See inside: New Year’s Resolutions
Staying fit and healthy well beyond 2018 ► Page III
Year in Review ► Centre
Happy New Year Picture by Barry Braithwaite
II
Editor’s note
The end of the year is always a time for reflection and whether or not you believe that the New Year should be the time when people should try to make changes, there is just something about ending one year and beginning a new one that inevitably evokes reflection
and a drive to do things differently. This is where the concept of resolutions come in. Just like Christmastime, Old Year’s Night has a unique Guyanese spin. It is a time for Guyanese cook-up; a time for merriment; and even a time for breaking the New Year in church in
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
hopes of setting one’s life on the right track. This week’s Pepperpot stays true to the spirit of Old Year’s Night and brings stories of reflection. The year 2017 may not have been the best, but as we look back on our own lives, there is always hope that we can make the coming year one of change since second chances are always seen as a blessing. Happy New Year!
The enduring tradition of preparing holiday beverages
CONSIDER the refreshing flavour of sorrel drink or the energetic sharpness of ginger beer. The Guyanese holiday season would be truly incomplete without our holiday beverages. Just the smell or taste of these drinks can invoke emotions and memories of Christmas and New Year’s in us. It is with good reason then that the tradition of crafting these beverages continues. On a trip to the Essequibo Coast, the Pepperpot Magazine was able to catch up with Orella Layne. Orella, known as “Aunty Tyra” in the community, and her husband operate a stall at Charity on the Coast. In addition to that endeavour, she also makes sorrel drink, ginger beer and mauby to sell every year during the holiday season. She kindly took the time to explain her processes to this publication. S o r r e l drink is naturally made from the sorrel fruit. Orella explained that if she acquires the fresh fruit the first step in her process is to remove the seeds. The deseeded fruits are then washed and placed in a pot with water where they are A sorrel bush and its fruit carried to a boil.
She adds cloves to the mixture. Other spices, including ginger, may also added. It is a matter of preference. Once the mixture has boiled and turned red, the flame is removed. She noted that the mixture is then left to cool for about 20 minutes. Once it has cooled, the drink is sugared, strained and bottled. For the preparation of ginger beer, fresh ginger is first washed and peeled. Layne explained that there a few options for the next stage in the process. The ginger may either be chipped up and placed in a blender or grated. After that, water is added in proportion to the amount of ginger that was prepared. Spices and cloves are added to the ginger water. Another important ingredient is a small piece of orange peel. She was sure to note that all these additions are made to the same ginger water mixture. A small bucket is used to hold the ginger water mixture. “You just add a little rice to it,” Layne said. She clarified that the rice brings up the ginger beer to the surface and allows it to ripen faster. The process of making mauby is more complex than the other two. “Well mauby, he is a very technical man,” Layne noted at the outset. Everything for mauby preparation must be clean. A completely cleaned bucket needs to be used. The mauby bark needs to be boiled. “The bark, not the concentrate,” she was sure to add. The bark is boiled with spice, a few cloves and a piece of orange peel. The mixture is boiled until the flavour is drawn out from the bark. The strength of the mauby depends on how much flavour is able to be drawn out of the bark. The mixture is then strained off a little, according to taste. The aim is to reach a balance of flavour, one that prevents the mauby from being bitter. The mauby is then sugared and left to set for two days. It is placed in a fridge or cooler. Ice may also be used for preservation if neither of these options
is available. Orella prepares the three beverages – sorrel drink, ginger beer and mauby – to sell during the holiday season. She prepares ginger beer for Christmas and mauby for Old Years’. Sorrel drink is made during Christmas when she is able to source it as she does not have her own sorrel plant. She also noted that she mixes the ginger beer with other fruit drinks. “Ginger is very important to the body,” she said. Preparation methods for holiday recipes are usually passed on. Orella though is completely self-taught in the preparation of sorrel drink, ginger beer and mauby. She has been able to perfect her methods through trial and error. And she willingly shares her knowledge of the art of preparation with those who ask. She noted that she has already been asked a few times and she has shared her method. The most common bit of feedback she receives from those she has helped is that they could not replicate the taste she is able to achieve. This she said can be attributed to their not allowing the beverages set and ripen to fully unlock their flavours. Ginger beer and mauby especially must be allowed a few days. It would be remiss to not mention that Aunty Tyra also prepares other local food to sell at her and her husband’s stall as well. Among her preparations are tamarind balls, channa, pholourie, and egg balls, to name a few. It is at Christmastime that the holiday beverages make their appearance. The holiday season may be drawing to a close but the memories of the scents and tastes of the season will remain with us until next Christmas comes along. Aunty Tyra and others who prepare these holiday beverages give us hope that these traditions will continue to endure. And we need only turn to them for advice to continue the tradition in our own way – they are willing and able to help.
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
III
New Year’s Resolutions
Staying fit and healthy well beyond 2018 By Gibron Rahim “WHAT is your New Year’s resolution?” The above question is not so uncommon considering that New Year’s resolutions are a traditional part of ushering in a new year. The practice draws on the hopes and expectations of a new year to create motivation to end old bad habits and to inculcate new positive ones. Among the most common resolutions are those that are related to health and fitness. Following through on these particular resolutions can lead to enduring lifestyle changes. The Pepperpot Magazine contacted Dr. Sara Scott, a recent graduate of the University of Guyana’s School of Medicine for her expertise on health as it relates to diet and exercise. Dr. Scott said that those who follow a poor diet, combined with a lack of exercise, put themselves at risk for a number of preventable chronic diseases that are present in Guyana. Two of these diseases are diabetes and hypertension. She explained that, while other factors such as family history also need to be considered, following a healthy diet and exercising regularly can decrease the risk of developing these diseases. It is important to note that the concepts of eating healthy and exercising are linked to each other. Dr. Scott noted that there is a misconception among some that they can exercise while continuing to regularly eat junk food. With regard to a healthy diet and exercise, she said, “Both do go hand-in-hand.” In our agriculture-based society, we have many of the resources we require to follow a healthy diet she explained. Fresh local fruits and vegetables are available to us in most cases. It is also important she said to make an effort to stay away from saturated fats and fried food as much as possible. She clarified that, while it is not necessary to completely abstain from such foods, consuming them every day is not advisable. The process of breaking bad eating habits is not an easy one. “For you to break a bad habit you have to make up your mind that you want to make the change for yourself,” Dr. Scott said. Failing to do so makes it difficult to break bad habits in general. Also helpful is having at least one person, such as a family member or friend, supporting efforts to make dietary changes. From her work at health clinics, she has observed diabetic and hypertensive patients returning for medical care due to not following their recommended diets. She noted that, in some cases, it may not necessarily be their own fault but rather, due to the influence of persons around them. It is for this reason that positive support is so crucial. Dr. Scott, herself, is skeptical of New Year’s resolutions in general. She noted that the motivation that is present at the beginning of the year when the resolutions are made usually wanes as the year progresses. She noted though that, considering the healthy food that we have available to us in Guyana, there is no reason for us to eat unhealthily. A majority of the diseases we have here she said are preventable. “My hope is that in the New Year I can influence other people to change their whole lifestyle, even myself.” The Pepperpot Magazine also spoke with fitness trainer Asim Victor who offered his insights on health and fitness. Victor noted that there is generally a surge in persons looking to get fit when the new year comes around. This, he said, comes after a drop-off before the start of December due to everyone getting involved in the festivities and the eating and drinking that come with them. One of the most common areas of complaint that Victor has encountered in clients after the holiday season is the accumulation of fat around the midsection. The thigh area is also a region of concern for women. For men, there is usually a desire year-round to be more muscular and to acquire defined arms and chests. When it comes to resolutions and getting back into fitness, the ease with which this is achieved is dependent on a few factors. “It depends on how active you used to be and how long you’ve stopped off for,” Victor explained. For once elite level sportspersons, restarting an exercise regime may not be that difficult. On the other hand, for the average person who has not been into fitness for a period of time, he noted that it would be wise to ease into it. “Also, I would normally advise people not to think of getting results quickly but [rather] being consistent,” he said. It is a matter of being consistent with the good habit of exercising just as
they might have been consistent with the habit of eating unhealthily. An observation that Victor has made is that the influx of persons wanting to get fit is centred around the cycle of holidays in Guyana. The upsurge comes around times such as New Year’s and holidays like Mashramani or Easter when body image becomes particularly important. “It’s never really consistent,” he said. “It’s always in spurts.” He explained that there are few people who are able to be consistent in their fitness and diet throughout the entire year. He opined that it may all be dependent on their motivations. Victor had similar sentiments to Dr. Scott about the interconnectedness of diet and exercise. He noted that many persons have gross misconceptions with regard to tackling fitness. His preferred viewpoint is that of a pyramid. At its base is mental health and fitness. After that comes nutritional fitness and finally physical fitness. He explained, “As long as you’re in the right mindset, you take care of one of the most pertinent factors that could affect somebody’s health – stress.” Once mental health and stress are being well managed then the focus can be on nutrition. He noted the importance of adequate nutrition to physical fitness with an analogy. “You can’t put substandard gas in a premium racecar and expect to get the best performance out of it.” As we move forward into 2018, we will all undoubtedly want to break old habits and start healthier ones. Caution must be taken that these new habits do not become merely temporary. Resolutions that affect our health should especially be followed through. By so doing we can attempt to ensure that we keep on going strong well beyond 2018.
