind that there is a difference between a lapse and a relapse. A lapse is a one- time slip- one that still allows you to stay on the path to recovery while a relapse occurs when someone completely falls back into the habit of using.

There are lots to do during the holidays- more than we have time for. When struggling with mental health issues, it is advised to rank activities as low, medium or high risk (to our mental health). Since we are usually overbooked during the holidays anyway, it would be beneficial for us to stick to low or medium risk environments.

Sometimes it is better to have prepared answers to questions that may cause discomfort. Be prepared to answer such

like “Where have you been?” “Is something wrong?” “Why aren’t you drinking?” “Why have you lost/gained so much weight?” etc. Being prepared reduces the chances of ill feelings and potential relapse.

If you are trying to stay sober, find your consistent non-alcoholic drink for the holiday – try soda water with lime!

Have extra support – do you have a support group that you

go to? A sponsor? Someone to call when you are down? Make sure to keep these habits going during the holidays. Someone (who is also going through recovery) to talk to would be very beneficial.

Try to relax and go with the flow. While we can’t always control what happens around us- we can definitely control

how we react to it. Make a list of healthy coping skills (deep breathing, music, exercise) that can be used during stressful situations. Make sure you put them into practice.

Remember that cravings typically only lasts for about 20 minutes. If you find them unbearable, find a healthy substitute.

For example- chewing gum when craving a cigarette. This is also where your practiced healthy coping skills come in!

Many go overseas for holiday during the Christmas Season. It is also important to cater to your needs when choosing a destination. For example, if you’re trying to quit drugs and alcohol, you avoid places like Amsterdam where drugs are prevalent.

If you’re recovering from gambling, probably not a good idea to go to Vegas. Know what your specific vice is and avoid places that promote it.

Remember HALT which is an acronym for the most common causes of relapse – Hunger, Anger, Loneliness and Tiredness. Remember to get enough sleep, eat and exercise well and be around those who are good influences and encourage you to stay on your path to recovery.

Finally, always remember that your recovery comes first. If there is a lapse, that’s okay – get right back up and remind yourself of why you chose the path of recovery in the first place. Remember what your body and mind needs – One day at a time. Every day that you remain sober and content is a good day.

Whether you are new to recovery or not, the holidays are still a time to be mindful of the issues that can arise.

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

Georgetown Public Hospital: Monday- Friday – 08:0hrs-12:00hrs Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 16:00hrs Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 16:00hrs Suicide Prevention Helpline – 223-0001, 223-0009, 6234444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

#SupportCreativity

Christmas shopping for the artist in your life CONTRARY to popular belief, artists are (for the most part) relatively easy to please.

It usually doesn’t require much effort to work your way into our hearts during the holiday season. It’s really quite simple actually: if you love us, buy art material for us! We can never have too much! Outside of buying our artwork, this is one of the most thoughtful things you could do for an artist. It shows that you’re committed to supporting our growing careers. Of course, knowing what kind of material to buy is extremely important and this is where I can provide some assistance.

So if you have an artist friend or relative and you’re not quite certain how to brighten their day this Christmas, fear not, I’ve got you covered! Below I’ve listed a few items that I think most artists would really love to see under their Christmas tree.

Paper. At this point, you might be wondering if you read right, but you did. Nothing excites artists more than “good paper”, even if they don’t usually make works on paper. We love paper! I love paper! Paper, paper, paper! I’m not telling you to go buy a ream of Xerox paper, people. I’m talking about the good stuff. The kind of paper so

thick it feels like heavy linen. There’s something deeply satisfying about touching the grain and imagining all the wonderful things that could be done with it. Most times it sits around in our studio for ages before we finally shake our fear of “ruining” it, but that’s beside the point. Knowing it’s there for when that stroke of genius hits (if it ever hits), is deeply reassuring.

Journals/sketchbooks. Chances are that if

the artist in your life has a paper obsession, more than likely he or she also has a journal/ sketchbook obsession. And it’s really easy to see why these make great gifts. They’re perfect for jotting down ideas, writing daily inspirations and managing deadlines. But more importantly, they’re usually beautifully made and artists like beautifully made things. I have more journals than I’d like to admit: one for sketches and works in progress, another that

functions more like a diary, another that I’ve been using to document my weird dreams and several other empty ones I haven’t gotten to as yet. Even if the artist in your life doesn’t make a practice of keeping sketchbooks or journals, it’s a great habit to encourage.

Paints. Now before you whip out your money to make your purchase you should do some research. It’s important that you know what kind of art the person makes and if they even use paint at all. If they do then your next question should be, “What kind of paint?” This is the crucial question most well-meaning persons forget to ask. The last thing you want to do is to spend money on paints they won’t use. With that said, please put the Crayola paints back in the children’s section of the store and walk away. Bless your heart, but that’s not the kind of paint we use…ever. There’s oil paint (not the kind you use to paint your walls), acrylic paint and watercolour paint. Most quality brands offer a wide range of each type. Be warned, these are expensive and could easily burn a hole in your pocket. Usually I’m all for being thrifty but in this case, if they’re cheap, don’t even bother. If they come in a small rectangular box of 12 (you know the kind I mean), don’t bother. Good quality brands include (but aren’t limited to) Golden, Winsor & Newton, Daler Rowney, Chroma and Liquitex. I usually opt for the medium or heavy body paints because of their viscosity and the fact that I can use

them as is or thin them down to my liking.

Storage containers. Yes, I just suggested you buy storage containers. No, I have not lost my mind. Hear me out. Artists tend to hold on to a lot of stuff (or maybe I’m just projecting here). But for the most part, our workspaces are always crowded with the most random things. I’m guilty of holding on to way too much stuff and justifying my hoarding with some variant of “I could do something with this one day.” The result? Years of stuff that probably won’t ever make it into any work I make any time in the near future.

While I’ve come a far way and have since managed to scale back my hoarding tendencies, I do still have stuff (you kinda need stuff to create). And this might be the case with other practitioners as well. There’s always need for creative storage solutions in our workspaces. While it might seem like a terrible gift idea, trust me, it’s practical and your artist friend/relative will love you for it. Plus there are lots of funky design options available if you don’t want to get the generic looking plastic boxes.

Books. Whether they’re art history books, books about that person’s favourite contemporary artist or how-to books, these are gifts that never go out of style! Books always make great gifts, especially if they were picked to help further that person’s creative practice. So choose wisely! Subscriptions to art publications also make great gifts for artists who love receiving books and magazines in the mail. How amazing would it feel to be the reason your artist friend/relative discovers something in the mailbox every month that wasn’t another bill!

Other items on the list of things to consider for your artist friend/relative could include packs of gold/silver/bronze leaf (if they’re into embellishments), gesso, gels and mediums, canvases (I would advise you buy the unprimed roll as opposed to the pre-stretched canvases for a number of reasons: the material is much heavier and they get to decide how big or small they want to work) and good quality brushes (keep in mind that each paint medium has special types of brushes). On the pricey side of the list would be an easel, drafting table, a Wacom tablet (if they’re into digital drawing) and a good DSLR camera and tripod.

Depending on your budget some of these items could be bought together to create a nice little Christmas package. All of the items listed above could be found online (Golden Paints, Dick Blick, Michaels, Utretch Art, Joann etc.). If you’re looking to shop closer to home then you can check out the ground floor of Oriental Furniture Store on the corner of Water and Holmes Streets. Ask for Christine and tell her I sent you!

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

XIII

SIGNED, OPEN CHEQUES TO A STRANGER?

By Abdool A. Aziz

HE sat in the black Maria Van handcuffed., the door swung open and another prisoner was hurled in. The two strangers, one from Guyana and the other from Poland had two things in common. They were picked up on immigration violation charges and both faced deportation.

The Guyanese prisoner was going to take a voluntary departure as he had a return ticket and pleaded guilty to overstaying his time. They Polish guy faced graver charges operating a butchery illegally.

