Pepperpot 2015 03 15

BLUE FLAME WOMEN’S making GROUP waves

SONIA NOEL brings

‘FIRST RESORT’ to the fashion arena

- exporting cocoa mass to UK chocolate company

► Page XV A resident displays packaged products of the Blue Flame Women’s Group (Caribbean Beat photo)

South Africans perform first ‘successful’ penis ► Page XXXI transplant

► Page XII

REPARATIONS St. Margaret’s Primary - A unified movement to repair the deep psychological and physical scars of slavery ► Page IV

observes

► Page XXXII

NOOTEN ZUIL Commonwealth Week The dreamy village where Father Time relaxes

► Page XXII

Welcome to Nooten Zuil

Kids display the national wear of some Commonwealth countries

Produced and Edited by Mark Ramotar | Graphic and Layout Design by Duane Prince

A Story of two friends A boy torn between male and female identities and the girl who befriended him

M

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

The Colour of Amethyst II

By Maureen Rampertab aria held the silver chain in her hand, its pendant, the birthstone of Pisces and as she looked at the amethyst gem, regrets glinted in her light brown eyes.

“It’s been such a long time,” she mused, “I wonder where you must be today and what you have become.”

The chain had been a birthday gift from her best friend, the friend she had stood by when he needed her, the friend whom she had shared the same literary passions and dreams. Two young people whom, together, had planned and set their goals, walking hand in hand through green pastures of hopes and aspirations.

They were like one, as Pisceans sharing the same birthstone, but as the tide flows, people change, desires change and she broke his heart when she couldn’t return the love he felt for her.

“He was such a nice person, gentle and lovable,” she said quietly, “But I couldn’t love him, not the way a woman loves a man.”

She put the pendant back in its velvet box that had sat at the back of her old desk drawer, forgotten.

They had become friends since the beginning of high school that patterned changes in their lives, like the autumn leaves, creating a special bond.

She was fair, petite and shy, a pretty girl with her long hair tied in plaits, portraying the look of pure innocence, that attracted the older boys who tried to woo her.

He was fairer, trim, curly hair, smooth skin and neat outlook, something different from the normal male personality that attracted ridicule and taunts from the boys.

He wasn’t athletic, he ran like a girl, they said, he couldn’t play cricket or football and no one wanted him on their team so he sat alone in class during break periods, reading. His classmates did not care much for his silent suffering, a brave soul trying to be normal.

But it touched her heart and somehow she felt his pain, for she was closer to him, sitting alone in class too, reading, though for a different reason. She was scared of the close attention of the senior boys, a few who had broken up with their girlfriends for her, one of the girls being her cousin.

It was something she was not quite ready for, having just crossed the threshold into adolescence, not wanting to fall prey to seduction and betray the traditional values of her family.

The two of them had sat at their desks, reading, not saying much, a boy and girl with pleasant countenances, who were excellent arts students, loved by their teachers with one thing in

common – unwanted attention.

One day he had walked over to her desk and asked her, a little nervously, “What are you reading?”

She had looked up and smiled for it was the sixth time she had been asked that question for the morning, now she felt she could answer, “Stephen King – The Pet Cemetery.”

“I’m reading Ian Flemming – James Bond”, He said “I read his books too and anything else I can get my hands on.”

He had laughed and that day was the beginning of a unique friendship, a pretty girl, boys were eager befriend and a boy with a girlish personality.

Maria looked at the books on the shelves, neatly arranged, her priceless collection of literature, history and fiction and she smiled as fond memories of her friend, found their way in her thoughts, lost they had been through the ravines of time. The one path they had walked had separated in two and their dreams and passions sat on the shelves among the books, waiting.

She had not been home for a long time, having married and moved away, becoming a mother, a social worker and sales representative and the girlhood dreams she had nurtured to become a lawyer, became lost, somewhere, fate changing the course of her life.

She took down a book of poems he had given her as a Valentine’s gift and as she flicked through, a worn piece of paper fell from between the pages – it was the shape of a heart with their names printed – ‘Maria & Martin – Friends forever’.

Not a birthday nor a valentine did he forget for the five years they went to high school and the few years beyond that. It was a friendship the boys in school couldn’t understand for he did not have the looks and characteristics of a full blooded male and she was spending her time with him on lunch dates and movies, not even the girls who had boyfriends could understand that strange relationship.

Only Maria knew it was not an attraction where the heart speaks of love nor the passion of a kiss. It was holding his hand to stop the taunts and the ridicule as he fought an inner battle to find a foothold in a man’s world.

She had begun to understand the feelings of infatuation and love, from those who paid court to her, as the years went by but she did not leave her friend, protecting his image ► Continued on page VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

III

WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE

(The following is an Extract of an interview that I had done with Oonya Kempadoo in Georgetown, Guyana in February , 2015.

Kempadoo’s first novel, BUXTON SPICE, was an instant success. It was on the London bestseller list throughout 1999, nominated for the 2000 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. The novel was translated in French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and Hebrew. Her second novel, TIDE RUNNING, won the Casa de las Americas Literary Prize of Cuba. Kempadoo’s third novel was recently released.)

Petamber Persaud (PP) - Congratulations on your new book – your easy or difficult it becomes to read and how well that flow is working or not. That is my third novel; how do you feel now that the book is now in the public focus in working and editing the language in the narrative. But the characters drive domain? what needs to happen in the book – the plot. The themes I look back at afterwards Oonya Kempadoo (OK) - I feel relief, a big relief because it and see what readers and reviewers help me to identify. To me it starts with took a long time in coming... story and you don’t know where it is going but if you are honest and pay (PP) - How long? attention to what the characters want to say and want to do next, that drives (OK) - Ten years. the narrative forward.

(PP) - (Questioning look mixed with amazement) Wow (PP) - It looks like a paradox – so much, so many things happening (OK)- Yes; writing off and on. It was a relief to release during, before and after the writing. And there is much more to the process it finally. of writing. During the process of writing, you would come into contact with (PP) - I’ve listened to writers likening this moment to other writers and books. Let’s for a moment talk about those influences. giving birth – carrying the idea for months/years, the labour (OK) - For me, growing up in Guyana, when I started my first pains...And the arrival of your advance copy, checking to see book, ‘Buxton Spice’, the most powerful influence was reading the limbs/pages are intact, if it smells good, etc...

‘Canary Row’ by Steinbeck and ‘Miguel Street’ by Naipaul.