IV
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
FILES E S A C COURT
Police Officer dismissed of Criminal charge for want of prosecution
To face Inquiry into charges of improper conduct IN 1957, Sergeant Bollers of the British Guiana Police Force had an information laid against him for fraudulent conversion, dismissed for want of prosecution. Consequent to that, Bollers was then charged with improper conduct under reg. 54 (44) of the Police Regulations [BG], one of the allegations being, that he had failed to account for money entrusted to him. The Respondent Cannon was appointed as a Court of Inquiry to investigate the charges and commenced the inquiry. The appellant applied for a writ of prohibition to prohibit the respondent from proceeding with the inquiry and obtained a rule nisi which was subsequently discharged. Upon appeal he contended that one of the allegations being that he had failed to account for money entrusted to him. The Respondent was appointed as a Court of Inquiry to investigate the charges and commenced the inquiry. He, the Appellant applied for a writ of prohibition, to prohibit the Respondent from proceeding with the inquiry and obtained a Rule Nisi which was subsequently discharged. Upon appeal, he contended (a) that reg. 54 (44) did not apply to improper conduct which might be the subject of a criminal pros-
ecution ; (b) that criminal charges were not cognizable by the court of inquiry ; (c) that criminal proceedings against him were still pending and the inquiry was automatically suspended by the operation of General Forces Order 35 made under reg. 139 of the Police Regulations [B.G.] The Federal Supreme Court in its Civil Appellate Jurisdiction held (i) there was an end to the criminal proceedings against the appellant when the information against him was dismissed . (ii) reg. 54 (44) had to be read together with the other sub-regulations and improper conduct within the meaning of the sub-regulation referred to acts of indiscipline which might be the subject of criminal charges; (iii) the Respondent had not exceeded his jurisdiction. The appeal is dismissed. Queen’s Counsel L. F. S. Burnham appeared for the appellant Bollers while Solicitor General and Mohamed Shahabuddeen represented the Respondent Cannon. The Federal Court was constituted by Chief Justice Hallinan, Justice A.M. Lewis and Justice J.F. Marnan Delivering his judgment . Chief Justice Hallinan said that the appellant, a Sergeant of Police in British Guiana, in September, 1957 ,
had an information laid against him charging him with an indictable offence , namely , fraudulent conversion of $128.75 , being part of a sum of $1, 908 and entrusted to him as secretary of Berbice Library. This information was dismissed for want of prosecution in February, 1959. The appellant was never called upon to plead to the indictment , the issue was never joined, and there was no decision on the merits or ar all. In May, 1960, the appellant was charged with improper conduct under reg. 54 (44) of the Police Regulations , made by the Governor under the Pollce Ordinance , Chapter 77 [B.G.]. Three cases of improper conduct were alleged which, without going into details might be described as (i) buying toys on the credit of the library instead of utilizing part of the $1,908 received by him for that purpose ; (2) failing to inform Senior Superintendent Griffith , from whom the appellant received the sum of $1, 908, that he had done so ‘ and (3) failing to account for $128.75 out of the money entrusted to him. The Respondent was appointed to hold a Court of Inquiry into these disciplinary charges preferred against the appellant . In June, 1960 , the present proceedings were brought on a writ of prohibition to stop the Respondent from proceeding with the inquiry. The Acting Chief Justice who heard the application held that the proceedings before the Respondent were judicial, in respect of which the writ might issue, but no grounds had been made out by the appellant why the writ should go. Counsel for the appellant relied on two principal grounds of appeal, (i) that sub-reg. (44 which relates to improper conduct could not be the subject of a disciplinary charge which might also involve a criminal charge. He submitted that because the other sub-regulations in reg. 54 contained a number of breaches of discipline , which might also be the subject of criminal charges, the intent of the Governor in making the Regulations would be to enumerate in the Regulations specifically all acts of indiscipline which might also be the subject of a criminal charge.
Continuing, By George Barclay C. J. Hallinan added, I am unable to accept that construction. On the contrary, I think that sub-reg (44) is in the nature of an omnibus clause which should be construed in conjunction with the other sub-regulations of reg. 54, and since these sub-regulations refers to acts of indiscipline which might also be the subject of a criminal charge, improper conduct within the meaning of sub-reg (44) might also involve conduct which is the subject of a criminal charge Counsel for the appellant has also advanced the argument that the provisions of General Order 35 should be so construed that in its effect it would deprive the Respondent of jurisdiction to proceed with the inquiry. The General Orders are made under reg- 139 of the Police Regulations, and General Order 35 begins as follows: “SUSPENSION OF DISCIPLINARY ENQUIRY WHEN CRIMINAL CHARGE IS PENDING I n cases involving both a criminal charge and a disciplinary charge, the latter will be prepared and communicated to the Inspector, Non Commissioned Officer or constable concerned at the earliest possible moment, but no steps will be taken to enquire into the disciplinary charge until the result of the criminal proceedings is known. The facts on which a disciplinary charge is based must not be the same or analogous to those facts which form the basis of the criminal charge.” Dismissing the appeal, Chief Justice Hallinan , whose judgment was concurred with by the other two judges of the Federal Court, said of the Appellant, “He has not been acquitted on any issue, the subject of these charges, and he has not been punished, not only on of those issues , but on any of the facts upon which the disciplinary charges are based. For these reasons I think the decision of the Acting Chief Justice to refuse the Writ is right and this appeal should be dismissed with costs.
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
V
Reflections My Favourite Photographs for 2017 By Francis Quamina Farrier
laurels”, and do not expect the government to do everything for us.
THERE is that saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” As such, this pictorial feature is likely my longest article in the Pepperpot Magazine. During this year, 2017, I have taken over a thousand photographs in many locations here in Guyana, as well as abroad, so it was a bit of a challenge to select the dozen which I have submitted for publication here. My hope is that you enjoy viewing them, as much as I enjoyed taking them. I also hope that you will find the brief stories accompanying them, interesting.
REFLECTION 4: Could it be the very broadrimed hat? Could it be that the image of this attractive face graces a Guyana Postage Stamp? Could it be the very radiant Guyanese smile? Or could it be that Guyanese everywhere have a great love and respect for jet aircraft Pilot Capt. Beverley Drake? I took this photograph at the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Family Fun Day in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday, September 3, 2017. A true and genuine Guyanese patriot, USA-based Capt. Beverley Drake continues to visit Guyana on a regular basis and shares her vast aeronautical knowledge with younger colleagues. She is also a fashion lover and would indulge herself, due to her impeccable taste for only the best in attire, with some very daring creations which are figure flattering and oh, so attractive. Capt. Beverley Drake is also an exemplary mother and a superb role model for younger women in Guyana and worldwide.
REFLECTION 1: New York-based, Guyana-born children of African heritage, were at the Guyana Cultural Association of New York’s Annual Awards Ceremony, at the Borough Hall, Brooklyn, on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, wearing Guyanese Indigenous outfits. I was very impressed. Later they did an Indigenous dance routine for the audience, which included Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States (OAS), Riyad Insanally, and Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Barbara Atherly. I’ll always treasure this photograph as proof of Guyana’s natural acculturation and Social Cohesion. REFLECTION 2: Linden; the only town in Guyana in which a river (the Demerara) runs through it. I took this photograph on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, standing on the eastern bank of the Demerara river in Mackenzie, looking westward across the Demerara River to Wismar. As a 19-year-old lad some 60 years ago, I swam across the Demerara River at this very point - from Wismar to Mackenzie. That was long before the three wards of Mackenzie, Wismar and Christianburg were given the umbrella name of Linden, dedicated to President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. You would also like to know that I lived in Christianburg for a short period during the mid-1940s, I was there at the end of the Second World War in 1945, and can clearly remember the jollification of the people, when the news was received that Germany was defeated; to some degree, with the help of those brave Guyanese who gave service in the British West Indian Regiment. Before the construction of the Soesdyke/Linden highway, travel from this location to Georgetown was by the Sprostons steamer, the “RH CARR”, and launches such as the “Sun Chapman”. There were also some flights from Georgetown by the British Guiana Airways Corporation Grumman Goose amphibious six-seater airplane which landed in the Demerara River just about a quarter of a mile further upstream from this location in the photograph. That was even before the Mackenzie/Wismar bridge was built. Of interest, is that of the 345 of those planes which were manufactured and deployed internationally, two were in operation in British Guiana, and flew all over the colony. REFLECTION 3: Three independent self-employed Guyanese youths. Our meeting on the Parika T&HD Ferry Stelling was on Monday, July 17, 2017, where we discussed their self-employment of bird trading. They go strictly by the laws, they told me. The Essequibo River and Leguan Island are in the background. I have to admit that I failed to garner more about these youths due to time constraints. However, every time I look at this photograph, I tend to like it more and more and wish that every assistance is given to these young men, to make their private business endeavours as successful as possible. We do need more people to do as the Minister of Finance, Hon. Winston Jordan, stated in Parliament during the 2018 National Budget debate, “Come off of our
REFLECTION 5: There are some citizens who do some simple things, which, if done by many others, would make our Guyana genuinely clean and green. I took this candid photograph on the south side of Robb Street, midway between Alexander and Camp Streets in Georgetown in November 2017. Having disposed of the garbage in the right way, this humble citizen is pictured washing the garbage receptacle - with soap and water. He had no objection to me taking this candid photograph of him doing what so many other citizens
Turn to page VIII ►►►
VI
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
MAKE 2018 A YEAR OF OPTIMISM
TODAY is the last day of 2017 and we are standing on the threshold of the New Year 2018. This is a special time for Guyanese people as from the middle of December, they began preparing for both Christmas and the New Year. Homes were thoroughly cleaned and spruced up and everyone worked not only to have a joyous Christmas but also quietly prepared for the New Year. During the days after Boxing Day, people assiduously tried to put their financial affairs in order and to complete things undone before the beginning of the New Year. Everyone tried to bring a closure to the Old Year and embark upon the New Year shorn of the burdens of the Old. This emanates from the belief that in whatever mental and physical state the New Year found you, that condition will persist throughout the year. In the last evening of the Old Year, therefore, most people try to ensure that they and their children are well attired, have eaten to their fill, have clear minds, and offer prayers to God, for those who believe in God. Many also attend parties and dances so that the advent of the New Year will find them in a state of pleasurable enjoyment. Auld Lang Syne, that anthem of the New Year, is sung and heard everywhere. That anthem is very appropriate with which to begin the New Year since it nostalgically recalls the good things of the Old and looks with optimism at