THE TRUST In the dark confines of the van, the Polish guy in a spattering of broken English asked the Guyanese guy Ramsan to take from him a signed open chequebook and give to his wife who is in hiding. She faced immigration infractions too. If this financial document is found on him it would be confiscated. All, the money would go back to the state. Ramsan lost his savings, thus the man from Poland pleaded for Ramsan to conceal this chequebook and deliver it to his starving family.

Ramsan knew if caught with this illegal document, it would mean jail. But he took the risk. All he thought of was to fill in the amount and cash those cheques and scamper off with the

money. He would be back in Guyana, pocket full of Canadian dollars. Someone else’s hard earned money. He left the vehicle promising the worried European that everything will be fine.

The man burst into tears: “Please save my family.”

As Ramsan sat in the Subway train taking him to his basement apartment, finally he began to think of this windfall (four to one Canadian in the 80s).

THE TEMPTATION He had to exit the train just before a C.I.B.C Bank. This chequebook is from that company he strolled in. He tore off a leaf and went to the cashier. He handed in the blank cheque.

“You must write in the amount sir!” The teller said.

“What amount?”

“Any amount as long as there is cash in the till. Hold a while,” she took the order to pay slip, went to the records.

Money was available. “Go ahead, write in the amount, up to ten thousand on one transaction.”

Ramsan felt he was on ‘cloud line’. He played with the paper, took the pen from the pretty cashier and was about to write a figure.

He held back and said, “You know what?

I’ll be back.”

He sat on the edge of the Bank outside.

He took the last dime from his pocket and dialed the prisoner’s wife. Her nephew answered. He asked them to come and pick up the cheque book by the subway. The nephew was in shock. His uncle’s life savings in the hands of a stranger? And now being delivered intact? Unbelievable! Ramsan remembered the tears of that beleaguered Polish man and his starving wife. He felt great to keep that trust and though the recipient offered a reward, Ramsan refused it, knowing the sweat, blood and tears of earning it. Honesty – the best policy and morally just.

XIV

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

Young ‘Aviators’ get academic inspiration – as Youth Aviation Camp concludes

technician, he possesses a Bachelors machine systems and interact with Degree in Commercial Aviation cutting-edge technology. He said it Management from the University of was designed and executed to push

By Shirley Thomas Western Ontario. the next generation of Guyanese to Recognising the importance of strive to be extraordinary in all that More than 20 aspiring aviators last week graduated on science in the classroom, Programme they endeavour to do. successful completion of Guyana’s first-ever Youth Avi- Co-ordinator Haynes, along with Essentially, the ACDA-UPN ation Camp, a three-week programme conducted by the two organisations of which he is a Programme introduced young peoAfrican Cultural Development Association (ACDA), in member, launched the programme ple to aviation and imparted basic collaboration with the Urban Pilots’ Network (UPN). to help stimulate the minds of young skills on an introductory level, Whilst most kids know the joy it generates to get a toy or Guyanese. through experiential teaching by some other gift for Christmas, not many have experienced the Haynes observed that Guyana is current aviation professionals. The joy of being additionally presented with that special certificate on the verge of going through great programme utilised virtual reality, just before Christmas. And so, for the excited and keenly developmental change, and said it will flight simulation, unmanned aerial appreciative band of aspiring aviators, it was more than a need capable, qualified and technicalvehicles, teamwork to accomplish dream come true. ly- inclined youth to usher in a new navigation tasks and a host of cutThe programme which commenced on November 18 and era of Guyanese prosperity. ting-edge teaching tools to empower concluded on December 8, was undertaken with funding “The next generation of Guyanese the next generation of Guyanese. secured from the Youth Innovation Programme Initiative will not have the luxury of being givGoing forward, ACDA-UPN through the Ministry of Education. en any free rides. They will have to hopes the programme will be further The graduation ceremony was held at ACDA’s Akwabee work and engineer the changes they funded for another year to build on House, Thomas Lands on December 8, during which more want to see in their community, noting this year’s success by hopefully than 40 enthusiastic participants from schools around George- that “STEM is the key.” conducting flight lessons in a live town were presented with certificates and lauded for their Giving an overview of the protrainer aircraft. The aim is to eveninterest and outstanding performance. gramme, Haynes said that the ACtually develop a national air-cadets The ACDA-UPN Youth Aviation Camp is primarily ded- DA-UPN Aviation camp, despite programme which will complement icated to stimulating the minds of young African Guyanese being coined an aviation camp, incorPresident David Granger’s Youth through the Application of Science, Technology, Engineering porates much more. The programme Opportunity Core Initiative, ACDA and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) across the varying facets of the taught young people to critically think, Jacey Moffett one of the most outstanding said.

Aviation Sector. ask questions, challenge status quos, performers proudly displays his certificate ACDA-UPN is of the view that The programme was run by Dionne Haynes who has over solve problems,develop leadership atthis will spark a greater desire on the 14-years of experience working in the Aviation sector, across tributes such as public speaking; conceptualising engineering part of youths to pursue a career in aviation, ensuring that the varying occupations. He is a commercial pilot currently flying designs spatially; to use their higher math; operate complex Guyana aviation sector will have ample supplies of capable a Twin Otter DHC6-300 aircraft. A trained aircraft mechanical and enthusiastic young minds to help build a vast, safe and competitive national airline network.

“The overarching aim of the ACDA-UPN Aviation camp is to be proactive in recognising the future demands of Guyana as a nation, and preparing for it through training and mentorship of young Guyanese,” Haynes said.

Reflecting on the topics covered, Violet Smith who delivered reflections and the charge, cited that the participants learned facts about the environment; the atmosphere and how it interacts with us each day; about what creates thunderstorms; about outer space; about famous African scientists and aviators; learned who was the first African female to fly and own an aircraft (Bessie Coleman) about aerodynamics and a host of other things. The participants also visited the Ogle Airport and toured the control tower.

Graduates of the Aviation Camp proudly display their certificates at the graduation ceremony Smith said that the ACDA-UPN Aviation Camp was geared at teaching young people to be inquisitive; question the norms; think critically; assume leadership roles and find creative ways of solving the problems within their environment.

In concluding, she challenged the participants: “Do not accept what the world tells you, you are, but who you think you are! You are the future! You are the answers to the questions! Do not be extraordinary! Stand up; be heard and change your world!” She said, adding that even though they may not all become aviators, “Whatsoever thy hands findeth to do, do it with all thy might.”

These students got a taste of how it feels to be lifted higher by the ACDA-Urban Pilots’ Network. (ACDA-UPN)

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

Christmas Cheer for the Children

XV

Comfort Sleep hosts annual Christmas Programme IT was fun galore for over 500 children over the last few days as Comfort Sleep Guyana Inc. embarked on its annual Christmas Cheer Programme, hosting four Christmas Parties for less fortunate children.

The children were drawn from communities within Georgetown, West Demerara and New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The first and usually the biggest party was held at the Malgre Tout Roman Catholic Church compound, West Bank Demerara, on Saturday December 9, 2017 and catered for 245 children.

They were drawn from La Grange Primary School; Malgretout Primary School; La Parfaite Harmonie Primary School and Bagsotville Primary School.

The second party, held at Eclipse Hall, New Amsterdam, Berbice was hosted on Sunday December 10. It catered for 145 children, drawn from the New Amsterdam Feeding Programme and from Friends Primary School and Edun-Burg Primary School, Berbice. The children catered for at the Malgretout Primary School and those in New Amsterdam are all beneficiaries of Comfort Sleep’s Schools’ Feeding Programmes conducted throughout the year which provides them with a hot meal three days per week.

The parties were quite a treat and brought joy to the hearts of the children who were extremely excited and appreciative of the kind gesture. There was lots of fun and goodies and

the children were treated to chicken-and-chips, salad, drink, ice cream. At the end of the parties, every child was given a Christmas gift.