(OK) - Checking to see if it is crying/responding....

Those two books read together while I was in a village setting (PP) - There is a period of seventeen years from your first novel, – observing and interacting with characters and village life ‘Buxton Spice’ to ‘All Decent Animals’, time enough to examine the very similar to those two volumes - gave me some sort of idea impact of your writing. If someone was to write a paper on the art then that it would be important to start doing some character of Oonya Kempadoo, what would you like to see mention? sketches. So that was one of my earlier influences helping me (OK) - That’s a difficult question because I strongly feel to believe I can also write. I didn’t start writing then; much everyone is entitled to interpret a work according to his/her later. But I believe ‘Miguel Street’ is a wonderful collection own knowledge and experience. The reading of the work is of character study and it is still very inspiring to me. what completes the journey you started off on, propelled by From Naipaul’s other book, ‘The Lost of El Dorado’, the desire to share a story, an idea....To me after it is written I use a lot information in my research on Trinidad for my and it is published, when someone is able to read it and rethird novel [All Decent Animals]. imagine it, reinterpret it according to their own understanding I know the politics of Naipaul and Trinidad... and experience, that completes the cycle and that’s the (PP) - ...and Guyana...and India... reward for sharing stories.

(OK) - But I really respect his work – his critical So it is difficult to answer the question of what I eye and harsh observation is what really helped me would like to see put down on paper about my work. But as a writer. Sam Selvon – I love his work ...how Oonya Kempadoo my work is used in gender studies. Sex and sexuality is he deals with the language to get the flow, flow is a theme in every piece of my work. The language of the everything, flow is important even though I want to Caribbean, how the dialect is used, and for me, I don’t be true to the language as much as possible, it must know if this comes across, the reflection of contemporary Caribbean society, is important. not stop and stumble you. Selvon’s work is lovely to read.

(PP) - To me, it seems that the writer is taking a big risk leaving all that work to the reader.

(PP) - Some other influences...

(OK) - I don’t see it as a risk. I see it as a gift really – that you give and you release. And it’s beyond the control of the writer how anyone should read a work. And why should I want to Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 control that? Reading is the only process that activated the imagination in a way in which you have to add colour, sound, light; bringing all of the senses into play in order to fill a picture. or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com When you read, you activate those parts of the brain, different from say looking at a movie where there are some of those already.

Writing allows someone to create this whole other experiential world from the word. Reading allows each person to draw from his/her own particular experience, observation and whatever makes up your way of thinking. So I think the reading is the most beautiful part of the process. I believe in the right of the reader and I don’t believe I have the right to say this is the right way or the wrong way to read my work. I can only control what I put down on the page, but beyond there is not up to me.

(PP) - Talking about control: What aspects of the writing do you control or what drives your writing?

(OK) - The characters control a lot. But I pay a lot of attention to the language – the rhythm, the flow of how

IV

REPARATIONS

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By Tajeram Mohabir

HEN slavery and Apprenticeship ended in 1833 and 1838 respectively, it brought a formal close to a dark era of unspeakable brutality, but it did not automatically abolish the psychological miseries inflicted on the oppressed.

The effects of the scars were felt by their descendants, who today are seeking reparations for their social and economic underdevelopment, which are due to policies set in train by their former colonial masters.

Distinguished Caribbean academic and Chairman of the Caricom Reparations Commission, Professor Hilary Beckles, in an address to the House of Commons on July 16, 2014, pointed to the revealing evidence.

“Jamaica, Britain’s largest slave colony, was left with 80 per cent black functional illiteracy at Independence in 1962. From this circumstance, the great and courageous Jamaican nation has struggled with development and poverty alleviation. The deep crisis remains.

“This Parliament owes the people of Jamaica an educational and human resource investment initiative,” he said, mentioning Barbados as another example.

“Barbados, Britain’s first slave society, is now called the amputation capital of the world. It is here that the stress profile of slavery and racial apartheid; dietary disaster and psychological trauma; and the addiction to the consumption of sugar and salt, have reached the highest peak. The country is now host to the world’s most virulent diabetes and hypertension epidemic.

“This Parliament owes the people of Barbados an education and health initiative.”

He noted that it is the same for The Bahamas, the Leeward and Windward Islands, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, and beyond.

Calls for reparation from former colonial masters have reverberated in some quarters in the Caribbean, and in recognition of the vibes, CARICOM Heads of State Sub Committee on Reparations (of which President Donald Ramotar is a member), voted unanimously in July 2013 to seek reparations.

The first step of the legal process is to have dialogue and negotiations with the European President Donald nations involved.

Ramotar, who is a The Terms of Reference from member of CARICOM CARICOM provides the frameHeads of State work under which the necessary Sub Committee on historical information is gathered Reparations in a systematic way to create evidence for any claim.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Guyana Reparations Committee Chair Dr Eric Phillips said that after the relevant information is obtained and assessed by the Government and African organisations, as well as individual experts; the process going forward is through the CARICOM Reparations Commission and the CARICOM Heads of States Subcommittee on Reparations, which will initiate contact with the appropriate European nations.

DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION There are 12 CARICOM Reparations Committees, and according to Dr Phillips, for Guyana, this means first contacting Britain and Holland to seek a resolution diplomatically and politically.

“If this fails, then the International Court of Justice is then approached under the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) Convention, which is UN-based,” he said.

The Guyana Reparations Committee has completed its information collection and is now in the process of developing a claim based on inputs from the CARICOM Reparations Commission led

by Professor Beckles, and from local inputs.

The information gathered has been shared with the Government of Guyana through Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, and Director of Culture Dr James Rose.

Local experts will also be brought into the process in an official manner in due course, Dr Phillips said, noting that eminent economist Dr Clive Thomas would be one of those individuals.

“The National Reparations Committee is not in a position to release this information to the public, as the process is ongoing and there are no definite numbers yet.

“Validation of the information collected by the Guyana Reparations Committee is an ongoing process, and evaluation methodologies will be coordinated with the CARICOM Reparations Commission

for consistency, since we are dealing with a legal case,” he told the Guyana Chronicle.

STRONG CASE General Secretary of the Guyana Rastafarian Council, Ras Ian, who sits on the Guyana Reparations Committee, told this publication that Guyana has a strong case for reparation.

He pointed out that Guyana was one of the most productive countries during slavery, noting that a slave in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago at the time was valued at some 51 pounds, compared to 17 pounds in Jamaica and elsewhere in the region.