the arrival of the New. New Year resolutions and the planning of the New Year are usually done on the first or second day of January. Unfortunately, such planning is slightly disturbed with a streak of pessimism which has infected the national psyche over the last several years. This is caused by the slight feeling of uncertainty regarding the social, economic and political milieu in which people will find themselves. If we can exorcise this unconscious pessimism which so insidiously affects our psyches, we will attain greater productivity and creativity and be much happier. But arriving at and maintaining an optimism of mind are not achieved by merely wishing for it. It is achieved by intellectual effort and being guided by the wisdom which the great teachers of the past have bequeathed to Mankind. Among such great teachers are Lord Jesus, Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha and the Prophet Muhammad. Lord Buddha, for example, gives a formula for driving out pessimism: "What wise person with strong enthusiasm is discouraged? Those engaged in attaining enlightenment, seeing the drawbacks of lethargy and sleepiness, spend their time in making constant enthusiastic effort. Those who make enthusiastic effort will have no difficulty in accomplishing every worldly act." One of the main social issues which generate pessimistic feelings is the projection in
the media that there is widespread racism in the country and one would be enveloped in it without any chance of escape. Actually, if citizens were to intellectually analyse the realities, they would find that their fears are illusory. Our members visit downtown Georgetown every day and travel by the public transport, especially the minibuses, and there is nothing but friendliness among the various racial groups with people proffering hundreds of acts of kindness to each other. There is no open racial tension among the various groups. The only section that speaks of racism are the politicians and the politically aligned and it is the words and actions of these people which are reported in the media projecting the impression that the country is a racial embroglio. But strangely to observe, the whole political section and those who are politically aligned are themselves individually not racist but are entrapped in a determinist mould where they must speak or act in ways which could be interpreted as racist imbued with the facile and unfactual belief that it is the only way to garner political support. The way of changing this situation and removing the racist illusion is for ordinary folk, as individuals and as groups, to speak in person with the politically aligned whenever they appear to say or do anything which could be interpreted as racist and let them know their failings. If this is done, racism would gradually begin to fade away and politically aligned people would understand that ordinary folk are no longer an emotional vote bank. If the media and the education
system could also constantly deliver the message that meritocracy is the best criterion for progress and development of society, much better than other criteria such as racism or nepotism, this would assist ordinary folk in their efforts to help the politically aligned to free themselves from the determinist racist mold in which they are entrapped. In further exorcising pessimism and strengthening our optimism in 2018, we should remind ourselves that the past and future do not exist and it is only the present which does. A lot of our misjudgements and disappointments, and indeed pessimism, lie in the fact that we often treat past and future as if they were as existent as the present. Once we assimilate this truth, we would be more focused and we would act in the present. The other truth we often neglect is the fact that everything has a negative and a positive and if we are affected by an unfortunate or difficult happening, we should try to discover the positive side of that happening and make use of it. This truth is captured in the old saying: "Behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining." If we were to be always conscious of these truths when addressing our economic and other problems, our chances of being successful would be greater. In 2018, we could, therefore, rid ourselves of all vestiges of pessimism and approach our resolutions and plans with a clarity of mind and optimism and full hope of success. 2018 could be a good year for all!
The 2017 trend of men in skirts By Clinton Duncan
In fact, the entire thrust of my latent anger regarding this topic is that the monstrous social degeneration we are now witnessing, more than anything else, is the result
WE hear it every day; more than once a day, men are told “man up,” “don’t cry” and reject everything labelled “feminine”. We are limited ncan Photos by Clinton Du to a specific set of rules about how we should walk, talk, act and even how we should express emotion (or the lack thereof). I look around at the guys my age and it seems that regardless of nationality, religion or socio-economic status, we are stranded at an impasse on the road to realising manhood. We are weighted by the confusion of a generation lost to treacherous forces they never saw, for reasons they were never able to comprehend. We are suffocating in a world that decides who, or rather, “how” we should exist, even before we are able to explore the possibilities for ourselves. We are suffering from the loss of things never known. We are, quite literally, a dazed generation of men, confused by the smokescreens of “what we ought to be”, and unable to see what we could be. The feminists were right. What we call masculinity has, as it relates to modern realities, corrupt, oppressive of outmoded and horribly misguided masculinity. and destructive elements that need to change. As high fashion designers take their allegedly feminised And yes, I mean that literally. And no, I’m not kidding. styles to shops, and liberal hyper-masculine artists adopt some
“metrosexual” and not so “butch” fashion and style ideas, it appears that straight men can now wear pink and man buns. But Jan Tomes writes that the latest menswear trends are bland - and some verge on cultural appropriation of subversive countercultures like the androgyny, club kid and vogue ballroom scenes. “There are fashions today that are considered acceptable, at least in “urban” areas, that would have been dismissed as ‘gay’ earlier this century: the colour pink, tight trousers, or the ‘man bun,’ though it’s worth noting that that particular hairstyle has its provenance in samurai warriors and sumo wrestlers, not women,” says Anja Aronowsky Cronberg from the London College of Fashion. And, for the record “’Real men’ have not gone anywhere. Though lately there have been cries about masculinity ‘in crisis’ and the emergence of a ‘new man’ an idea that the fashion industry has been quick to capitalise on - a skeptic would point out that while men try on pussybow blouses and extra-long sleeves, the catalyst for this plethora of new looks might be more closely related to the ever-increasing commodification of everyday Turn to page X ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
VII
Teeth restoration THERE is no available method to date which can regenerate tooth structures. Once damages had been allowed to occur to teeth, their repair or replacement treatments require artificial materials to be used. Not only are these materials ever could be quite as good as the original natural tooth structures, but even the health of the repaired tooth and gums around them is forever compromised. Although “test-tube teeth” aims promisingly towards this objective through stem cell research, it is still at its very early stages. The materials used to restore teeth can affect your smile cosmetically. However, if they deteriorate in the mouth over time, they can deteriorate your smile at the same time. Some materials are more durable than others and gold shines in this respect, but gold and silver-coloured filling have declined in recent years because of their colour and unnatural appearance. Tooth coloured fillings are either made of composites resin or porcelain. Now when compared, composite resin fillings are never as strong as porcelains and are best limited to small cavities. Composite resin fillings are however much cheaper than can be done directly in a single visit at the chair side. Porcelain, on the other hand, is far more expensive and is made indirectly in the dental laboratory from a mould taken of your teeth. Whereas a composite resin filling tends to stain both on and around it over time, particularly around the edges, porcelain is, however, harder, far more durable and more resistant to staining in the long term. A porcelain inlay is like a piece of jigsaw puzzle, made of chinaware, tailored to fit accurately into that one specific cavity in your tooth and will not fit any other tooth cavity in your mouth nor any other’s in the whole world. Composite resin, on the other hand, is fluid, blended into any cavity like a soft white piece of plastercine, shaped to an approximation by hand instruments, and hardened by a chemical reaction. This is triggered by exposure to a light source. During this hardening process, it also tends to shrink slightly, leaving the tiny micro-crevice around its perimeter which may eventually collect stains. However, the effect is less significant in the
small cavity, but if you should need a tooth coloured filling for the large cavity, a porcelain inlay is more appropriate. Notably, porcelain in rarely used in Guyana. The art of cosmetic dentistry involves not only restoring your teeth to full health but also aims to retain the appearance of your smile in its most natural form. A smile which displays the black margins of your crown and filling edges, gaps under your bridge, or metal clasps of your denture could never be aesthetic. Crown margins are best tucked just under the gum line, porcelain bridges are adapted exactly to the gum ridges, and denture clasps are redesigned and positioned discreetly. Whilst cosmetic dentistry is concerned with correct colours which can serve to camouflage their existence, the fine quality of restorations in the mouth determines the long-term survival of the teeth they aim to preserve. They should all feel smooth and comfortable when they are in the mouth and the precision of their fit is of the highest degree. Their shapes, forms, contours, and sizes should replicate the lost tissues, in order to restore teeth back to their original anatomy, to
maintain their original contacts with all neighbouring and opposing teeth. The more perfect they are, the more comfortable, durable and “invisible” they get. The reason why dental restorations which are indirectly fabricated from a model of your cavities in the dental laboratory often last longer is that the technician is able to contour them precisely. Fillings which are directly made on the chair side and placed into cavities by hand may not give the dentist the luxury of time and the 360 degree view provided by a model, and approximate shaping of them at the chair side often result in oversized fillings which often overflow outside of the cavities to form either overhanging ledges or undersized fillings which fail to fill the cavity completely, creating step-defects around their perimeters. Such ill-fitting and poorly constructed restorations not only looks bad, but they invite food and dental plaque to settle around them to cause recurrent decay, drastically shortening the longevity of the tooth. Blackness around fillings could ruin your smile. The “perfect filling” with perfect fittings do still have fine margins at their edges where they meet the tooth and can still invite the collection of dental plaque, but far less. Once you need to have artificial materials in the mouth, it becomes inescapably important that they and all their many perimeters are swept clean at all times because their existence alone creates new stagnation areas for extra dental plaque to collect. This is why the gums around crowns tend to bleed more readily than around natural teeth, and fillings tend to have more recurrences of decay underneath them when compared with wholly intact and natural teeth without fillings (virgin teeth), in the same mouth.