The third party which was held in Georgetown was hosted at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Carmichael Street on December 12, 2017. That party was for 101 children of that institution, as well as those visiting the centre for therapy. Comfort Sleep has also been providing support for those children for the last 20 years.

Meanwhile, the fourth party was hosted at the Princess Fun City, Ramada Hotel, East Bank Demerara and was for 21 children from the Ruimveldt Children’s Home, East La Penitence.

That group is supported by Comfort Sleep on a monthly basis.

Each of the parties offered great fun and excitement as attested to by the children and their teachers/caretakers. Apart from benefitting in all the goodies shared by the other children, the children at Fun City enjoyed rides; watched new animated movies, such as “The Star” and played games such as Rambo, ManX, Bed Monsters, Annon Ball Run, Fire Fighter, Fireman, Skytroopers and Razino Storm.

For more than 10 years, Managing Director of Comfort Sleep, Mr. Dennis Charran and his wife, Mrs. Sabita Charran, have been hosting annual Christmas Parties for the children, almost 400 of whom are beneficiaries of his Schools’ Feeding Programme, which offers them hot meals when at school.

The children, as well as their teachers and counsellors/ caretakers join in extending gratitude and congratulations to the Management and Staff of Comfort Sleep for helping to make their Christmas bright.

Ms. Jennifer Babb, Administrator of the Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre, on behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff, children and volunteers of her institution, as well as officials and children of all other schools and groups involved, extended heartfelt gratitude to Mr. and Mrs Charraan and staff of Comfort Sleep for the extensive support they have given them through the years. “We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and God-blessed 2018,” Ms. Babb concluded.

Meanwhile, Mr. Charran who has a great love for little children, said it is always a pleasure for him to reach out to the institutions in whatever way he could. He is also expressing sincere thanks and special Christmas greetings to his loyal customers and the shopping public at large, for purchasing Comfort Sleep’s products.

“Each time you buy our products – be it a mattress or a pillow, you are helping to satisfy the needs of these children,” he gratefully acknowledged.

folklore

XVI

THE MASTER’S REVENGE

THE MIX UP Ray sat on the bus with his crocus bag on the floor near to his feet. Seated next to him was an East Indian man with a crocus bag between his feet. Somewhere during the long journey, he lost focus. At every stop, people exited the bus. Eventually, the man sitting next to him did the same.

When Ray got off of the bus, he walked to the home of Harricharran, the man who was selling him the car. When they had agreed on a price, Ray reached into his bag and recoiled in shock. Instead of money, he found ground provision. He immediately understood what had taken place.

The passenger next to him had inadvertently switched bags.

He moved swiftly to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, the lucky man was ecstatic. He had found half a million dollars in the bus. He sat and began planning how to spend it, Knock! Knock! Knock!

Sudesh opened his door and saw the passenger he had sat next to on the ride home.

“Good afternoon friend. I think we got our bags mixed up.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mister. Get Out!” He snapped.

Ray reacted in anger as the man ordered him off of his property.

“Give me my money or you’ll be sorry,” Ray warned.

The man slammed the door in his face.

BAD LUCK FOLLOWS By the very next day, things begin to go wrong for the ‘lucky’ fellow. Sudesh had kept his find a secret. Not even Rita knew about it. She was his wife of 13 years and they shared everything with each other; except this. She was first to reap misfortune.

She rose early that morning and began cooking. She had done this for years before marrying Sudesh and every day after. This morning, however, things did not go as planned. As she was about to pour boiling water into the tea mug a sudden jolt caused her to spill some of the scalding content onto her hand.

“Eeeeeaaaah!”

Her anguished scream resounded through the small wooden house and beyond. Sudesh jumped out of bed and raced to her defence. It took him more than an hour to calm her down and apply the necessary home remedy to her injuries. By that time the two children were awake.

Saturday was their day for fun and frolic. No sooner had they opened their eyes that they began to play. This ended abruptly when both of them were hit by missiles.

Nine-year-old Sunita was hit on the back by a shoe.

This threw her forward and down and saved her from what followed. A statue of Vishnu.

Smack!

By Neil Primus

Crash!

Dilip was 11and very tough. Nothing prepared him for the assault he was subjected to. From out of nowhere, he was given some lusty blows with a pointer broom. The broom was old and the pointer hardened. This caused pain and shock after every blow.

Pow! Ply! Wax! With shrieks of terror, the two children sped out of their bedroom and headed for their parents. Their howling complaints and sore bodies made for a very confusing moment. By the time Sudesh had reduced their fear, it became apparent that something strange was amidst. Neither of the children could identify who or what attacked them.

Puzzled but not yet convinced Sudesh withdrew to his small workshop. There he could potter around building and breaking whatever he was trying to create. This process was like therapy for him and helped to calm his nerves and stimulate his thoughts. This work was well on the way

Baccoo (Photo Courtesy of Harold Bascom via exemplore.com)

RAY Price was a well-respected man. Maybe more feared than respected. He was known to be someone who dabbled in the black arts. He helped many people out of sticky situations and he was always generous with what he owned. As his wealth and status increased slowly he decided to get something that would make him very rich. He travelled to a nearby country and got a `Bacoo’.

Now a Bacoo is an African jumbie. Short in stature, it possessed an oversized head, knotty and unkempt hair, ugly features and fearsome powers. It is usually found in a sealed bottle. The person who opens the bottle is saddled with the spirit. If fed well the owner or master can get it to do all sorts of things, some good, others evil.

Ray did not find his Bacoo. It was given to him after paying a large sum. He did not mind this because he had already anticipated all that he stood to gain from the creature.

Back at home things began to go his way. He kept his bargain with the Bacoo and fed it lots of milk, banana and nuts. In return, it made him very rich. He had more than enough money now. He decided to travel to the countryside to purchase a used car.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

when he felt a violent shove.

Unfortunately for him, he was about to drive home a nail into a piece of hardwood – greenheart. The push caused his aim to be diverted from the nail to his hand.

Crack!

“Ow Gaad!”

Sudesh bellowed in agony and dropped the hammer.

Again, things did not go well for him. The large hammer fell head first on his bare foot. His three toes and instep on the right foot lit up in a rhapsody of throbbing, searing and piercing pain. Sudesh was in a dilemma. His left hand was virtually out of commission and his right foot was heading in the same direction.

Rita ran to him and found him writhing in pain on the damp, mud floor. Stooping, she employed her one useful hand to placate her husband. After a while, he tried to get himself under control. He could not have a house of crying people. The kids were still in varied mourning modes and his wife was suffering silently.

Sudesh began to wonder if the money had brought him bad luck. He confided in Rita and felt instant shame at her reaction. She was livid.

“What!”

“B-b-but Rita love….”

“Don’t ‘Rita love’ me. You chased the man away know-

ing that you had his money!”

“He can’t prove that and the money could do a lot for this family.”

“Nonsense! We might be poor but we are not thieves!”

She turned and stormed out of the workshop muttering a few blistering remarks. With a sigh, he headed back to the house. He tried to speak to Rita but she would have none of it. Lunch was a silent affair, well most of it. Everyone ate in silence. Sudesh kept looking anxiously at his wife but she coldly ignored him. The kids knew that a storm was brewing and kept quiet.

Splat!

Sudesh was suddenly covered in dhall. He leapt backwards and fell over in a heap, rekindling his two wounds.

They woke up with gusto. He lay there for a moment stunned. Then he was on his feet glaring at Rita.

“Why you throw dhall pon me?”

His wife sat wide-eyed and trembling as did the two children.

Splash!

Drink on Rita Plop!

Plat!

Rice and aaloo choka on Dilip and Sunita. Then things got even wilder. Cups, plates, spoons, glasses, knives went haywire.

The small dining room became a war zone. All the utensils became lethal missiles. Sudesh ducked sharply to avoid a plate that was moving like a flying saucer. He was on his back again and in pain. Something else was afflicting him. Fear. This quickly became terror when he spied his family huddled under the small table screaming in terror. He crawled under and joined them They clung to him crying and screaming.