In Guyana, during slavery, Africans reportedly cleared, drained and reclaimed some 15,000 square miles of swampland and forest, the equivalent of some 9,000,000 acres of land. In short, all fields on which the sugar estates are now based were cleared, drained and irrigated by African labour forces. All plantations now turned villages were built by unpaid African labour.

These incidents, Ras Ian said, happened under extremely harsh conditions, resulting in a high mortality rate among slaves.

He also pointed out that after slavery had ended, the suffering of Africans continued under a policy of deliberate economic strangulation by Britain, which had handsomely compensated slave masters, but gave the slaves nothing.

Professor Beckles, an Economic Historian, in his speech to the House of Commons, noted that the British Parliament in 1833 determined that the 800,000 enslaved people in the Caribbean were worth, as chattel property, 47 million pounds. This was their assessed market value.

The Parliament determined that all slave owners should receive just and fair compensation for the official taking away of their prop-

Guyana Reparation Committee Chair, Dr Eric Phillips

Professor Clive Thomas

erty, and provided the sum of 20 million pounds in grants to the slave owners as fair compensation for the loss of their human chattel.

“And we know that this Parliament determined that the enslaved people would receive none of this compensation. The argument made in this House was that ‘property’ cannot receive property compensation. This Parliament, in its Emancipation Act, upheld the law that black people were not human, but property,” he said in his address.

The international historian revealed that what the British Parliament hid from the world is that it had also determined that the remaining 27 million pounds would be paid by the enslaved people to their

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

- A unified movement to repair the deep psychological and physical scars of slavery

enslavers, by means of a four-year period of free labour, called Apprenticeship.

CANNOT BE VALUED Ras Ian has said that no amount of money can compensate for the damage inflicted on Africans by their former colonial masters.

He pointed out that his “brethren” have added repatriation to the reparations drive.

He said reparation means a lot to Africans and the Rastafarian community, as it will, in a meaningful way, bring some relief to them.

Dr Phillips had said that, should Guyana succeed in its efforts, the money would go towards establishment of an African Development Bank and an African and Amerindian Development Fund.

Strong emphasis will be placed on empowering Africans financially while providing them better health care and education services.

Professor Thomas, in an interview with another section of the media, contended that the money should not be placed under the care of Government. He expressed a different view on how the money should be spent.

“The households and individuals should get the support that is estimated from the grants given for reparations and handed to the slaves. I think some of them will make constructive decisions,” he said, noting that he was confident that persons would make the best use of the compensation.

“Some of them will probably clear debts, purchase houses, probably get into some business and things that would encourage a Government to grow,” he has said.

PRECEDENT In June 2013, the British Government compensated Kenya for losses in a bloody revolt against British rule in the 1950s.

The BBC reported that Kenyans tortured by British colonial forces during the Mau Mau uprising received payouts totalling 20 million pounds.

Then British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the UK Government recognised Kenyans were tortured, and it "sincerely regrets" the abuses that took place.

A lawyer for the victims, the BBC reported, said they "at last Guyana Rastafarian have the recognition and justice Council General they have sought for many years".

Secretary, Ras Ian Thousands of people were killed during the Mau Mau revolt against British rule in Kenya in the 1950s.

The Jews who suffered greatly at the hands of German Leader Adolph Hitler during the Holocaust were also compensated by Germany.

The enslavement of Africans in the Caribbean has also been described as a Holocaust.

Professor Beckles, who is also Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, said the case of genocide is not only in respect of “our decimated native community”. He stressed that it is also important to recognise the genocidal aspect of chattel slavery in the Caribbean.

British slave ships brought 5.5 million enslaved Africans into their Caribbean colonies over a period of 180 years, and when slavery was abolished in 1838, there were just 800,000 persons remaining, a retention/survival rate of 15 per cent.

“Caricom Governments, like the Government of Great Britain, represent nations that are independent and equal. As such, they should proceed on the basis of their legitimate equality, without fear of retribution, in the best interest of humanity, and for a better future for us all,” Professor Beckles urged.

The General Assembly of the United Nations, on December 23, proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent, commencing 1st January 2015 and ending on 31st December 2024, with the theme ‘People of African descent: recognition, justice and development’.

The main objective of the International Decade is to promote respect, protection and fulfillment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for people of African descent, as recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It is with this in mind that Guyana, under the leadership of President Ramotar and the sterling efforts of Dr Phillips, has been pushing for reparation, as this is viewed as not only a means of restoring the pride of the African people, but also as a vehicle to improve their social and economic standing in society.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

V

WRITINGS, PUBLICATIONS, AND GUYANA (Part XV111: Finale)

A NEW LITERATURE, by and about Guyanese, is vitally needed Terence Roberts

S

By Terence Roberts

eigners like himself no doubt. When he describes twelve local Jurors faces as: “the story of Guyana, a hotchpotch of displaced souls, slaves, Amerindians, Dutch conquerors, ‘chineymen’, Irish adventurers, Scottish cattlemen, pirates, pioneers and Pathans. Together this volatile mix made up a population...” , all this is just a frustrated exaggeration of his own revulsion before the Guyanese cosmopolitan and miscegenated identity. Because, wracked by his own historical European guilt, the writer cannot see that Guyanese who were of all these backgrounds, or were racially mixed, were no longer ‘black, red, white, yellow, etc’, but simply creole Guyanese, for whom "self esteem" is not based on the pros and cons of past historical "slave culture", whose "favouritisms" the writer feels racially guilty of, but on the self-pride of WHOEVER, however miscegenated, they turned out to be.

It is significant that Gimlette mentions a Guyanese lack of knowledge of the huge continent at their backs (largely orchestrated by British colonialism), writing: “they've totally

INCE 2000, three journalistic travel books by three foreign writers have appeared on contemporary Guyana. They were published by three different American publishers (with European reprints).

These books are not concerned with presenting a balanced, correct, and broad view of Guyana, for example: descriptions of its past and present literature, photos of its writers, their book covers, painters, their paintings, periodicals, museums, past cinemas, postage stamps, ships, architecture, influential intellectuals, etc.