Mendicant beggars, angels in disguise By: Abdool A. Aziz THE young man was closing up his house for the evening when he heard a call at the gate. A father and a mother and two children were standing there. He shouted, “Can I help you?” Just then his wife came up “Don’t stand there, go meet them,” she said. He reluctantly slumped away, muttering “At this time.” The visitors were requesting a shelter for the night. He said he had none. They pointed to the storeroom, he told them it was not fit for human habitation. Just then the wife walked downstairs, she opened the gate and said, “Come inside!” She went upstairs, brought towels and some clothes. “Go, freshen up, I’ll be back,” she told the guests.
“That was put there for any guest,” she said. Following their cleanup, it was time for dinner. They all sat at the posh dinette table, using the ware plates. The beggars pleaded not to be treated thus, they kept saying they do not deserve this high treatment. The young couple tried to comfort them stating they are happy to accommodate them and they were special guests.
The stunned husband asked, “Where are you putting them?” She pointed to the well-furnished guest room.
A MORE PRACTICAL ACCOMMODATION It was clear that they weren’t comfortable so they gave him alms and bid them goodbye. And the wife said, “Go, seek alms, and if nightfall reaches you and you have no way to stay, return to us.” And they did. And the downstairs was spiced up for them. The guest bed was moved downstairs. They were more com-
fortable and happier. They built a mud ‘fireside’ and began cooking. The couple allowed them to plant the yard. It was their home. The children began school and health care. THE BLESSINGS THAT FLOWED A week later, the couple won a second prize lotto for a Fogarty’s shopping spree. The couple couldn’t buy out all the money in merchandise. They gave their guests some. In another month, came a dream appointment - a job as a community development officer. That job took the husband to Bartica. The couple left the entire property in the care of their guests and paid them too. A few months later came a car and the couple’s daughter was born – a treasured gift. She bought them tremendous luck. A kind gesture can usher in a galaxy of generosity; the old adage ‘God don’t come but he sends’, is so true. Angels can appear in man’s image. Whether their clothes are tattered, smelly, unkempt, dirty, condemned or not – they are people too. They might be poor but have God in their soul, and who put them there? They are the ‘spills’ of our so-called modern society. You could have shared their fate. Give and smile and turn away. It might be a charity for life. Give the love of giving. Make hearts happy.
VIII never would consider doing. Unfortunately, such actions by a patriotic Guyanese, are taken for granted by those in authority. By this simple chore, this citizen is being supportive of the City Council Cleansing Department, the Ministry of Public Health, as well as the Ministry of Tourism. ◄◄◄ From page V
REFLECTION 6: BANKS DIH shareholder Malcolm DeFreitas, is a regular attendee at the Annual Shareholders Meeting at Thirst Park in Georgetown. At the Question and Answer period, he always asks pertinent questions about some aspects of the Company’s performance. He always ensures that the answers by the Banks DIH Company Chairman, Clifford Reis, are satisfactory. Both chairman and shareholder would then thank each other for the questions and the answers given. This photograph was taken at the Saturday, January 28, 2017, Shareholders Meeting at Thirst Park. Malcolm DeFreitas is also a prize-winning director at the Theatre Guild of Guyana. REFLECTION 7: Let me say right away that I did not hear what President David Granger, MSS, MSM, was saying to Catholic Bishop Francis Alleyne, OSB, as I took this photograph. However, this is certainly one of my most favourite photographs of 2017, which I took on July 1, 2017, in Georgetown. So what was the president saying to the Bishop? I have never asked either of them. In fact, I’ve been playing the game of showing this photograph to many and asking them to imagine what the president might have been saying to the Bishop. The answers range from the frightening to the hilarious. I now pose that very same question to you. REFLECTION 8: I took this photograph at the National Park in Georgetown on Emancipation Day, August 1, 2017. From left to right are; Dr Mark Kirton, Dr David Hinds, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Educator Nigel Wesmaas, and roving Ambassador, Wesley Kirton. Looking at this photograph you will observe that there are some doubles; two Kirtons. two University Professors, two Davids. two Hinds, two sitting Parliamentarians, two long-standing members of the WPA, two with PhDs. And by the way, just in case you consider this Pepperpot Feature of Photographs as being frivolous, just observe the statement on the Blue Board at the back which reads, “Indulge in life’s little treats.” Also, observe how these Guyanese of varying political persuasions came together in Social Cohesion and were so happy in each other’s company. REFLECTION 9: I took this photograph with the father and baby on July 29, 2019. It represents the more than 100 such photographs which I have taken this year, 2017, not only in Guyana but overseas as well. About 10 years ago, I realised that there were many influential people in Guyana who were desecrating Father’s Day by going on a merciless male bashing tirade. These otherwise good folks, include Social Workers and Pastors. Since Father’s Day was intended for the good fathers, I decided that
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
what was happening on Father’s Day in Guyana, was terribly wrong, and so I decided to do something about it. I spoke with experts such as the head of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, the late Frederick Cox, and his successor, Beverley Braithwaite-Chan, also Pastor John Smith of the Central Assembly of God Church and Pastor Raphael Massiah of the First Assembly of God, for advice and guidance. I wanted to have Father’s Day celebrated the way in which it was intended, and that is to honour the good fathers in our society. Father’s Day is just one day, one Sunday in the year, and it should not be abused, with pastors in particular, speaking exclusively about the bad fathers, when they ought to be speaking about the good fathers on that special day, and giving them words of recognition, praise and encouragement. Over the past five years or so, there has been a decrease in the way Father’s Day has been desecrated in Guyana. REFLECTION 10: Pictured here is Ray Robinson who was the producer of Guyana’s first Radio Soap Opera, “The Tides of Susanburg” and its sequel “The Girl from Susanburg” which I wrote in the 1960s. His was the voice you heard at the start and end of each episode. After he migrated to the USA, I lost touch with my colleague and friend, Ray Robinson. Some years ago, I began diligent efforts to reconnect with him; we had not seen each other in over 30 years. Finally, on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, I visited with Ray Robinson in New York. It was a great reunion and we spoke at length about the contributions we both made to Guyana Radio from the colonial era into independence. Together we made history. Of course, I took photographs of him for myself, and also to show his cousin, Ron Robinson. REFLECTION 11: I was going by the church on upper Durban Street, Lodge, in Georgetown, on Monday, July 24, 2017, when I thought I saw a bit of the Garden of Eden: Sunday School children enjoying their “small days” during the school holidays. The children were so happy playing with each other, and the environment was so clean, so beautiful, so green, that I went
into the compound and got the permission of the teachers to take this photograph of what all children in Guyana should be enjoying; “The Good Life”, during their growing-up “small days” in an Eden-like paradise. REFLECTION 12: Members of the Karow Indigenous Group from the South Rupununi Savannah, Region Nine, at the Guyana Cultural Association Family Fun Day in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday, September 3, 2017. These Guyanese hail from a remote village in the deep south of the country, which has no paved streets, no electricity, no building higher than one story and no cars as far as modern life goes. But they kept the Golden Arrowhead flying high, as they did their Indigenous dances and displayed other Indigenous cultural norms of their heritage. Before this trip, some of them had never been to Georgetown, and none of them had ever flown in a jet aircraft. They conducted themselves with dignity, decorum and charm wherever they went in the United States. I felt so proud of them as I took this photograph and so many others.
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
IX
New Year, New us! TOMORROW, the new day will equal a new year. I hope that 2017 allowed for good mental and physical health. To those who have had an unfortunate year, I hope you are positive that better will come in the New Year. In 2018, our/others mortality, fears, some opportunities and unfortunate events will still be uncontrollable but our attitudes, behaviour toward ourselves and others, as well as our own perceptions, will be. It is obvious why we celebrate the New Year. Much like birthdays, we rejoice because we made it to another year in these hard times- Time to our raise our glasses and toast our survival! My favourite thing about New Year’s has always been resolutions and the hope and determination that accompanies them. I’m aware (based on my own actions as well as those around me) that most resolutions only last until the end of January. We tend
to give up on these for various reasons- they may have been unrealistic, unimportant or pressured. To solve this- the answer seems obvious. Choose resolutions that you are able to do, that you want to do and most importantly, that improves your overall quality of life. For a tip, I researched some scientific studies conducted on individuals who made resolutions. Those who planned theirs in detail were 22% more likely to succeed. For example, aiming to lose 10 pounds in two months rather than just having the resolution to ‘lose weight’. Additionally, those who told their friends and families about these resolutions were 10% more likely to succeed than those who did not. I have countless Resolutions this year – all of which I believe are possible with hard work. They all focus on self-development and are critical to obtaining and maintaining
The Rain IT was a busy morning, about 08:00 hrs when an elderly gentleman in his 80s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 09:00hrs. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided that since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognised him for five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, “And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?” He smiled as he patted my hand and said, “She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.” I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goosebumps on my arm, and thought, “That is the kind of love I want in my
good mental health. I would like to share them with the hope that some of you may adopt the same ones. In 2018, I hope to: - Get better sleep - Eat and exercise well - Adapt only healthy coping skills/strategies - Practice gratitude - Boast my self-confidence and self-esteem - Practice positive thinking - Be aware of my strengths and weaknesses - Celebrate my victories - Practice forgiveness I suggest that everyone keeps a journal with their resolutions. Write one thing (every day) that you have done in order to fulfil your resolution. This will encourage you to keep going as well as create self-confidence by being able to clearly see your progress. I urge you all to write to my email below and tell me what your resolutions are. I can
life.” True love is neither physical nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. With all the jokes and fun that are in emails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you.
discuss them in the upcoming weeks. I hope this will benefit you as well as encourage others to choose and maintain their own resolutions. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 08:00hrs -12:00hrs Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 16:00hrs Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 16:00hrs Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always
The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did. “Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.” We are all getting older. Tomorrow may be our turn.