“Sudesh yo see wa crasses yo bring pon we?”

Rita’s voice was pleading and accusing at the same time.

“A sorry love! A gon give de man he money!”

As suddenly as the bombardment started it stopped.

There was an awkward silence. Sudesh peeped cautiously around to ascertain that the coast was clear. It seemed to be.

Knock!

Knock!

“Mr Sudesh.”

It was the voice of the traveller.

“Mr Sudesh! Open up or things gon get worse.”

Sudesh scrambled from under the table and headed for the door on hands and knees, he was that much in shock.

When he became aware of this he stood up on shaky legs and opened the door. The man stood there looking sternly at him.

“See what happens when yo don’t hear!”

Petrified out of his mind, he raced into his workshop and unearthed the well-concealed bag of money. Running back upstairs he handed it to Ray as if it was a poisonous serpent.

Looking around the ransacked house Ray felt sorry for him.

“Everybody ok?”

“N…n…no!”

“Sorry about that. I tried to warn you yesterday but you would not listen.”

“Just tek yo money and go, please. A sarry about everything.” Sudesh said tearfully.

“Let’s go Boysie.”

With that command, something moved inside the house.

The moving sound headed for the door and past Sudesh who was shoved to the side by a violent force. He felt the hairs on his body stand up and goosebumps made their presence felt.

“Goodbye, Mr Sudesh”. The stranger walked away.

“Yo lucky yo give back de money!”

The voice was deep, guttural and evil.

Sudesh was on his back again – this time he had fainted.

It’s who you are…

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

By Godfrey Wray

IT is said that it takes a village to educate a child. Maggie knew this to be true, for she had gotten more than her share of edification, becoming the darling of several village communities in her neck of the woods.

She was an inveterate reader, greedy for knowledge, especially of the outside world, as she constantly referred to non-Guyanese matters. She was naturally bright and with Catholic priest Father O’Hara’s daily dose of spiritual and worldly teachings, she became the most erudite villager at age 10.

Brightness turned into excellence, then brilliance. Many saw it as genetic since her mother had an IQ that had astounded teachers throughout her school life.

Maggie was no ‘child of the forest.’ Neither was she a ‘buck girl’ as some Guyanese disparagingly refer to the Amerindian female. She was born to be a scholar. And her priestly father made her believe in herself more and more each day.

Her peers called her a tomboy, but she didn’t mind. Her mentor had convinced her that that moniker was more an honour than a tease. However, he warned her not to be too ostentatious in her exploits since some boys could not handle being ‘bettered’ by girls.

She knew without a doubt that she would never have reached the heights she had already attained if it were not for the paternal devotion of her godfather. She wished he were a real relative. He was so knowledgeable, so perfect.

She had never seen her father. Her mother avoided any mention of him. According to her, he was a non-factor as was evidenced by the vacant line, where father’s name should have been on her birth certificate.

Over the years, she had learned that biological parents were responsible for birth. However, those who fostered one’s personal growth were the real mothers and fathers.

She was a case in point.

Maggie was the pied piper of her village. She loved all kinds of music – steel band and string band, contemporary and classical. All the kids followed her around as she sang lustily and played air guitar in their imaginary band, at times accompanied by her singing dog, Ginger.

It was now time for Maggie to go to Georgetown to attend Queen’s College. At first, she was terrified when she saw where she had to live – a three-room structure in a massive tenement yard with a standpipe in the centre, where world news and much more private exploits were discussed in lurid details.

She now had to share space with her cousins and others – the Rodrigues family of 12, in Albouys Street, next to the famous YMCA that kept churning out a stream of top-class boxers.

Terror turned to respect and acceptance, and within days she had bonded with children of every concoction and faith, envying their carefree attitude, their ragged clothes, and mostly, their wholesome dignity. She soon learned that children in the area spent a lot of time playing in the yards, streets and gutters. It was like a release, a sanctuary on the outside, well rid of the feeling of claustrophobia. Those ‘pickneys’ embraced this freedom, so aware that cramped conditions were fraught with volatility. A persistent cough could earn a serious reproof; a suck-teeth, an immediate censure; and heaven forbid a fart.

In those days, every senior female was addressed as ‘auntie’ and those adopted relatives had the right to administer punishment, if necessary. Parents never queried.

But the person to fear was the grandmother. Granny or Mama was always the indomitable matriarch, instilling discipline with quick hands, a fiery tongue, and cutting looks.

And if you thought belts were made to hold up pants and squeeze in waists, then you were a moron.

At an early age, errant children learned that those leather belts had a more practical use – to whip all parts of their bodies.

It would be safe to say that nobody in Albouystown had ever heard of corporal punishment and its legal hoopla.

There existed a simple credo: do something in the eyes of the elders and you get whipped. And don’t entertain the thought of seeking a policeman’s help. He might add a few lashes of his own.

Many persons admit they are better citizens because of the tough homemade discipline.

And somehow, every grandmother seemed to have a sonar system more accurate than anything science has so far produced. One penetrating look would reveal what one was up to or had already done.

Years later, after she had successfully completed her Master’s programme, Maggie bumped into one of the

XVII

Rodrigues girls – one of the brightest of the lot. Already a mother of three, she was sitting astride a motor scooter, both arms encircled with bangles and other bands of gold, her neck festooned with countless chains.

“Still living by the YM?” Maggie asked “Where else I gon go?” the young lady (Gladys) asked.

“Wake up girl. Don’t squander your life away. You can do better than just rearing children,” Maggie said.

“Thanks, but I have to go. Got to feed my youngest.”

Maggie turned to go but her eyes remained riveted on her friend’s waistline. Number four was on the way… and she (Gladys) seemed not to have a care in the world.

XVIII

Laughter is indeed the best medicine WITHOUT laughter in our lives sometimes we can go absolutely nuts. It can be therapy for our mind, body and soul.

A few days ago I was in my room dealing with some challenges and feeling a bit down. I heard this hearty laughter coming from my daughter Mariska’s room and the voices were hers and her sister Shonta’s. I decided to go over to see if this laughter could get contagious because I needed that at the moment. They were on the bed under the sheet watching reruns of the TV Show ‘Friends’. They have such a great enviable

bond as sisters and do so much together including laughing a lot. I joined them for a few minutes and I felt 100 percent better. I can recall one day a friend called me and I answered the phone while in conversation with someone else and I was laughing hysterically. His remark was that laughter sounds good but I can’t remember the last time I did that. That was a WOW moment for me realising people don’t laugh as much as we think. I think the challenges and many stress factors contribute to taking the laughter out of our lives if we allow it.

I am guilty of that I did allow that in the past but not after

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion becoming intentional, that will not happen no matter what. The little things we take for granted sometimes and the things that contribute in a major way to our wellbeing. I even laugh at myself more than you can imagine. A few days ago Nakasia Logan from NCN taught me how to send a ‘we transfer’ file and when I sent the first file I was celebrating as much as when I received the highest honour from Essex County NJ Free Holders President, Britnee Timberlake. It was presented by Lady Ira Lewis on behalf of her boss. After the presentation, Lady Ira and I were cracking up about some of the twists and turns we are faced with in life and agree it is what you make it at the end of the day.

We had an online Zoom discussion on my book `Living

with Intention’ and if you have not downloaded yet please do so today on Amazon. We had people joining us from the Caribbean and North America. Dianne Star who is from California but lives in St Lucia shared a story with us that had us laughing on that live stream like we were crazy. She invited her boyfriend over for Thanksgiving and she invented a Caribbean recipe how to prepare Turkey for this special occasion. In the middle of the meal, he started crying so she was confused and then he said he was crying because his taste buds have never experienced such an exotic flavour. We were all laughing telling her she certainly got to his heart through his Stomach!

Tasteful humour is essential to our lives, even in the workplace.