Instead, these books are new examples of how biased, sensationally opportunistic, and blindly one-dimensional writings and publications on Guyana can become. Perhaps there is a reason behind this sort of literature, which is linked to a and fatalistic stereotype already projected unto the society and pre-fabricated commercial foreign trend which is only interestnation by these writers. The cover of Bhattacharya’s book says ed in those examples of (Third World?) Guyanese attitudes and its ‘a novel’. Really? But either way, as fiction or journalistic lifestyles which exhibit a coarse, crude, fact, it delivers nothing more than the extreme, violent, uneducated, corrupt, and writer’s lop-sided miniscule experience uncultured mentality. Such people can Since 2000, three journalistic travel books by three and knowledge of Guyana and Guyabe found, of course, in every nation and foreign writers have appeared on contemporary nese, past or present. society; but somehow they seem naturally Guyana. They were published by three different When the writer discovers anyto fit the overall definition, the correct American publishers (with European reprints). thing more intelligent than the slang summary of the inhabitants of present day These books are not concerned with presenting of the street (‘Gimme a lil ting nuh, Guyana, as presented by ‘Searching For soldier?’), or a class of people who a balanced, correct, and broad view of Guyana, El Dorado’ (2003, Doubleday) by Marc call each other: chiney, Putagee, buck, for example: descriptions of its past and present Herman; ‘Wild Coast’ by John Gimlette coolie, blackman, redman, half-breed, (2011, Knopf); and ‘The Sly Company Of literature, photos of its writers, their book covers, etc, it is devalued and belittled. For People Who Care’ (2012, FSG) by Rahul painters, their paintings, periodicals, museums, example, when he attends a Satyagit Bhattacharya. past cinemas, postage stamps, ships, architecture, Ray film at the Castellani House 'Clasinfluential intellectuals, etc.

Instead, these books sic Tuesdays' Film programme, he THE EL DORADO CLICHE are new examples of how biased, sensationally describes the audience as a "handful of mostly foreigners". Maybe the film opportunistic, and blindly one-dimensional writings Herman's book is mostly concerned wasn't that popular man! Because, as and publications on Guyana can become. with all sorts of adventurous Guyanese one of the founders of 'Classic Tuesgold seekers, who trek into the remote days', along with the Right Honorable wilderness with a desperate urge to get rich Janet Jagan, the curator, and Sadie, a quick. We can therefore expect the sort of Castellani Committee member, we recrude attitudes and behaviour he records. To Herman's credit resisted the influences of the continent all around.” But which peatedly had capacity Guyanese film fan crowds, when extra however, we can also see a larger, more corporately crude at- Guyanese are he referring to? The drunks, felons, murderers, chairs had to be found at showings of films like Guisseppe titude to the extraction of mineral wealth and pollution of the con-men, various opportunists and uneducated street people he landscape, he mentions, and those wealthy privately financed chose to consult, listen to, and report on? If the writer sought Tornatore's 'Cinema Paradiso' (the programme opener); AntonAmerican gold seekers, totally ignorant of Guyana's specific out facts about numerous Guyanese professionals, artists, ad- ioni's 'Blow Up'; De Sica's 'Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow'; human and geographic identity, which we see in silly TV epi- venturers, who since the 1960s have either emigrated, lived, Jean Negulessco's 'Humoresque'; Preminger's 'Laura'; Wilder's sodes on Guyana in programmes like ‘Gold Rush’. Indeed, the worked, or travelled in Latin America, he would not write such 'The Apartment'; Kazan's 'Wild River', etc, and a hundred other Classic films. And as regards Georgetown's architecture being perpetuation of the term ‘El Dorado’, should remain confined stereotypical conclusions. wasted, the writer must have never seen Queenstown, Kingsto the label on Guyana's best and most expensive rum; the rest ton, Subryanville, Bel Air Park, Bel Air Gardens, Prashad BHATTACHARYA'S 'NOVEL' is just the worn out exploitation of a colonial myth.

Nagar, Croal Street, north Camp Street or west Middle Street.

Such writings and publications if read by Guyanese, Missing from both Gimlette's 'Wild Coast' and BhattachaGIMLETTE'S ‘WILD COAST’ at home or abroad, can encourage them to have low, rya's 'The Sly Company Of People Who Care' are educated crude, and uneducated estimations of themselves and their John Gimlette’s 2011 book, ‘Wild Coast’, with seldom Guyanese University, College, and High school students, seen historical photos and antique illustrations, is nicely professors, intellectuals, writers, artists, curators, architects, abilities, and of their national identity. It also encourages written, yet foolishly marred by the writer’s obvious op- editors, etc; both books are similarly focused on negative an- foreign readers to EXPECT such stereotypes as the genportunistic choice, or selection, of certain historical data ecdotes and reactions, as though competing for clichéd trendy uine, or GENERAL nature of Guyanese people, when they appear in creative literature by Guyanese writers, and references (which I have complete knowledge of, since sensational subject matter.

It is as if Guyana has no intelligent, well-informed, or or books by foreign writers focusing on Guyanese society, I have read in entirety all the historical books on Guyana he refers to), which help him to project the fabrication of cultured people, never had them, or indeed, is not SUPPOSED past or present. A new literature, by and about Guyanese, an impression he seeks to create in readers; mostly for- to have such people, in order to conveniently fulfill a debased is therefore vitally needed.

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

CHEDDI JAGAN - A MAN OF IDEAS

T

By Hydar Ally HE late Dr. Cheddi Jagan was known for many things - as a radical politician, a revolutionary, a statesman, a visionary, a prolific writer and a man of ideas.

His ideas and visionary leadership are as relevant today as they were decades ago when he first entered the political stage.

I propose in this article to focus on Dr. Jagan’s ideas, his vision and his dialectical mind in which he was able to make predictions and draw conclusions based on a scientific intrepretation of the socio-economic and political situation which existed not only in Guyana but at the international situation.

Few men were gifted with that ability to correctly and scientifically define the course of history and politics in Guyana and the world at large based on an objective analysis of prevailing reality.

From an early stage in his political career, he came to realise that for development to take place people must be meaningfully involved in the political life of their country.

When he came back from his studies in the United States in the early 1940’s, he found that the majority of people were not allowed to vote because they were too poor and because they were illiterate.

In those days, children, especially girls, were taken out from school Dr Cheddi Jagan at an early age to help out at home so that their parents could work in

The late Dr. Cheddi Jagan was known for many things - as a radical politician, a revolutionary, a statesman, a visionary, a prolific writer and a man of ideas. His ideas and visionary leadership are as relevant today as they were decades ago when he first entered the political stage. the cane fields or the rice fields. Because of that, many of them were unable to read and write and so they were not allowed to vote. In those days, only the rich people and people with income or property were allowed to vote.