X
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page VI
life and advances in marketing and advertising than it is to any kind of new man.” Men have been wearing skirts for years in traditional ethnic cultures all around the world and dare I say that (according to my understanding of the course of history) the
ancient ideals of masculinity were the purest and had the least restrictions. I sat a while back and had an epiphany that some people don’t necessarily have a problem with men in skirts, they have a problem with men who are soft or don’t possess the outward hallmarks of modern swagger like the male celebrities who have worn skirts and gotten away with it, like Vin Deisel, Kanye West or P Diddy’, who all still possess their “’straight” cards. We need to move toward an age where artistic experi-
mentation is not frowned upon, where I can wear what I want when I want, even if it’s androgynous and not have to deal with hundreds of judgmental eyes between my home and my destination. We need to accept the truth about life which is that change is inevitable, and if art reflects life and fashion is art then we should also accept that “Change happens for the sake of change: That’s the mantra of fashion.” And it’s indeed a sad day in the world where clothes begin to define people, and our understanding of masculinity is so fragile that wearing a skirt or the colour pink is all it takes to shatter it. And that is why men wore skirts in 2017 to remind the masses that masculinity is inherent and is impossible to be done away with by a mere artistic fad, whether it be a jheri curl, a bell bottom, a rhomper or even at the far left, a skirt.
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
XI
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
Why Everyone Should be Watching “Godless” in 2018
NETFLIX’S “Godless” is a Western television show – wild, violent, bloody, and in the same traditional vein of the Western film as any of those old ones (Stagecoach, Once Upon a Time in the West, Shane, A Fistful of Dollars, etc.) that the adult men in my family used to be so fond of watching when I was a child. In fact, there are many callbacks to those old movies and a general sense of an homage to the Western film when one watches “Godless”, so that it begs the question, how on earth can this brutal TV show be a good way to bring in the new year? The New Year is about change, growth, and hope for whatever the future brings your way. “Godless” itself highlights many of these ideas from an artistic point of view, but even from the perspective of a child who hated Westerns, while everyone else who surrounded me back then lapped them up, “Godless” and the way I am in awe and in love with this show represents the way our ideas about things and our reactions to things can change as the years go by – and this is significant because change, after all, is one of the most dominant facets regarding the New Year that we all begin to contemplate as December comes to an end. I like to wonder what my grandfather would have thought of “Godless” had he lived to see it. As mentioned before, there are many references to iconic Westerns, but “Godless” is something unique and something very current, particularly in the ways that it manages to pay homage to, while usurping, and changing/updating features of the traditional Western for the millennial demographic. Change is inevitable. Both years and Westerns are caught up in the concept. For example, and of major interest, is the way race is dealt with in “Godless.” Sometimes, Western movies forget that black people and Native American peoples were present during the times the movies were set. In “Godless” race is explored in several ways. There are two interracial relationships that are crucial to the developments in the story, and several coloured characters who play vital roles. In the show not only are coloured characters represented but their relationships with the white characters, as well as their own sense of place, and their ideas of who they are explored in the show. With #OscarsSoWhite and people of colour generally calling for more inclusivity in film and television this past year, “Godless” gives an impression of what the beginning of a change in genres that are often very white can look like if other aspects of the scenario being explored in a film or TV show can be tapped into. Secondly, we have the premise of “Godless” itself. After an accident in the town of LaBelle has left almost all of the men dead (because they worked in the mines where the accident occurred), the town is primarily occupied by and run by the womenfolk who survived. In this very outline, we can see how “Godless” differs from a majority of the old Western films that were produced in the past. “Godless” is very much a woman-centric Western, with most of the primary characters being fully-developed, interesting women-characters. In the TV show, the prostitute (played beautifully by
Tess Frazer), who was often sidelined in old Westerns and restricted to flirtatious, eye-candy parts, is here realised as the richest woman in town, bisexual, and one of the bravest of them all when it comes to the final showdown at the end of the series. This is just one example of how the women in the show have been written with the modern era of television audiences in mind. The braveness, cunning and skills exemplified by women in the show, particularly when compared to the bumbling male sheriff or other male characters who fail and fumble, ensures that the women of “Godless” highlight the fully-realised women figures of the times, while simultaneously being entertaining and ensuring that ideas of how women are treated and represented in the media (particularly film and television) when compared to past depictions remains one of the primary things in the minds of the audience as we move into the new year. The women of LaBelle unknowingly harboured a criminal named Roy Goode (played by the excellent Jack O’Connell) who has betrayed the leader of the band of outlaws that he was previously a part of. The outlaws and their terrifying leader, Frank Griffin (played by Jeff Daniels) hunt Roy down, murdering everyone in their path. As the outlaws made their way to the town of Labelle, populated by women and children, it quickly becomes clear that the women are in great danger and they are forced to both arm and defend themselves. With Roy and Frank, we get the hero and the villain of the story – except that with “Godless”, it’s more like the antihero and the villain. Roy has done bad things in his past, and Frank, for all his fearsome villainy, expresses moments of kindness throughout the series. Both of these characters are, in a sense, of ambiguous morality. Yes, in broad strokes we can identify one as bad and one as evil, but how do we account for the inclusion of the grey strokes of evil in the good character and the moments of goodness in the evil one? Characters such as these have become more prevalent in film and television over recent years (Game of Thrones harbours quite a few of them), and the reasons for this surge are unknown to me. However, what is fascinating is the way the character of ambiguous morality is the character who represents the truest form of human nature. Noone is 100 per cent good, nor is noone all bad. Characters that exist in this in-between are, for me, the most realistic, the most realised and, therefore, the most affecting, characters. It is my wish that in 2018, Guyanese writers choose to abandon the character written in broad strokes that we know from fairy tales (characters like the “good” prince, “wicked” witch, etc.) and pay more attention to creating the grey characters, or in-between characters, or characters with ambiguous morality. It is human nature to be flawed and to remove the flaws from your heroes and to heap flaws on to your villains, in this time and age seems to be a very reductive move to make when it comes to character development in the 21st Century. For all these reasons, and more, “Godless” should be at the very top of the list of shows you watch in the New Year.
XII
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
Year in Review THE year 2017 has certainly brought with it lots of ups, downs and surprises all around the world and Guyana was no exception. As we usher in the New Year, we look back on some of the most memorable moments of 2017 and hope that 2018 will bring positivity, success and happiness for the people of Guyana.
President David Granger is seen raising a kite in the National Park on Easter Monday
Hundreds of Guyanese turned up in front of City Hall on multiple occasions to protest the Parking Meter agreement between City Hall and Smart City Solutions
Rain or shine! Mashramani turned out to be a soggy day, but that didn’t stop the revellers from partying non-stop
The Golden Arrowhead in all its glory as Guyana observed its 51st Independence Anniversary
Phagwah is always a time for celebration as hundreds of Guyanese partake in this holiday of colours and fun!