“Humour, by its nature, tends to have an edge to it, so people typically tone it down at work,” says Laura Vanderkam, author of What the Most Successful People Do at Work (Portfolio, 2013), and What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast (Portfolio, 2012). “It’s hard to do well and easy to do badly. Plus, we all have a tendency to take ourselves way too seriously.

It is important to the people around me have some wit and for anyone.

“A sense of humour is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower Don’t give anyone permission to take your laughter way from you.

Send us your feedback to beyond the runway and visit our FB page as we continue this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

XIX

Shadow of doubt AUDREY knew her coeval cousin Mikey well.

Better than anyone else. They were like twins… welded by their intrinsic nature and like-mindedness.

The minibus stopped at the convent on Camp and Church Streets and six persons alighted. As was the age-old custom she kissed everyone else and then walked up to Mikey, their eyes locked together in warmth and assuredness. No tension, no edginess. Not a word. Just a bumping of fists saying it all. They had already gone through the gamut of ifs and buts.

There was no turning back.

An immaculately dressed nun impatiently shuffled her feet and stretched a hand to take Audrey’s capacious suitcase.

With a confident wave and the blowing of a kiss, Audrey disappeared into the shadows beyond.

The parochial and less sophisticated aspects of rural upbringing hung heavy in the air as the family gave vent to their despair of losing “a lovely child.” They all kept looking at the door that stood between them and her. Mikey struggled to move and somehow he did, ushering the tearful posse into the bus and away to Parika for a river crossing.

Audrey was drowning in a whirlpool of murky waters, the sound of a nearby waterfall shutting out her screams for help. On the far shore, a demon commanded the turbulence to welcome her into its vortex. She had swallowed what seemed like a gallon of water, and her lungs were stretched to the max. She slipped below the surface once, twice… then surrendered to the depths. Highlights of her life flashed before her. Then the camera shut with decisive finality and harp-playing angels joined in song.

“Wake up Sister Audrey, wake up,” an ethereal voice said through a fog of clouds.

But she was already in heaven. Would she have to wait for a long time at the Pearly Gates? How would she be judged?

She shouted and struggled against pressure on her arms and body.

“Sister, Sister, you’re having another nightmare.

Wake up.”

The tone signalled a growing impatience with Lizzie continuous heaven-earth battles, and the nun slapped her into consciousness.

“Where…where am I? she asked groggily.

“Don’t you remember? You’re in the convent.”

Her face was drained of colour, her now ashen

countenance frozen in uncertainty.

Clearly concerned, an elderly nun, who resembled Mother Theresa, cautiously interjected, “You came with a letter from the priest in your district. Are you having a change of heart?”

It took her only seconds to utter “no.”

A beatific smile seemed to enhance the translucent halo around her pretty face, and the Sisters knew that the worse had passed.

Audrey had made a sudden dramatic decision to enter the Catholic convent in Georgetown to undergo training as a lay nun. She was advised that she would have to go through a mentally rigorous three-month period of training to “test the commitment of the applicant.”

A week after Audrey entered the convent she began to have serious misgivings and, every night afterward was tormented by questions and doubts.

One night into her third week, she stood at a top floor window, her mind a cyclone of fractured thoughts and emotions. She gazed into the distance, absently noting the upper sections of St. George’s Cathedral, the beautiful Gothic building, reputedly the tallest wooden structure in the world. Just beyond that lay Stabroek Market, built by the Dutch, with its huge fourfaced clock, and looking like they were almost touching were City Hall and the Magistrates’ Court.

Below, traffic flowed non-stop on streets that had parapets alive with a profusion of flowering plants and imposing trees.

During her short stay, she had keenly observed the eager Sisters bustling here and there in their lusterless raiment, all bound by their oath of poverty, obedience and chastity. She had knelt with them for hours on end, gripping rosary beads and silently reciting familiar prayers. And she had taken her turn serving lunch and dinner to the destitute people who daily thronged the outdoor canteen.

Yet she kept asking herself over and over again. Is this the life you want to embrace the rest of your days?

Are those the deeds you want to perform forever?

Audrey paced the room past midnight, sorting through the dust and debris of doubts and uncertainty, dashed hopes and dreams, disaster and lies. When the alarm clock in her head went off at six in the morning, one thing had become clear and obvious – she lacked the optimal commitment to become a nun.

She would prefer to help others in a different way.

She wanted to seek new avenues to assist the countless unfortunate women who were abused every day. In fact, she was going to engineer a gale force to hasten a kind of feminist movement, teaching women to fight back mentally and physically.

She had to be able to operate in an unfettered manner, crisscrossing delicate boundaries and making value judgments that might not stand the scrutiny of the squeamish.

She was packed and ready when the Mother Superior emerged from her quarters. Without a word, Audrey handed her an envelope that contained a letter of withdrawal and a check – a donation of some significance.

An hour later, Audrey was at peace with herself, still full of love for the Almighty.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

A resolve to create equality in a cohesive nation – Social Cohesion Ministry made significant strides in 2017

SOCIAL Cohesion can almost be described as the interwoven thread, which creates the multi-cultural fabric that is Guyana. Everything from the food we eat, the way we speak, the way we worship, the way we dance, the music we create and listen to and the beautiful diverse faces across the land, all define a uniquely Guyanese culture with every Guyanese adding something valuable to that melting pot.

Guyana, this beautiful land of ours, is known for its multi-ethnic demographic, a multicultural society, a nation of various beliefs, customs, ethnicities and languages. Despite the efforts of some to attempt to create ethnic, social, cultural and other forms of divisions, Guyanese are calling for not just national unity but the continued promotion of equitable access to the country’s resources and social services offered by the State. The Government of Guyana is committed to maintaining and furthering the building of a cohesive society and is equally committed to the development of this great land.

President David Granger while speaking at the Ministry’s Strategic Plan Validation Workshop in March 2017, said that the Ministry of Social Cohesion is obligated to ensuring that all of the diverse groups in Guyana are embraced, conflicts resolved, networks, collaborations with stakeholders are strengthened and that decision making processes result in equal opportunities for all.

“Social Cohesion is concerned with enhancing cooperation and collaboration between and among citizens, civil society, institutions and State. Social Cohesion is aimed at encouraging greater equality and building bridges across the boundaries of class and ethnicity, gender and geography.

Enhancing increased access to public services such as education, health, housing, human safety and social protection and ensuring the goodwill harmony peace, security and tolerance and understanding,” the President said.

The President highlighted that Guyanese must be proud

In October, The Social Cohesion Ministry hosted a Diya-Lighting ceremony in celebration of Diwali, the festival of Lights. This event was held on Main Street in front of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport

of their differences and they must see this diversity as an asset and not a liability. He said that Social Cohesion is essential to everyone’s existence and that its absence will inflict unbearable social and economic cost as is witnessed in other parts of the world.

SOCIAL COHESION ROUND TABLE In September 2015, the Ministry of Social Cohesion held a Social Cohesion Round Table. This was the Ministry’s first major event that brought stakeholders together to

craft the Ministry’s five-year strategic action plan, geared at promoting a more cohesive society.

During the discussions there were calls for eliminating income disparities and the gaps between rich and poor, recommendations for urban, hinterland and rural areas to be bridged, inclusivity at political and social levels and the involvement of stakeholders and a broad range of ordinary Guyanese in the decision making process to ensure greater and equal opportunities for all.

“The Ministry has been tasked with promoting good relations among individuals and among communities and groups in society. The Ministry has a duty to ensure that political and institutional authority is exercised in a manner that promotes quality and inclusivity,” President Granger said.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion has reported in the past that its outreach activities have revealed that Guyanese have a desire for the deepening of national unity and oneness of purpose.Professor Paloma Mohamed, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Guyana seemed to support this ideal based on her findings and research, which she outlined in her Professorial Lecture this month, titled ‘The Fear Factor: Race, Oil and Reforming Guyana’. In it, she begged the question, what is Guyana’s promise? And what is its people’s destiny?