He realised that without democray, development could not take place and he and his Party, the PPP which he founded in January 1950, led the struggle for the right to vote for all Guyanese, what is known as universal adult suffrage.

The PPP contested the elections of 1953 which for the first time was held under universal adult suffrage. The PPP won a landslide victory, winning 18 out of 24 seats. The PPP was removed from office a mere three months later due mainly to its working class orientation.

Secondly, Dr. Jagan realised that unless people were free, they cannot participate in the development of their country. So he led the fight for political independence from Great Britain.

In those days the country was ruled by the British Government through the Queen’s representative, the Governor-General. Dr. Jagan and the PPP fought for independence which was finally won on May 26, 1966. In those days, the entire sugar industry was owned by foreigners who owned not only the sugar estates but all the major companies. The country was dubbed ‘Bookers’ Guyana because of the stranglehold which Bookers had on the local economy.

Thirdly, Dr. Jagan realised that no country can develop unless there is development of its human resources. So he began to build more schools and training institutions including the University of Guyana which was his brain child. The Opposition was critical of his idea to set up the University which they mockingly referred to as ‘Jagan Night School’.

Fourthly, he realised that no country can develop and prosper unless there is racial unity. He did his best to involve all the people in nation building at one time offering the PNC half of the government in the 1960’s when there were racial tension engineered by the United States and other countries to remove the PPP from office. The PNC refused the offer and teamed up with foreign vested interests and local reactionary forces to destabilise the PPP Government.

Fifthly, Dr. Jagan realised that there could be no development when the country was saddled with huge foreign debt. He was a strong advocate for the cancellation of foreign debt which at one time was eating up nealy 90% of the country’s revenue. Thanks to his strong advocacy role, Guyana and many other heavily indebted countries have had a large portion of their debts either cancelled or rescheduled. Today, thanks to Dr. Jagan, our debt burden was significanly reduced to just around five percent or so of revenues.

Sixthly, Dr. Jagan realised that for development to take place there must be peace.

For him, too much money is spent on wars and on the military and he showed in his book ‘A New Global Human Order’ how a small reduction in military spending could send every child to school, provide enough for every man, woman and child to eat to their full.

Seventhly, he realised that for development to take place there must be a fairer system of trade and aid. The rich countries continue to exploit the poor countries by buying our raw materials cheap and seeling manufactured goods at exhorbitant prices. In addition, they are ruining the Hydar Ally livlihoods of local farmers by way of subsidies to their own farmers.

Eightly, he realised that we must protect and preserve our environment but in doing so we must be compensated for preserving our forests. Today Guyana is a major beneficiary of financial assistance from Norway in its Low Carbon Development Initiative.

Ninthly, Dr. Jagan realised that we have to mobilise all sections of the society for development. This is why he came up with the idea of the National Democratic State in which there is a balance between labour and capital in addition to clean, inclusive and participatory governance Tenthly, he called for a new paradigm of development in which there will be prosperity for all based on a new development model which is not exploitative but where the fruits of labour will be equitably distributed.

He realised that existing models based on market principles are inadequate to provide a good life for everyone. The neo-liberal model of demand and supply must be replaced by a more humane order. It is to the credit of Dr. Jagan that his New Global Human Order sponspored by Guyana had been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

Plaintiff Llewellyn Singh loses Will case & property

VII

- in 1992 judgment favouring counter-claim defendant

I

By George Barclay

from the property of the deceased’s estate.

N a legal battle in 1992 over a Will relating to ownership of a huge property at Cummings & Regent Streets, Georgetown, Justice Lennox Perry dismissed plaintiff Llewellyn Singh’s claim after finding that the Will upon which his case was hinged never existed.

The judge ordered that the Action dealing with the Will -dated 9th November, 1984 and said to be made by Lawrence Emanuel Becuni Singh (deceased) in favour of the plaintiff -- be dismissed.

Justice Perry added, “I am satisfied that the plaintiff has failed to satisfy this court that there ever existed a Will dated the 9th November, 1984. Accordingly, the plaintiff’s action is hereby dismissed and judgment is hereby given in favour of the defendant, Lloyd Samuel Bridgewater, on his counter-claim. It is ordered that the Will, dated the 9th of June 1984 (and) introduced by the defendant as being made by Lawrence Singh (deceased) and (made) in favour of defendant, be admitted Probate in solemn form as the last Will and testament of the deceased Lawrence Singh.”

The plaintiff’s story was that Lawrence Singh had made the Will in his favour on November 9, 1984, and had died the following month, on December 10, 1984.

Continuing, the judge said that, in his Statement of Claim, the plaintiff said that the deceased left no other Will than the one of 9th November, 1984.

The defendant, on the other hand, sought to propound a Will purported to have been executed by the said deceased, and dated the 9th day of June 1984.

According to the judge, in respect to the Will dated the 9th day of June 1984, the plaintiff contended that:(a) The said Will was never signed and/or executed by the deceased.

In his judgment, Justice Perry had said that the plaintiff had sought the following relief from the Court: (i) That this Honourable Court decree and pronounce Probate in Solemn Form of and in favour of the Last Will and Testament of Lawrence Emanuel Becuni Singh, deceased, dated 9th November 1984, the said testator having died on 10 December 1984, having a fixed place of abode, residence and domicile in Guyana. (ii) An injunction against the defendant restraining him and/or his servants and agents and otherwise from, in any manner, interfering with, or remaining on, the assets of the deceased estate of Lawrence Emanuel Becuni Singh, deceased. (iii) An appointment of the plaintiff as receiver of the property and assets of the said deceased’s estate. (iv) An order for the defendant as Executor de son tort, having intermeddled in the said estate, to account for all the assets and properties of the said deceased’s estate. (v) Damages in excess of $1,500 against the defendant. (vi) An injunction restraining the defendant, his servants and agents and otherwise, from disposing of, dealing with, or in any manner denuding the estate of its assets. (vii) An order for the defendant to replace and return to the estate all assets, things and properties disposed of by him. (viii) An order that the defendant do vacate and remove

(b) It does not and never approved the Will of the deceased, and that it goes counter and against all the expressed intentions of the deceased, the deceased having died on the 10th day of December, 1984 at his home. The defendant, the plaintiff said, has seized the possessions of the deceased, and has them in his possession.