No one can forget that fateful day in July when prisoners started a riot at the Camp Street Prison, leading to the historic building being destroyed by fire as well as the escape of several prisoners
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
2165 students graduated from the University of Guyana in November. Here, we see a glimpse of the vast crowd of graduates as they prepare to head out into the world to contribute to the development of their country A group of dancers showcase African culture in the National Park on Emancipation Day
The Courts annual Christmas tree light-up is always a festive and highly anticipated event
In September, Guyana observed Indigenous Heritage Month. Here, a traditional Indigenous dance is showcased by dancers
‘Santa’ briefly interrupted the Budget Debate in a surprise visit; a moment that will go down in history
This beautiful princess was part of the annual Diwali Motorcade. Diwali is the festival of lights and is a signature observance of our beautiful country
The Budget Debate, again, was disrupted on another occasion after a scuffle broke out between the police and members of the Opposition
XIII
XIV
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
#SupportCreativity
There is always hope
TWO years ago I was invited to contribute a weekly column to this newspaper. At This is where, in my opinion, the media could/should step in to play its role in preventing the time of the invitation I had just completed my undergrad studies abroad and had any further haemorrhaging of our local talents. no real idea what my life back home would look like or how I would begin to use the Of course, it’s equally important to recognise that the media is merely a singular compoknowledge I had gained to make a life for myself. In a nutshell, I had no idea where nent in a complex system that is in dire need of reconfiguration should we hope to see any my “place” was. And although I could’ve allowed myself to be overwhelmed by the real change. In the past, I have spoken about the need for the inclusion of arts writing as a uncertainties that surfaced I chose instead to remain hopeful in spite of it all. For me, separate course in all tertiary institutions that offer a fine art programme. My decision to start the invitation to share this platform with so many respected journalists was the reas- writing was largely fueled by the hope that those institutions would eventually place just as surance I needed that, perhaps, I was heading in the right direction. much emphasis on training persons to write about art as they place on training persons to While there was an element of nervousness that threatened to overshadow that new make art. In this way there wouldn’t be such a severe shortage of trained writers, curators development in my career, the development itself was hardly unfamiliar. In fact, it was six and critics to analyse the works of our growing artist population and we could avoid a tricky years earlier that I had a rather impulsive start to my writing “career” at a different newspaper kind of catch 22 situation (where artists stop making work because no one is writing about company. It was almost a year after graduating from the E.R. Burrowes School of Art in it and journalists stop writing about art because artists are no longer making work). 2007 that I was offered a job as a Layout Artist at the newspaper. On the surface, it didn’t And so, just as I focused mainly on featuring emerging artists during my first writing seem a fit that made great use of the Diploma I had just received, but I was grateful be- stint, I continued in a similar vein for my weekly columns here in the Pepperpot Magazine. cause it allowed me to continue This time around I was a little making art during my downtime. less daunted by the title “columBanksy, “Balloon girl” also called “There is always hope,” London, 2002 It was there that I got my first nist” and much more aware of real albeit shaky introduction the many ways the page I was to graphic design software. And privileged to have, could funcfortunately for me, I had the tion. My intention for this colhelp of a few incredibly patient umn was to create a space that colleagues who took me under facilitated the growth of persons their wing, making my transition from all walks of life, whether from student to working professtudent, teacher, enthusiast, colsional so much easier. lector etc. I wanted to share inIn a lot of ways, my focus formation I wish I had access to at the time was squarely on when I first started my creative mastering the job I was paid to journey, and I also wanted to do. But it wasn’t long until that make room for the persons who dynamic shifted. Fast-forward loved art but couldn’t tell head to a year later (2009) and I had from tail about it. relaxed into a new normal, gradI will always be extremely ually paying closer attention to grateful to the editors who took a the content I was in charge of chance on me (a fine art graduate arranging on each page. One with absolutely no training in of the things that stood out was journalism), allowing me to culthe lack of coverage of the arts, tivate this space and trusting me particularly visual arts. Sure to follow through every week. the public was aware of our And of course, to my faithful local veterans including Stanreaders, I always make the disley Greaves and the late Philip claimer that I am not a writer Moore (to mention a few), but but rather an artistabove all else. hardly anyone could name our Nevertheless, I held myself to younger contemporary practithe same standard and I sincerely tioners. And that was not to say that those practitioners were few in number. It was quite hope that was evident during the last two years. the opposite actually. The art school alone was producing on average about 10-20 Diploma If there’s anything I hope you take away from my final column here is that your journey and Certificate graduates every year. The problem was the general public had no idea. After will never look the way you imagined it. The sooner you learn this and embrace it, the better recognising the disconnect that existed between the two, I saw an opportunity to bridge the off you’ll be. Regardless of your field, your journey will lead you in many odd directions gap so that emerging artists got their time in the spotlight. and if there’s one thing above all else you should be equipped with, it’s discernment. With Following the success of my pitch to the editor at the time, I began reaching out to as this, you’ll always be exactly where you were meant to be, doing the work you were meant many young artists as possible, in an attempt to rekindle the fire that was practically extin- to do, surrounded by the people who were meant to be in your life. guished by the usual post-art school depression. It’s a horrible rollercoaster ride that no one So as we prepare for the New Year ahead, my wish for you is that you remain reever quite prepares you for as an art student, particularly a student far removed from the lentless in the pursuit of your dreams. But remember to make time for your loved ones cities typically considered the art hubs of the world. Students here spend years developing and, more importantly, to take breaks for the indulgence of self-care practices. Working their skills just to exhibit their best work for a few days to a handful of visitors. With such hard is great but not at the expense of your health. Spend as much time as you need limited exposure and lack of critical response, it is hardly any surprise that most of our young recharging without feel guilty about it. Eleanor Brownn said it best, “Self-care is not creative practitioners are either driven into isolation or completely unrelated fields of work. selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
folklore
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
Dry bones ketcher SAMUEL sat on his veranda and looked down the Middle Road of his village. He reclined in his easy chair with his feet cocked up on the porch. He felt relaxed. He had just eaten a good meal of `met-em-gee’ with pigtail and `foo foo’. He belched and smiled contentedly. He was 54 and happily married to Enid for 20 years. Their two children: Darren, 15 and Rachael, 19 were doing very well. Rachael was at the University of Guyana pursuing a Law Degree. Darren was at President’s College and in Fifth Form. He was always at the top of his class and was expected to fare well in CXC and CSEC examinations. It would be a proud day for the Cuffy family and the village of ‘Emancipation’ when they welcomed a new doctor and a lawyer. The sun was dipping below the horizon. Its rays created eerie shadows and silhouettes of trees and buildings. In these dark shifting patterns lay the potential for scary creatures and frightening nightmares to those with vivid imaginations. Villagers were passing back and forth on their usual errands. Samuel was about to embark on his. As usual, Saturday was the designated day for him to have drinks with his friends. Enid was aware of this practice which had been going on for many years. The favourite hangout was Agnes’ Pub situated in the neighbouring village of Perseverance. He was already dressed for the occasion and had enough cash in his pocket to ensure a very merry evening. He stood up, stretched and shouted goodbye to Enid. With a smile on his face, he started his one hour walk. The pub was packed to capacity. There was barely standing room. Cigarette smoke engulfed the entire room in a thick stuffy smog. This created a ‘Free Smoking Zone’ even for non-smokers. Loud boisterous conversation and arguments came from all around the large room. Expletives and ruckus laughter spiced up the drunken atmosphere. Beer mugs and bottles clicked and banged on their way to and from eager throats. Rum, high wine, beers and cheap wine flowed like Dakara Creek in the rainy season. Spirits were high and so were most of the patrons. The heavy sporting continued way into the wee hours of the next morning. It took a stern and playful Agnes to get the stragglers on their way home. Samuel half walked, half staggered away from the pub and toward home. His journey would carry him down the desolate Side Line Dam that bordered the neighbouring villages. Usually, this was a one hour walk but tonight due to his liquid handicap he would be lucky to make it in one and a half hours. He stumbled on. The bright full moon gave the dam a pale shimmering hue. Occasionally, clouds blocked the moonbeams making it seem to be turning itself off and on. The breeze was steady and night creatures were out in their numbers. Walking doggedly onwards, Samuel reached down into his hip pocket and pulled out a half. The bottle was opened and the liquor tossed down his eager throat. He replaced the now half empty bottle and continued his erratic journey home. From somewhere off to his right an owl hooted. This was answered by another bird some distance off. Frogs and crickets kept up a chorus of croaks
XV
By Neil Primus
and chirps. Samuel took another swig of rum. As the bottle reached his lips he heard the sound of a crying baby. He froze. Listening keenly he could hear nothing. He shrugged and moved on. It must have been his imagination. The strange cry came again. This time it sounded much nearer. Stopping in his tracks, he looked suspiciously around half expecting to see a mother and her baby walking behind him and heading towards Emancipation. The dam was clear. LOUDER STILL As he began walking again, a cloud obscured the moonlight, throwing the bushy Side Line Dam into total blackness. “Aaaaaaaah!!” The baby was screaming now. Puzzled, Samuel stopped and looked around him. It was so dark that he could not even see his hands held out in front of his face. He decided to wait until the cloud moved before proceeding. Shortly thereafter the moonlight returned illuminating Turn to page XIX ►►►