“What do those words one destiny means for our country at this juncture? I would like to suggest to you my learned friends and colleagues that Guyana’s promise is embedded in the motto ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, and articulating and achieving this must be intentionally and strategically the national project,” Professor Mohamed said.

To help Guyanese achieve the destiny of the good life, which coincides with the vision of the Social Co-

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017 hesion Ministry’s aim for equal opportunities, elimination of extreme poverty, embracing of diversities, conflict resolution, peace and unity throughout Guyana, they have embarked upon several workshops throughout Guyana.

to Region Nine and were amazed by the results those youths have made in their communities.

The Minister also made contributions of sports gear to the youth clubs as well.

SENSITISATION WORKSHOPS Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton during an interview with the Ministry of the Presidency expressed how impressed he is with the effectiveness of the sensitisation sessions.

“We send in our technical officers into the communities and persons are made aware of these workshops, then after the community is aware they are invited to participate. Our response has been overwhelming, our sensitisation Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton being led exercise, our attendance was to the point where by two footballers on to the field to declare open, the we could not accept any more in the buildings Indigenous Games in Siparuta, East-Berbice Corentyne and this was across the country,” the minister (Region Six) said.

The objective of the sensitisation workshops effective is that of culture where the Ministry has been is to provide citizens with information on the work of the using the different cultural activities from the different ministry and to assist participants to better understand ethnic extractions from across the country to let the differsocial cohesion as an approach to community and national ent groups clusters know that we appreciate such activities development. By the end of the session, participants would and by doing so, we are allowing all the different groups have acquired an increased awareness of the role of the to recognise that they are also taken into consideration and Ministry of Social Cohesion in fostering a unified Guyana. that they are not left out,” Minister Norton said.

Moreover, Coordinator for the Ministry of Social CoheThe use of Culture, Youth and Sport to promote Social sion Ms. Sharon Patterson said that through the workshops, Cohesion has been evident. As recent as November, the Minister handed over $11.5 Million for rehabilitation works to be done at four community grounds in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six). Many other communities across the country are also beneficiaries of similar interventions. The Minister has said at these handing over events that though the grounds will aid in building the skills and athletic achievements of youth, they

President of the Guyana Rastafarian Association, Ras Simeon leads the group in prayer during a meeting with Minister George Norton in January earlier this year

they have seen a growing interest in Guyanese coming up with innovative ways to deepen peaceful and harmonious coexistence. She cautioned that though there is a need for deeper unity, the process of accruing such cannot be done overnight.

“We are seeing a growing interest because if it’s one thing I can tell you, it’s that Guyanese have agreed on the fact that they want to live in peace and they want to live harmoniously. And so, there is an interest in what we’re doing and a willingness to contribute to that process. Like I said, it’s a process and so it’s not overnight and so some of the results are not yet glaring but it’s encouraging and we’re seeing steps and an interest to be involved,” Ms Patterson said.

Ms. Patterson further explained that participants of the workshops are encouraged to go back to their respective communities and to practice and teach what they have learnt in their training to others.

EXPANDING THE SOCIAL COHESION AGENDA This year, the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport was added to the portfolio of the Ministry of Social Cohesion. This, the Minister said, is a perfect fit, since it allows his Ministry to use these as platforms to promote positive interactions and build relationships among diverse groups, using activities which they enjoy and which reflect who they are as a people.

“Sport is one of the most effective media in which we can break down barriers, promote togetherness and of course to be as cohesive as possible and we plan to do it that way. The other area that has also proven to be very

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will also be used to foster unity among citizens.

Moreover, in the areas of Culture and Youth, the Ministry has hosted several cultural and religious functions with the objective of making citizens more aware,appreciative and respectful of each other’s culture and religion.

Back in July, the Ministry hosted an Inter-Village Exchange Camp for 160 young people from 23 villages in South-Central Rupununi in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine). This activity was aimed at fostering an appreciation of differences in order to build more unified communities. The main objective of the camp was to educate the young people about the role of social cohesion in nation building and to inform them about the role that they can play as individuals and or groups, in community development.

In October, the minister along with his team returned

PLANS FOR 2018 Minister Norton indicated that in the New Year, the Ministry is looking forward to amplifying their strategies in achieving their mandate by involving more youths since he believes they are the key in making a significant difference in society.

“I am looking forward to working with youths right across the country regardless of if they are from Arau in Region Seven which is a very far distance away from central Guyana or if whether they are from Achiwib or Aishalton in the Rupununi or in Botero Region One, we’re certain of our modus operandi where we go and communicate with them and have dialogue with them, but we don’t leave it there, we go back, we evaluate, we help and we make them feel that they are a part of us; pushing this whole Guyanese identity and I think it works wonders and I am amazed at the results we are having,” Dr. Norton said.

As the year 2017 is coming to an end, the work of the Ministry is far from over. The Minister also said that going forward sensitisation and public engagements will continue.

“We are continuing on the same pathway. We think we are on the right track and now that we have the mandate youth sport and culture directly under our remit, we will certainly work along with them (youths) right across the nation. We think we are seeing how important our function is, we have taken on a national flare and we will welcome persons to contribute and make suggestions to us. We want the nation to understand more we are doing and we are open to recommendations, advice and help in achieving the vision and mission of the Ministry of Social Cohesion,” he said.

As the Ministry continues its work, in achieving its mandate in ensuring a good life for all citizens, we are reminded to be the best versions of ourselves, to share the love, to create peace and to be respectful of everyone we come into contact with.

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icrosoft on Wednesday announced new artificial intelligence features and functionality for several of its flagship products and services, including Office 365, Cortana and Bing, at an event in San Francisco. Harry Shum, EVP of Microsoft Artificial Intelligence and Research, demonstrated some of the new capabilities Building on the progress the company has made in integrating AI over the past year, the new enhancements are designed to help users perform increasingly complex and complicated tasks.

"AI has come a long way in the ability to find information, but making sense of that information is the real challenge," said Kristina Behr, a partner design and planning program manager with Microsoft's Artificial Intelligence and Research group.

One of the advances, machine reading comprehension, will improve an AI-based system's understanding of context -- for example, recognizing that one's cousin is a family member.

SEARCH BENEFITS Bing users will get more personalized answers, Microsoft said, such as restaurant recommendations based on travel destinations, or a greater variety of answers to offer

different perspectives on a topic.

AI guidance might help users figure out the exact questions they want to ask if their search queries are too vague to deliver meaningful results.

Bing will utilize visual search as a way to help people seek information about items or objects in photos. This functionality will comprise the use of object recognition along with machine reading comprehension.

AN OFFICE AI Microsoft announced improvements in AI integration with its Office 365 tools as well. The spreadsheet program Excel, for example, will employ machine learning as a way to analyze data and predict trends via pivot tables and charts. The new AI tools also will be able to extract insights from smaller sets of data.

Importantly, use of the new AI functionality won't require more advanced training in Excel for users to determine which sets of data should be used to gain deeper insights.

MORE CONSCIOUS CORTANA Microsoft's virtual assistant Cortana will get an upgrade as well, allowing it to make use of machine reading comprehension to summarize search results. Cortana also will be able to sort through a user's emails to identify the most important ones and even read them aloud during a commute, for example. Use of that functionality will extend to emails from multiple accounts, including on competing services such as Gmail.

Cortana also has been enhanced with "skills chaining," allowing it to suggest additions to one's calendar after tickets have been booked, for example.

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Microsoft Gives Productivity Tools More AI Chops

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

Google Reveals What Searchers Wanted in 2017 The iPhone 8 and iPhone X ranked No. 2 and No. 3 respectively in overall searches on Google this year, and No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the consumer tech search category on the Google Trends Year in Search 2017 list released Tuesday.

Bitcoin ranked No. 2 in global news searches, and "how to buy bitcoin" ranked No. 3 among how-to searches on Google in 2017.

The Nintendo Switch, Samsung Galaxy S8, and Xbox One X were the third, fourth and fifth most frequently used consumer tech search terms.