The defendant, on the other hand, has denied all the allegations contained in the plaintiff’s statement of claim. It was disclosed by the defendant that, on the 21st day of December 1979, he purchased the disputed property at Lot 101 Regent and Cummings Streets from the deceased. The relevant documents relating to the said sale and purchase by him were duly filed at the Deeds Registry, and fees were paid on the 6th August 1980.

Justice Perry said that, despite the alleged sale of the property to the defendant, the deceased went on to execute the alleged Will dated 9th day of June 1984, naming the defendant as the sole beneficiary under the said Will.

The deceased also made other dispositions of his personal property to the defendant.

The judge noted that the Will tendered by the plaintiff, dated the 9th November 1984, which the plaintiff said was

George Barclay

executed in his favour by the deceased on that date, was never produced in Court.

And the certificate tendered from the Deeds Registry showed that no Will had been registered by the deceased or anyone on his behalf during that period.

According to the judge, when shown the Will dated 9th June 1984, that is: the Will alleged to have been executed by the deceased in favour of the defendant, Lloyd Samuel Bridgewater, the plaintiff said the signature indicated as that of the deceased was not in fact that of the deceased.

After hearing the witnesses for the plaintiff, the judge said he formed the distinct impression that they were witnesses of convenience, who had come to support the plaintiff’s case based on what he had told them.

He added, “I am satisfied that they never witnessed any Will executed by the deceased, as they stated in their evidence.

I did not believe them.”

Turning to the case for the defendant, the judge said the evidence of Attorney-at-Law Jainarayan Singh was very forceful and compelling. He is an attorney of some 40 years’ experience. He said he knew the deceased Lawrence E.B. Singh. The deceased, he said, had consulted him about the making of a Will. At that consultation, Mr Singh said, he had made notes of what the testator wanted done, and from those notes, he had prepared the Will.

At conclusion of preparation of the said Will, he had given Singh the document to read, and he himself had read it. He had examined the copy to see that the intentions of the testator were clear and had been carried out. He had asked Singh if the Will was correct, and Singh had answered in the affirmative.

Singh had then signed the said Will in his presence and in the presence of his secretary, who was the other subscribing witness.

Attorney-at-Law Jainarayan Singh had also signed as a witness to the said Will, the judge declared.

The judge said he was satisfied that the Will dated 9th June 1984 was properly and duly executed in accordance with the provisions of the Wills Act. Mr. Singh, the lawyer, had acted in a professional manner, and there was no reason to disbelieve his evidence.

The defendant, in his testimony, had said he was living with the deceased at the disputed property. He only knew the plaintiff by seeing him in Court.

Justice Perry said he was satisfied the plaintiff had failed to satisfy the Court that there ever existed a Will dated 9th November 1984. “Accordingly, the plaintiff’s action is hereby dismissed, and judgment is hereby given in favour of the defendant, Lloyd Samuel Bridgewater, on his counter-claim.

“And it is ordered that the Will dated 9th of June 1984 be admitted probate in solemn form as the last will and testament of the deceased Lawrence Singh,” the judge continued.

Costs are to be taxed in favour of the defendant, both on the claim and counter-claim, the judgment declared.

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

The Colour of Amethyst ► From page II

for all the five years of high school.

Maria replaced the book on the shelf and exited her old room for some fresh air in the garden, outside. As she sat on the swing, she thought, “I couldn’t believe I did that, no wonder it was so hard for him to move on.”

Maybe it would have been easier if she had, had a boyfriend and leave him to fight his own battles.

“But, maybe,” she thought, “It was meant to happen that way.”

She had stood by him as a friend, not to fall in love with and share her life, the beautiful young woman she had become and three years after graduating from high school, a shift to different paths in their lives begun.

Her heart found new desires, with cool, handsome guys, a new world of masculinity and charm for her as a woman, that would become a part of her life as she began dating and the further down that path, she walked, the farther back he was left, standing alone.

She had thought he would have found a life for himself, as he began to work and interacting with people of the outside world but what she did not know, that though he became more confident in himself as a guy, she had become

his world and he never wanted her to leave, for Maria the most difficult thing in her life, she had to do, was explaining to him, she did not share such close feelings. He was to her, just a special friend.

The pain in his eyes that day, that he tried to hide, left her with a sense of guilt and she did not see him again for a little while until they ran into each other at a book fair. He was with two beautiful girls, friends he said from the office where he worked and it pleased her heart, easing the guilt from her mind that he was getting somewhere with his life.

Two months later, on her birthday, he brought for her the amethyst pendant that he told her he hoped she would keep forever to remember him.

“Oh no,” Maria exclaimed and running upstairs to her room, she opened the desk drawer and took out the pendant.

“I left it here when I got married and moved away.”

She clasped the chain around her neck and whispered, cross at herself, “How could I have forgotten?”

Courtship with the one she had fallen in love with and marriage had changed all the plans of her younger days, drifting down a stream. She had thought life with him would have been like sailing on a cruise ship but instead it became a ship wreck. She laid in bed that night, sleepless for a long

time, thinking of the friend and the husband, how different they were. Her friend, had not a masculine outlook, classic and irresistible but his love for her was pure. He appreciated her as a woman and supported her ambition and desires, a tolerant and selfless character.

Maria sighed deeply and turned her face in the pillow, hoping she could have a peaceful night sleep.

She had given up her best friend for the one whom her heart had spoken and in whom she had seen a beautiful life but not long after marriage, she discovered he had worn a false face. He was not what he had made her believe and too late, she had found herself sharing her life with someone selfish and arrogant, who did not value her worth and who cared not for her desires and ambition, but he called it love.

She had felt betrayed and the beauty and wonderfulness of life she had believed in so much, walked away. But it had been her choice to marry him, the one she loved and she had to find all that was good and positive to make it work.

Maria’s eyes closed in sleep, the last thought on her mind, “I wonder if my friend is happy, if he found the right one to share his life?”

(To be continued…)

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

Let the competition beware!

XI

The Kross Kolor stars are ready ‘tuh roll and rumble’ at anytime!

By Alex Wayne

KROSS Kolor Records has, over the past fourteen years, always contributed to the success of Mashramani festivities in a grand way, especially in the area of music and the participation of its artistes in the various competitions.

And Burchmore Simon, CEO of Kross Kolor Records, says Mash is seen as the festival that provides excellent opportunities for artistes to express their creativity through the platforms of the Carib Soca Monarch, the Children’s Junior and Senior Calypso Monarchs, the Chutney Monarch, and the Road March competition.