XVI
Let 2018 be a year of Explosive Growth TODAY is the last day of the year. Where did the last 365 days go? I had the relaxing Christmas I anticipated and did not change anything in my house. After breakfast, I started to watch Greenleaf which is produced by Oprah Winfrey. I have been meaning to watch this series for a while which was recommended by my daughter Shonta. For some people, it may seem like a boring day but for me it was perfect. This is the first year I did not have my foster kids at the house and I did miss them but will make it up to them in the New Year. I had made a decision that December will not be hectic because I need my mindset to be in alignment for an
explosive year of growth for 2018. I was on First Look a few days ago and while waiting on my interview I was listening to the host Handell talking about how many people he knew that died in the month of December, and I was thinking about one in particular who was a good friend of mine. I mentioned Gregory Christani AKA `Peppers’ in the last chapter of LIVING WITH INTENTION. I could not help mentioning Peppers when I was mentioning people I admired who are givers. So sad he never got a chance to read my first book. He supported Guyana Fashion Week from its inception. He had a heart for people and many will miss him. I am happy I recently passed by Water Chris to see
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion him and had a delicious lunch. He was sitting next to me and we engaged in the normal teasing. There is no way you can be at the famous Water Chris table and not laugh. Every so often I think about life and death and I know I am not the only one who does. We are as fragile as human beings and it is an enigma why we sometimes engage in petulant behaviour. My main focus for 2018 is to make it a year of explosive growth, God’s willing. It is a great time to get our mind, body and soul in alignment. We need to review where we are and the people around us. Not everyone will continue this journey
with you and you may have to let go of some people if you are desirous of moving forward. I am working on my accelerated growth plan and a detailed roadmap is essential. A great team is also vital because I can’t do it alone. One is too small of a number to achieve greatness and teamwork makes the dream work. My mind, body and soul have to be in alignment with the direction of the journey I am anticipating. It is a great time to evaluate your 2017 and make big and small plans for 2018. Press the reset button. I am in a giving mood so LIVING WITH INTENTION will be less than half price until tomorrow midnight on Amazon. It will make a great New Year’s gift. I’m so looking forward to the New Year’s Eve church service at Love & Faith and the social after the service. I’m looking forward to dancing and chatting with my brothers and sisters about the endless possibility a new year brings. What are some of the things you are anticipating in 2018? Send us some of the plans for the New Year to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and visit our FB page as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
XVII
Ensuring safety on the roads at this time of year 'Best Cop' Garvin Boyce, man on a mission By Michel Outridge
SERGEANT Garvin Boyce, the recent recipient of the Best Cop of ‘A’ Division award has certainly earned the title, having racked up more than 1,000 traffic cases. But this hard-working man of the law isn’t just the ‘best cop’ but is an exceptional law enforcement officer with an excellent demeanour. He is the subordinate Officer-in-Charge of the Traffic Department at Brickdam. For Boyce, he is accustomed to working around the clock since he is all about ensuring citiSergeant Garvin Boyce of the Brickdam Traffic Department
zens go about their business in a safe and secure manner while maintaining the free flow of vehicular traffic in the city. The father of one told the Pepperpot Magazine that the Christmas/ post-Christmas season is a busy time for traffic cops to man the flurry of shoppers in the downtown areas of the city. He related that depending on the crowd some roads were closed to vehicular traffic to facilitate shopping. He stated that all major city roads were manned by traffic ranks during this busy period and asked citizens to exercise patience and use the roads in the safest manner. Boyce pointed out that they are aiming for stagnant-free roads during this period because if there is congestion the recipe is ripe for armed robberies, and they do not want that but citizens needs to be alert when conducting business with large sums of cash. The traffic ranks on foot as well as on motorcycles are on the roads at this time monitoring traffic. Boyce noted that at this time of the year, ranks are strategically placed on the roads not to arrest people for minor traffic offences but to issue warnings unless it is a serious instance. Boyce added that because he is a cop, his family understands that he works long hours and is always on call and there is no such thing as a day-off because he has about 45 ranks under his command. “If you like what you do for a job you will enjoy it but if you are just working because you don’t have a choice it will be a burden and my family understands the functions of being a policeman,” he said. Boyce is on-the-go all the time and since he is a ‘people person’ he likes to visit the various bus parks and interact with drivers because it requires a collaborative effort to reduce accidents and fatalities on the roads. “The police alone cannot monitor traffic but if you observe the basic road safety practices it is a ‘give and take’ issue because the police will not harass you unnecessarily, you have to give them reason,” he said. The 37-year-old cop has been in the Guyana Police Force for 15 years and was assigned to anti-crime patrol throughout the country before he joined the Traffic Department. For Boyce, being a Station Sergeant for about 10 police stations, the Traffic Departments fall under his guidance and it is not an easy task of delegating work to ranks. In fact, he admitted that he feels that he spends more time at work than
at home. He said the job of a traffic rank is difficult at times since they usually have to be firm with drivers and he would make time to have a one-on-one with them to advise because some of them are very aggressive toward traffic cops. Being the Best Cop did not come as a surprise but Boyce credits his success to the senior officers who guided him and his colleagues who in their own ways supported him. “The ranks I worked with encouraged me and I needed that extra push and based on that I was motivated to perform in a humble manner and my success is all about team effort because I could not do it alone,” he said. Boyce explained that he came from modest beginnings
working as a construction worker before he joined the Guyana Police Force and because of that, he said that he will remain humble and do his work as normal and see where it leads. He is the recipient of trophies, incentives, a trip to Kaieteur Falls, and dinner at Duke Lodge for being the best cop. A typical day for Boyce starts very early since traffic builds up quite early during this festive period and he is at work at least by 06:00hrs and leaves office late at night and there are several activities for this period as well so he has his work cut. His real passion, however, is social work with youths and he tries to reach out to them as a mentor, something he would like to continue.
XVIII
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
Get your operations authorised in 2018! ‘OUT with the old and in with the new’ is a popular phrase at this time of the year as we arrive at the last of 365 days which made up a typically eventful year.There is a tendency to remember all we did not accomplish, and by this time most people have written or at least thought about New Year’s resolutions; some plan to be healthy, further their studies, travel or even get married. It may be the case that you are forgetting one item on your list and this serves as a timely reminder - Get your operations authorised in 2018! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as mandated by the Environmental Protection Act provides environmental guidance for the development, implementation and operation of projects. The Act allows the EPA to oversee effective management, conservation, protection and improvement of the environment, the prevention and control of pollution, the assessment of the impact of economic development on the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources. During the month of August in a Q & A feature about the EPA, we discussed the different types of Environmental Authorisation (EA) and who needs it. We noted that the EA is the basis for which the authorised project operates, including but not limited to the aspects of air, land water, safety. Some of the operations which require EA include new or existing Sawmills, Gas Stations, Road Construction, Waste Treatment, Logging, Mining, Hotels, etc. The environmental permitting process varies depending on the type of project, potential environmental impacts or whether it is new or existing. Some developmental projects may require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). WHAT IS AN EIA? An EIA is a planning and decision-making tool used by the Agency and the developer to obtain baseline information and to make predictions of the likely environmental impacts of a project and to create a relevant plan to mitigate the negative impacts. Gathering such data typically involves a study, with the aid of a registered consultant, to provide insight on the scope and nature of monitoring programmes to be implemented, and function as the basis for the development of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). It also ensures that the developer has an emergency response plan as well as plans to restore and rehabilitate the environment. WHEN IS AN EIA NEEDED? When the potential impacts of a project are not known or are significant, then a decision will be made to conduct an EIA. This is applied to both new and existing projects. For existing projects, the EIA may be required to inform the regularisation process to assess past impact and process measures to be adopted and/or to establish the resultant impact of the changed processes. WHY IS AN EIA NEEDED? It is important to ensure that economic development is done in a way that does not harm the environment, maintaining ecosystems and species diversity, and protecting and enhancing the quality of human life. The EIA process also keeps the public fully aware of the nature of the development and offers them the opportunity to submit their views for consideration. Getting your operation authorised by the EPA will not only protect the environment but will also protect your investment. Don’t wait for costly problems to arise or get stuck in time-consuming fixes. LET EPA GUIDE YOU RIGHT FROM THE START! To find out more about applying for your permit, including what documents you will need, permit fees, and processing times, call or visit our office or send us an email. You can share your own ideas with us by following our Facebook and Instagram pages or email us at: eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com. Best Wishes for the New Year from the Management and staff of the Environmental Protection Agency!