The lists are based on search terms that had a high spike in traffic in 2017 as compared to 2016.

A FEW SURPRISES The findings "probably correlated with the marketing budgets of the various vendors," Jude told TechNewsWorld.

However, "I would have thought that some of the tech services -- connected home stuff, automatic backup services, etc. -- would have made the list," he said.

The inclusion of the Nintendo Switch came as a surprise to Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

"I would've thought handheld gaming-focused devices went obsolete years ago," he told TechNewsWorld.

Nintendo "has proven that they have a unique ability to bring concepts back from the dead," Enderle noted. The Nintendo Switch "looks like a crippled tablet in that it doesn't support things most tablets do, but folks really like it as a dedicated gaming device."

Given the tie-in of Lenovo's Star Wars: Jedi Challenges smartphone-powered augmented reality headset to The Last Jedi, Enderle thought it might make the list, but "I expect it came out too late to get enough search volume to move ahead of the Xbox X or any of the smartphones," he said.

Still, the AR headset, which is compatible with some iPhones and Android phones, "is selling very well and will go through updates -- so watch it for next year," Enderle predicted.

THE BITCOIN BOOM "Bitcoin has been hyped tremendously in the press as everything from the next universal currency to a hedge against government debt default," Frost's Jude said. "It's no wonder that the general public is starting to take notice."

Interest in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is surging, and various commentators and investors predict bitcoin's price could close in on the $1 million mark.

The Chicago Board Options Exchange launched trading in bitcoin futures Dec. 10 with the ticker symbol "XBT." Trading was halted twice that day as the futures surged.

The CBOE's bitcoin futures fell 10 percent Wednesday, triggering a two-minute halt to trading.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange will launch bitcoin futures trading on Dec. 17.

"Stories of people starting with (US)$100 of bitcoin and ending up multimillionaires likely contributed to the massive feeding frenzy on the cryptocurrency right now," Enderle suggested. "Anything that looks like a valid getrich-quick path will almost always get a lot of attention."

SEARCH STATS AS PREDICTORS Search result statistics might indicate future trends, but given the rapidity of technological change, that might not hold less true for tech products.

Google's 2017 search terms list "indicates point trends and shows that Apple still has a huge base of loyal buyers," Enderle said.

"It shows that in 2018, folks will likely get excited about anything that looks to make them rich, and they likely will still have an affinity for hot consumer devices," he added.

The search terms list "is a good bellwether, but you can't really predict far into the future with it," Enderle said. "People are mercurial in this regard, and what's hot this month may every well be anything but next month."

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A Greener Christmas from the EPA to you; Environmentally Friendly tips for the Holidays

CHRISTMAS around the world is a festive time for cheers and gift-giving. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most wasteful time of the year. Throughout the year, the Environmental Protection Agency would have offered practical advice and solutions on how you as consumers can manage your waste, conserve water and electricity and overall be more environmentally conscious.

The festive season has a

huge environmental impact in terms of water and energy usage. There is the release of greenhouse gases and land disturbances caused by the production, consumption and disposal of some of our favourite holiday items. If we can all try to reduce our eco-footprint it would go a far way in protecting our environment.

Environmentally friendly tips for the season Some ways we can make small changes, but have a big impact; • Make at least some of

your Christmas decorations.

At the EPA we would have shared ideas about reusing and upcycling throughout the year on several television, radio and outreach programmes. This is a good time to put into practice what you would have learned and make attractive decorations.

CD’s, cardboards, mason jars, glass and plastic bottles and many other items around the home can be creatively transformed.

• Reuse packaging cartons and shipping materials when you go shopping for new

furniture and other household items.

• Remember to unplug Christmas lights in and around the home when going to bed. This will help you to conserve energy and most of all , save you some needed cash for after the holidays.

• Look for energy saving lights and if you can use automatic timers to turn on and off. This will not only be good for the environment but also for safety and will give you peace of mind while you’re away.

• Keep it simple: one thoughtful gift is better than six wrapped packages of unwanted gifts. Plan ahead.

• Give the gift of an experience: music lessons, lessons for a new hobby, a massage, a trip to a resort or one of Guyana’s Protected Areas.

This is perfect for friends who want to try something new and the best part is, you don’t have to wrap the gift.

• Give a monetary donation to a local charity and environmental clubs in your community so they can execute projects that would

enhance the community.

• Make gift giving a bit fun this year, don’t wrap gifts.

Hide them and give the recipient as clues. Make the search a treasure hunt.

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

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Sorrel Drink

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

Ingredients 2 pound(s) sorrel 1 ounce(s) ginger 1 piece(s) dried orange peel 6 whole cloves 12 cup(s) boiling water 2 cup(s) sugar 1/4 cup(s) white rum (optional) 1 cup(s) red wine (optional) A few grains of rice

Directions Wash sorrel, crush or grate ginger.

Place sorrel, ginger, orange peel and cloves in a stainless steel container.

Pour on boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for 24 hours. Strain, add sugar, rum and red wine and mix well.

Pour into bottles adding a few grains of rice to each bottle.

NOTE: Allow to remain for at least one day. Serve chilled.

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Aries You are champing at the bit, waiting for the starting gate to open. But nothing is happening and your frustration is growing faster than your logic can handle. This is a particularly delicate moment because the race will begin soon, and you need to be in top mental form and excellent fighting condition. You must find a way to settle your nerves and be content until your moment arrives. Joyce Meyer wrote, “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.”

Taurus You have a lot on your mind today, but aren’t sure how much you want to share with anyone else. Your closest friends encourage you to spill the beans, but you don’t think they will be happy with your message. The truth is they will likely appreciate what you say, but not how you say it. You may be more intense than you realize now, and your passionate declaration could inadvertently alienate others.

If you use a gentle and sensitive tone, you won’t need to water down your words.

Author Kevin J. Anderson wrote, “A moment of consideration often prevents a thousand apologies.”

Gemini You might feel as if no one really understands you today, even if you’re careful about choosing the right words to convey your ideas. You can go over the same points again and again, but to no avail while the rowdy Sagittarius Moon hooks up with retrograde Mercury in your 7th House of Others. Make sure to complete your first thought before jumping to the next one. It’s not about how much you say; it is the content of your message that matters. Instead, concentrate on a single concept, take your time and drive it home.

Cancer Sometimes the tiniest changes made at the right moment in time can ripple outward and create significant consequences. Acknowledging the importance of every little thing you do helps you to remain focused today so your actions are not wasted. But don’t be afraid to try something new, even if you’re unsure of its efficacy. A few false starts are to be expected when so many planets are visiting starry-eyed Sagittarius. Ariana Huffington wrote, “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success.”

Leo You can magically transform a dire message of warning into a sweet love song today. In fact, you’re able to use your charm to soften harsh news without whitewashing the truth. However, once you start talking, you might get so carried away by your own enthusiasm that you forget to pull your punches and end up doing damage, even if your intentions are honourable. Think before you speak. Less is more when it comes to matters of the heart.

Virgo Naturally, you want to do the right thing today, but you might not be capable of meeting your own expectations. Rather than falling short of your high standards, you may decide to let the moment slide without taking any action at all. Although retreating to a safe space could feel good in the moment, it’s not productive -- and having something to show for your efforts is crucial to your emotional well-being.

Author Paulo Coelho wrote, “The reward of our work is not what we get, but what we become.”

Libra Your schedule is full of people to see, places to go and errands to finish. You love being busy now, even if it keeps you from indulging in a relaxing day of peace and quiet. But there’s no rest for the wicked, and you aren’t likely to cut back on your commitments when you’re having so much fun. Your eyes twinkle with mischief when you imagine the sheer variety of activities that stretch out before you. Dr. Seuss wrote, “Oh the places you’ll go. Today is your day!”

Scorpio Although your confidence is growing, lingering caution impedes your progress.