Additionally, the annual float parade provides opportunities for costume bands to utilise Guyanese music on the road, thus giving some songs an additional avenue to gain popularity.

Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts, last year ’s reigning Road March Queen and four-time winner of this competition, entered the fray in 2015, gunning for the Carib Soca Monarch title and hoping to retain her road March Crown with her song ‘Massive’.

Another member of the team, Adrian Dutchin, three-time Carib Soca Monarch winner and seven-time Road March King, came as strong as ever with his song ‘592 Possee’.

Kemmyanna Grant also made her second appearance on the team with the song ‘One for my Country’. ‘Kemmy’, as she is more popularly known, won the best newcomer prize last year for her performance of ‘Designated Wina’.

She, too, had posed a challenge for the other contestants as well as her team members in the Carib

Jumo Primo

Adrian Dutchin

T’Shana Cort

Diana Chapman

Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Williams

Soca Monarch and the Road March competitions.

Making their first appearance on the Kross Kolor team also were Diana Chapman and T’Shanna Cort, both former participants in the GT&T Jingle and Song Competition.

Diana, former Junior Calypso Monarch, performed ‘No Politics in Calypso’, and her objective was to capture the crown ahead of the veteran calypsonians. She had refined her craft down to a science in this undertaking.

T’Shanna participated in the Junior Calypso Monarch by performing the song ‘Ansa Me’, for which she placed third. She has her eyes set on stealing the monarchy in this arena next year.

Mr Burchmore Simon is

predicting that T’Shanna will become one of the brighter shining stars in calypso in the very near future.

Kross Kolor Records hereby extends its sincerest wishes to this team for every success in the future.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

Sonia Noel brings ‘First Resort’ to the fashion arena

By Alex Wayne THE Sonia Noel brand is certainly expanding across the globe. Her Caribbean signature with an international twist has placed her atop the designers’ chart. She has a few brands under her name, the most recent of which is ‘First Resort’.

First Resort is a high-end resort-wear collection catering to trendy men. It possesses a charismatic ease, a confident elegance, and, moreover, a Caribbean essence.

This is Sonia's take on resort wear appropriate to our

clime. It captures a touch of her signature latticing, celebrates breathing textiles in easy-to-wear silhouettes and, above all, is resplendent of tropical/island style with an international appeal.

Sonia Noel Designs are present at all the major jazz and music festivals around the region. The label belongs in our fashion landscape, and it brands a person as a leader, not a follower. It says the wearer dares to make an alternative fashion choice from right here in our geographic reality. This is what defines a fashionable distinctive male or female from a fad-enthusiast who is constantly drifting

between styles.

Miss Noel has just concluded a photo shoot with photographer Sean Charles for her new catalog. Her designs will be on show at the Jamaican Vintage Tea Party in Florida.

“I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to create designs that change lives,” she said. “And I am so proud to be making a smashing fashion statement with First Resort."

Sonia has had well-known people wear her clothing, including Michelle Williams from Destiny Child. Her new Sonia Noel fashion label, most recently introduced to the public, is predicted to take the fashion world by storm.

Some of the pieces to be highlighted from the First Resort fashion line

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

XIII

Zack Orji’s son joins him in entertainment field

By Titilope Adeuja

W

ITH the rise of the parent-offspring collaborations going on in Nigeria, many of the celebrities might just turn the entertainment industry into a family business.

It would not be a bad idea for the child to carry on the legacy of one's parents in a chosen field, as precepts set by the parent could fast-track the rise of the child. Seems it might just be the fastest way to rise to prominence for the children who have their parents involved in the business.

Nollywood veteran, Zack Orji might just be the latest father-son enterprise in the entertainment market as his son, Leon-

ard Orji, going by the stage name of Leo’nel, is busy on Zack Orji and his son, Leo’nel the music scene.

He joins ranks with the likes of the late Justus Esiri and Sidney Esiri, better known as 'Dr. Sid'; Kunle Afolayan and his late father, Adeyemi Josiah Afolayan, called 'Ade-Love'; Femi Adebayo and Salami Adebayo, AKA 'Oga Bello'; Sunkanmi Omobolanle and Sunday

Omobolanle, AKA 'Papi Luwe'; and Dare Art Alade and his late musician father, Modupeola Afolabi JemiAlade, AKA 'Art Alade' in the entertainment quota.

Leo'nel, who has a Bachelors of Art degree from the University of Bradford, in the United Kingdom, studied Media Studies/Television. His first music act was in 2012 with a single titled, 'Rockstar'. (nigeriafilms.com)

Nadia Buari gives birth to twin girls - Rumour has it they’re Jim Iyke’s

By Maryjane Ezeh HE IS otherwise known as a ‘Nollywood bad-boy’, but Jim Iyke couldn’t care less about what people call him or say about him. According to him, nobody can define his life.

A few weeks ago, his 'BFF (Best Friend Forever)’, Nadia Buari, put to bed a set of adorable twins, and fingers have been pointing at the Anambra State-born actor as being the father of the babies.

In a recent interview, Jim stated clearly the kind of his kind of relationship with the pretty Ghanaian actress.

“You don't need a soothsayer to tell you; nor do you need a fake prophet to spell it out to you,” Jim said somewhat evasively, adding: “I am the kind of man that drops hints; I do not have to tell the whole story, because it makes you lose your mystique; it makes you lose the strength of your advantage over people. But here

I am with my BFF, an incredibly intelligent and beautiful person, and I think that is what I need in my life.”

Touching on why his middle name has become 'controversial', he quoted John Travolta, saying: “This is the worst time to be a celebrity, with the advent of social media. What we do right now, with all due respect, is really beyond Africa. It’s not continental anymore; it has a global appeal. I represent the Continent to the world.

“Controversy is something that finds you; you don't find it; it is a mysterious propensity.

“I have a knack for speaking my mind; a knack for doing something completely out of the norm. My philosophies are different; I can't do the conventional; I can't be conformed; I don't go with the bandwaggon; I cannot be affiliated with a group or persons or philosophy or idealism. I never go to the press on my own. The point is, it finds me, not because I welcome it, but because I exist

in an industry where I want to benefit from without allowing the effect of the industry to rub off on me. When little is known about a person that is in the public eye, things will be created in order to fit that gap, and a lot of times, they are blown out of proportion.

“There are bloggers that know next to nothing about journalism; they are what I like to call 'cut-and-paste journalists' who pretty much go to your Twitter timeline, crop everything on there, word for word, then paste it on their blog. Everything is so easy now; and everybody is incredibly lazy, and that is sad. So, these are some of the things that give birth to a great deal of controversy when there is none.