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XV
the surrounding countryside like a giant searchlight. He got up from the ground where he had squatted and looked up then down the Side Line. Nothing but moonbeams and insects were to be seen. On he went. The pleading cry of the infant caused Samuel to jump. It was as if the child was right next to him. He peered cautiously around him feeling a bit nervous now. There was no baby there. He shook his head as if to clear it. This only caused him to feel dizzy and unsteady. He steadied himself on his feet and reached into his pocket for his liquid comforter. With one steady gulp, he polished off the remaining rum. Smiling contentedly he re-focused on the walk home. Now he had enough fuel to complete the journey quickly. From somewhere off to his right the baby started up again. This time it did not let up. “ A a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a ! ! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!” It seemed to be bawling from hunger or for attention. Samuel tried to locate the area from which the anguished cries was emanating. He spied a large clump of vegetation and headed unsteadily toward it. Parting the vegetation as he went, he came upon an unusual scene. THE STRANGE SETTING Lying on its back with arms extended toward him was a crying baby. The rum on his brains caused him to feel confused. He found it difficult to think clearly. After a while, he abandoned any further efforts of thought processing and stooping, gently lifted the baby into his arms. The pretty baby gurgled contentedly and stopped crying. Smiling to himself Samuel sang softly to the infant. He had always been a good dad and had a special relationship with his children. This kid was responding to his charms. On the spur of the moment, Samuel decided to take the child home with him. In the morning when he was sober he would try to locate its parents. Slightly sober now because of this encounter, he strode purposefully for home. He was about halfway down the Side Line Dam when he came to the realisation that he was tired: not just tired but totally exhausted. This puzzled him. At age 54, he was at the peak of good health. He had not done any physically demanding work in a long time. How could he be tired? He continued on slowly trying to figure out why he was feeling this way. As the drunken fog began to clear from his brains, he realised what the source of his problem was. It was the baby! KILLER GRIP! Shocked at this latest development, he tried to hold the child out in front of him to examine it carefully and discover why it was so heavy. To his horror, the baby would not budge. It had wrapped its two little hands around his neck and its feet were firmly locked around his belly. Samuel stopped and tried to put it down in order to take a rest. Again it could not be dislodged. Perplexed and scared he applied all his strength in order to pry the infant loose. No such luck. Now Samuel was no midget. Standing six feet-seven inches in his boots, he weighed over 230 pounds most of which was muscles. He had worked for most of his life in the timber industry and was known for his use of brute force and power. With mounting panic he redoubled his efforts. Anyone looking on would have believed that he was wrestling with the devil. The results of this new effort to rid
himself of this burden were even more shocking than what had previously transpired. An ear-splitting shriek sounded in the night and must have been heard many villages away. Like a cross between a banshee and a wailing siren, the baby began to howl. It started softly and quickly escalated to a fever pitch. The sound was so loud that Samuel got an instant headache. Then things got even worse. Suddenly, a voice louder and more frightening than anything he had ever heard assaulted Samuel’s eardrums. “PUT ME DOWN WEH YO PICK ME UP FROM!” DESPERATE TIMES Terror swept over Samuel. Now Samuel was not a crying kind of fella; neither was he the praying sort. But desperate times called for desperate measures. And boy was Samuel desperate! This was no baby. It had to be a creature called ‘Dry Bones’. He had heard many stories about it from his parents and relatives. He had always considered that to be a joke and a weak attempt to keep him from walking late. The full realisation of this fact galvanised him into action. He tore powerfully at the hideous creature trying his best to separate himself from his tormentor. Again he failed. The more he struggled, the tighter the embrace of the creature became. Soon Samuel’s eyes were drooping and his brain becoming groggy because of the powerful grip and the lack of oxygen to his lungs. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS Then Samuel got a flash of inspiration. The creature had demanded that he put it down where he had picked it up. He was going to do just that. Turning slowly, he headed back to the spot where he had picked up this nightmare. His aching body struggled on. Each step Samuel took, the creature gained in weight. He felt as though he was lifting a house. His knees started to buckle under the enormous pressure. He almost fell but barely caught his footing and steadied himself. Again the horrible voice bellowed a sinister warning. The sound seemed to pierce Samuel’s very soul. “IF YO DROP ME I GON BRUK YO NECK”!! Then it let out a hideous blood-curdling laugh. Samuel began to tremble. He felt something warm running down into his boots. He had lost control of his bladder. Not a good sign. Samuel was a fairly brave man who did not scare easily. In fact, he could not remember being scared anytime as an adult. But this was no ordinary situation. He felt well and truly petrified. The problem for Samuel was that he could feel his foot giving out on him and he was not even close to the drop off point. He knew that he could not keep this up for much longer. Step by excruciating step he motored on, desperate to be rid of the beast. “WHEN YO PICK ME UP YO PICK UP TROUBLE!!” Again the devilish laughter boomed out of the creature. This taunting bellow assaulted his ears with explosive effect. Fighting for his life the hapless man trudged on. With a shudder of despair and surrender, Samuel fell in the middle of the dam. The next morning, early travellers came upon a hellish scene. Samuel’s prostrated body lay in a grotesque sprawl of death. His hands and legs were spread eagle. His body faced downwards, except for his head. His head was turned back and facing up. His face was twisted in fear and agony and his once bright eyes were as black as coals. A tragic end to one night of merriment.
XIX
XX
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
XXI
XXII
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When I was green in Judgment. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616), Anthony and Cleopatra STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, You need to try another relaxation technique at this time. This one allows you to relax your head and neck. Make your head drop forward. Try not to pull it down harshly. You should feel muscles at the back of your neck being stretched by the weight of your head. Repeat this for a short while, allowing your head to drop backward, then to the left and right. Be relaxed. Love you. Grammar : Making verbs agree with their subjects This exercise is to help strengthen your response. Choose the correct verb for each sentence that follows. Read the sentences correctly aloud. Explain to a study partner why you have chosen each verb. 1. Josephus and Tomatheus (is, are) absent. (Was, Were) either here yesterday? 2. The pants (is, are) lying on the sideboard. 3. Fifty-five percent of the students (own, owns) two laptop computers. 4. Davidson Davson, as well as his twin step-brothers, (has, have) a large album of favourite family pictures. 5. (Don’t, Doesn’t) Martha Tyndal live next door to Sydney Johannes? 6. (Was, Were) you at the community security meeting? The champion group (has, have) won a wonderful prize. 7. One of the member companies (has, have) been awarded a one-year substantive contract. 8. We (was, were) an hour late for school because of the bomb blast. Life (don’t, doesn’t) mean much to some people these days. 9. That (don’t, doesn’t) seem right. Ten thousand dollars (aren’t, isn’t) too much to give a beggar. 10. That’s it! There (is, are) never too many conscientious workers in this carpool! 11. Each of Joseph’s sons (was, were) presented with a vast piece of arable land for planting black grapes. 12. Shirlene Simon is one of those girls who (is, are) naturally gifted in French cooking. 13. Sampson Peterson is the only one of those hands who (come, comes) early to work. 14. Clifton, not his cousins, (work, works) at two jobs. 15. Mary’s first choice (is, are) those red pants.
16. Neither the mother nor the sons (expect, expects) a reward. 17. Her step-father’s location (are, is) a secret. Even the immediate family member (haven’t, hasn’t) any solid information about him. 18. (Have, Has) anyone in your business class lost a smart calculator? 19. Some of my family members usually (helps, help) at the community centre. 20. Crackers and warm milk (make, makes) a good bedtime snack. 21. Three-fourths of their borough (were, was) under five feet of snow yesterday. 22. Puffed-foot pants (is, are) my favourite gift to toddlers. 23. Two-thirds of the shoppers (was, were) wealthy women. THE PASSAGE …..But curiosity was stronger. My legs moved without my wanting them to move and my body followed them, along-side the team in the dark, holding to each dog like a security blanket until I reached the next one, moving closer to the light until I was at the front and there were no more dogs to hold. The light had gotten brighter, seemed to pulse and flood back and forth, but I still could not see the source. I took another step, then another, trying to look around the corner, deeply feeling the distance from the dogs, the aloneness. Two more steps, then one more, leaning to see around the corner and at last I saw it and when I did it was worse. It was a form. Not human. A large, standing form glowing in the dark. The light came from within, a cold-glowing green light with yellow edges that diffused the shape, making it change and grow as I watched. I felt my heart slam up into my throat. I couldn’t move, I stared at the upright form and was sure it was a ghost, a being from the dead sent for me. I could not move and might not have ever moved except that the dogs had followed me, pulling the rig quietly until they were around my legs, peering ahead, and I looked down at them and had to laugh. They were caught in the green light, curved around my legs starting at the standing form, ears cocked and heads turned sideways while they studied it. I took another short step forward and they all followed me, then another, and they stayed with me until we were right next to the form. It was a stump. A six-foot tall, old rotten stump with the bark knocked off, glowing in the dark with a bright green glow. Impossible. I stood there with the dogs around my legs, smelling the stump and touching it with their noses. I found out later that it glowed because it had sucked phosphorous from the ground up into the wood and held the light from day all night. But that was later. There in the night I did not know this. Touching the stump, and feeling the cold light, I could not quite get rid of the fear until a black-and-white dog named Fonzie came up, smelled the stump, snorted, and relieved himself on it. So much for ghosts. (From “A Glow in the Dark” from Woodsong by Gary Paulson) About the Passage In this Paulson’s passage, the ‘I’ narrator struggles with doubts and fears in a wilderness setting. As you read, think about the dangers that might spark fear in such a setting, especially at night. Paulson had written a true story about his experiences training for a dog-sled race in a cold country, Alaska. Later he pulled pieces from his true story, “Woodsong” (his non-fiction), and made the fiction, “A Glow in the Dark.” You too, can look at your true personal experiences and make wonderful and exciting fictional stories utilizing choice parts. What to Do Read the passage thoroughly to recognise use of details, and then respond to the listed questions. 1. What details used in the passage affect the way you view the challenge faced by the narrator? Let the following questions guide you. * What details from the narrator’s imagination helped create excitement? * Was the narrator brave? How much so? * What details do you think revealed the writer’s character? * What details helped to alleviate the fears of the writer? 2. How did the writer’s ignorance of a scientific explanation for the glow add to his fear? NOTE: When you write, try to use well-chosen details to support character and setting to commend your story to your readers. To try out your skills, produce a short story aided by incidents in your life, paying strict attention to the effects you expect details to have on your readers. Maybe there is a scientific ignorance you can inject. Try it.
Chronicle Pepperpot December 31, 2017
XXIII
Cook up
Ingredients 1 cup black eyed peas 3 lbs chicken, cut up 1 lb corned beef brisket or salted pigtail cut into bite sized pieces(you can use regular beef also) 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 scallion, finely chopped about 10 sprigs thyme 1 bay leaf 1 wiri wiri pepper 2 chicken bouillon 1 13 oz can coconut milk 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 cups rice approximately 5 cups water Instructions Place peas in a a bowl with enough water to cover and soak overnight. Strain the peas and place in a pot and cover with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes, the peas will soften, set aside. Season chicken with green seasoning* and let sit for at least an hour. Place beef brisket(or pigtail) in pressure cooker with 3 cups water and pressure for 15 minutes. If you do not have a pressure cooker cook for about 30 minutes. In a separate pot over a medium fire, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add chicken and allow to brown. Add onion, garlic, thyme and pepper and cook for a minute or two. Add beef or pigtail and coconut milk to chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add about 2 cups of water and bring to a boil then add 2 cups rice, scallion, bay leaf and bouillon and stir pot thoroughly. Lower to a simmer then cover pot. On a low fire, cook for 25 to 30 minutes. The rice should be tender and all of the liquid should be absorbed. If rice is not tender and all of the liquid is gone, add water, a little at a time and continue to cook until rice is tender.