You fear that you’re like a satellite ready to be launched into orbit, yet there isn't sufficient fuel to achieve escape velocity. Timing is everything. You believe you only have one chance to manifest your dreams, but this false sense of urgency is a trap you must avoid now. Do not let your attention wander; the strength of your convictions will ultimately propel you to new heights.

Sagittarius It’s all too easy for your thoughts to get so far ahead of your actions that you can’t keep up today. In fact, you might feel as if you’re stuck in a weird time loop, like you’re experiencing your own private Groundhogs Day. However, it’s less about learning a lesson now than it is about waiting until next week when Mercury turns direct in your sign. Nevertheless, reconsidering your plans and reassessing your feelings ensure a smooth journey once you’re cleared for take-off.

Capricorn You can visualize the light at the end of the tunnel today, yet everything remains entrenched in darkness. You know deep down that your ambitious efforts will eventually be rewarded, and you will reach your mountain peak. However, there doesn’t seem to be a clear and direct route from the present moment into the future. Although your calculations are typically based on logistics and practicalities, faith is your current ticket to satisfaction. Marilyn Monroe said, “The sky is not the limit. Your mind is.”

Aquarius Hanging out with friends sounds like the perfect way to idle away the day. You’re not feeling particularly ambitious now, but the notion of sharing your dreams with like-minded people brings a smile to your face. Unfortunately, a social gathering might not be as lively as you expect, especially if everyone is absorbed in their own personal stories today. Nevertheless, simply being in the same space together prevents you from feeling lonely or alienated. Practicing cautious optimism allows for the possibility of manifesting magic when the time is right.

Pisces There are several unknowns lurking in the shadows today and you want to figure out what to do about them. You wish you could map out the workweek ahead so you know what will be expected of you along the way. However, you might be required to wing it now. Flying by the seat of your pants isn’t your favourite modus operandi, but it may be the best way to reach your desired destination. Lao Tzu wrote, “A good traveller has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Madam, if a thing is possible, consider it done; the impossible? that will be done.

CHARLES ALEXANDRE DE CALONNE (1734-1802) Better known as the U.S. Armed Forces slogan STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Some paragraphs are written for the specific purpose of bridging or binding the thoughts expressed in two larger, nearby paragraphs. These special paragraphs are called transitional paragraphs. The words however, moreover, on the other hand, for example, almost without exception, and by the same token are examples of transitional words and phrases that help strap these paragraphs. Become alerted when writers use them.

Love you Reading: Paraphrasing Note: When you are paraphrasing, you are restating information in your own words. This means that you are not summarising, which is condensing main ideas and important details, nor are you doing direct quotation, which is writing information exactly as it appears in the original passage and putting it in quotation marks.

You are simply reading, digesting, and putting the information in your own words.

Read the following selection. Then answer the questions.

I dream a world where man No other man will scorn, Where love will bless the earth And peace its path adorn.

5 I dream a world where all Will know sweet freedom’s way, Where greed no longer saps the soul Nor avarice blights our day.

A world I dream where black or white, 10 Whatever race you be, Will share the bounties of the earth And every man is free, Where wretchedness will hang its head And joy, like a pearl, Attends the needs of all mankind – Of such I dream, my world! (“I Dream a World” by Langston Hughes) Something to Do 1. Where does the first complete thought in the poem end?

A line 2 B line 4 C line 6 D line 8 2. A substitution for the phrase “I dream a world” could be A I wish for B illusion is better than reality C one can conjure a society D our society would

like 3. Which is the best paraphrase of lines 5-8?

A Sweet freedom’s way will sap the soul of avarice.

B Freedom is good. Greed is bad.

C I dream of a world where everyone is free and no one is greedy.

D If people had less freedom, there would be less greed in the world.

4. Which of the following lines, when read together, express a complete sentence?

A 9-10 B 9-11 C 9-13 D 9-16 5. Which is the best paraphrase of lines 13-16?

A In the world I dream of, everyone would be happy.

B Wretchedness should hang its head, and joy should be a pearl.

C Wretchedness and joy are both things that people need.

D My dreams of a joyful world only make me wretched.

GRAMMAR Correcting or ‘looking-over’ using the comma principles Note: The comma has its equivalent in our speaking. It is the pause that we make.

But first, here are some reminders about comma use: 1. When you use two or more adjectives and each modifies the same noun, use a comma to separate the adjectives.

The small, sturdy, inexpensive cabinet is ideal for storing these magazines. (Each adjective modifies the noun cabinet: a cabinet that is small and sturdy and inexpensive.

Note that the commas are used between adjectives; no comma is used between the last adjective, inexpensive, and the noun, cabinet.)

2. Writers sometimes omit words for the sake of brevity. This is fine as long as the meaning is still clear. In the sentence below, note how the commas tell the reader where the understood words belong.

Lena Baxter was assigned to the Georgette account; Bailey Cage, the J&R account; and Francis Fork, the Hanover Funds account. (Each comma substitutes for the words was assigned to.)

3. Writers use the comma to separate words or phrases that are deliberately repeated for emphasis.

Last week we received many, many requests for more information about savings bonds.

When she discussed her project, Catherine was obviously enthusiastic, very enthusiastic.

4. When we speak directly to someone, we often use that person’s name as we address him or her. Such use is called direct address. Note how commas are used to separate names in direct address in the following sentences.

Mrs Barrow, will you be able to meet with us on Sunday, December 24?

I’m very happy, Tomlinson, that you have been named best floor worker of the month.

Something to Do: Make the following passage clear by correcting all the comma errors that you find.

Our experience with Lindeman Motors, Inc., has shown that, we can expect fair prices and excellent service on all the vehicles it sells or leases. Our experience with Centurion Auto Sales and Rentals on the other hand has been almost entirely negative. Although Centurion has a reputation for very low prices it has also a reputation for poor service and for hidden costs. When our current lease agreement with Lindeman expires next month therefore we recommend renewing the lease, for an additional 24 months. The 10 per cent increase in our total monthly payment (to $15550) will we believe be worth the small additional price as compared with Centurion’s slightly lower price for the same autos ($14995).

Chronicle Pepperpot December 17, 2017

Bollywood news

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Athiya Shetty turns fashion designer Gradually turning into a fashion force to reckon with, Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty is all set to launch her own clothing line for youngsters.

Ever since her debut, the 25-year-old actress has been in news for her chic sartorial choices.

A source reveals, "According to the label, Athiya is known for her fashion sensibilities. She is a hit when it comes to red carpet appearances and nails the high street fashion."

"So, after meetings with the brand, the young actor also shared her creative inputs and the kind of audience who follow her. Now, the team will revert to the actor with the final plan. The actor is quite excited about starting a new venture and is glad to be a part of the initiative," it added.

When asked, the 'Mubarakan' star, she said, "Yes, I have been approached to launch my own clothing line. I am looking forward to it and will soon make an official announcement.

Entertainment

Eminem's Revival Pop-Up Set to Serve "Mom's Spaghetti" for Hungry Shoppers

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

Ever since rapper Eminem released his song "Lose Yourself" for the 2001 film 8 Mile, fans have made countless memes and punchlines about one particular lyric. In the song, Eminem's persona is so nervous for a rap battle that he has "vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti." And thus, the Oscar-nominated song also became an Internet sensation.

Now it looks like Eminem is joining in on the laugh.

To celebrate his ninth LP release, Revival, Eminem is hosting a pop-up in Detroit at The Shelter Club. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., the shop will feature the album, exclusive merchandise and the famous

"mom's spaghetti" for just $5 ($8 with meatballs).

Eminem took to Twitter with the special announcement, posting a photo of the menu and saying, "Detroit! Come vomit up some spaghetti with me this weekend at our official Revival pop up."

Aside from his album release, Eminem has had a very busy year. He got the most attention for his November mashup performance on Saturday Night Light and his freestyle rap directed at President Donald Trump during the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Since it's his first LP in four years, fan are pretty excited. Add in a bowl of spaghetti, hold the vomit and we're in!