“I mean, what have I done that is so seriously out of context that no one else has ever tried; we are human beings with all our feelings, our mistakes, shortcomings and weaknesses.

That is what makes us unique in who we are." (nigeriafilms.com)

Chika working on becoming a good housewife

By Nathan Nathaniel Ekpo

NOLLYWOOD’s Chika Ike will surely make a good wife someday after attempting to prove to her fans that aside having a chef at home, she is a good cook.

The actress, who has been busy with her African Divas reality show and various tours, wakes up early every morning to make her food herself without anyone’s help.

Recall that some time ago, the actress had disclosed that she is not the perfect woman, but is working towards being a better person.

"I'm still a work in progress;still learning every day,” Chika says. “I don't know everything, but I definitely know the woman I am, and I am proud of her. I am totally on the right path to being the woman I want to become, and that's all that matters.” (nigeriafilms.com)

Chika in the kitchen

XIV

T

DRONES What are they and how do they work

o the military, they are UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) or RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems). However, they are more commonly known as drones.

Drones are used in situations where manned flight is considered too risky or difficult.

They provide troops with a 24-hour "eye in the sky", seven days a week. Each aircraft can stay aloft for up to 17 hours at a time, loitering over an area and sending back real-time imagery of activities on the ground.

Those used by the United States Air Force and Royal Air Force range from small intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance craft, and some light enough to be launched by hand, to medium-sized armed drones and large spy planes.

What are the usages drones?

• Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance • Checking for roadside bombs or devices on landing areas • Listening to mobile phone conversations • Helping understand daily routine of locals to see what is normal behaviour • Close Air Support • Following or attacking suspected insurgents Drones are seen by many in the military as delivering precision strikes without the need for more intrusive military action. However, they are not without controversy.

These strange-looking planes carry a wealth of sensors in their bulbous noses: colour and black-and-white TV cameras, image intensifiers, radar, infra-red imaging for low-light conditions and lasers for targeting. They can also be armed with laser-guided missiles.

Each multi-million-dollar Predator or Reaper system comprises four aircraft, a ground control station and a satellite link.

Although drones are unmanned, they are not unpiloted - trained crew at base steer the craft, analyse the images which the cameras send back and act on what they see. I wonder if we are going to have a few for May 11!

Galaxy S6 'Active' Leaks

It's the best Samsung Galaxy S6, so far!

Fans of Samsung didn’t have much to complain about the Galaxy S6 (and the S6 edge) apart from the fact that the two phones didn’t feature waterproof bodies, something that the previous gen flagships did have on offer. However, as expected, Samsung is indeed working on bringing the waterproof feature (among other rugged use-centric features) to the Galaxy S6, but via the Galaxy S6 Active.

The yet-unannounced Samsung Galaxy S6 Active has been in the news a lot over the past few days. First we discovered that its model number would be SM-G890 and apparently its screen size is 5.5".

A new rumour has now surfaced claiming to give us the full spec list for the S6 Active.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

And to start with, it contradicts that previous finding about display size, saying it will sport a 5.1-inch QHD (2,560x1,440) panel as the 'vanilla' Galaxy S6.

Moving on, we should also expect the successor to the Galaxy S5 Active to feature all of the other hardware innards of its non-rugged siblings, the S6 and S6 edge. So the same Samsung Exynos 7420 SoC, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, 16MP rear camera, and 5MP front snapper.

The one thing that will reportedly change is battery capacity, rumoured to come in at a whopping 3,500 mAh. That's more than what is inside the Galaxy Note 4 phablet, so we're a little wary of this particular detail - but hoping it will turn out to be right in the end.

The added ruggedness of the Active handset, coupled with the bigger battery has led to an increase in size compared to the Galaxy S6. The S6 Active will measure 146.9 x 73.6 x 8.8 mm, as opposed to 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm for the S6.

What isn't clear yet is if the S6 Active will come with a microSD card slot and a removable battery, unlike the S6 and S6 edge. Though, since it's identical in every other respect, you probably shouldn't hold your breath. No detail has been revealed about how rugged it will be, but these things should surface soon now that the leaks have started in earnest.

Windows 10 is great – but will it stop the PC from dying and taking Microsoft with it?

I’ve now been using Windows 10 for a month, and though it’s still just an early version

with lots of rough edges, I’m convinced that it’s going to be a solid desktop operating system for the world’s billion-odd mouse-and-keyboard users.

If you’re old enough, cast your mind back to 1995 and the imminent release of Windows 95. The excitement that surrounded Windows 95 was a palpable, global phenomenon driven partly by insane marketing stunts, but also people were earnestly excited by the idea of a new, colourful, plug-and-play desktop OS. Since the mid-to-late 2000s, the PC industry has mostly been treading water or steadily declining, while smartphones and tablets have enjoyed disgusting levels of success that are way, way beyond peak PC. In 2013, global smartphone shipments — not all cell-phones, just smartphones exceeded 1 billion units. PC shipments maxed out at around 350 million per year in 2010, and are now starting to decline quite rapidly.

By the time that Windows 10 comes out in mid-2015, who knows how low new PC sales will be and of course, after the debacle of Windows 8 and the negative sentiment that it engendered, Windows PC stalwarts might be inclined to buy a Mac instead, or join the smartphone/ tablet revolution. (And indeed, it says a lot that, while the PC industry has slumped over the last few years, Apple’s Mac division has enjoyed strong growth over the last few years.

This, I think, will be Windows 10’s undoing. Gone are the days of big, flashy OS releases. The annual releases of Android and iOS haven’t quite conditioned us to be completelyoblivious and underwhelmed by operating systems.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

XV

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

THE STRANGE THUMPING OF CUMFA DRUMS - by the Orderly

(Guyana Graphic July 16th, 1959) DOROTHY has passed the age of the rock ‘n roll, but according to Charles, her seaman neighbour, her cumfa dances are much worse.

Dorothy, he complained to Magistrate Dan Debidin yesterday morning, is a cumfa specialist.

And her weird dances go far into the morning, depriving him of much needed sleep.

“The whole house does shake,” Charles said.

But really, he was the defendant; for it was Dorothy who had summoned him for threatening her life during one of his outbursts.

She said Charles had threatened to stab her in her mole, and he had, by the time he reached the Court, trumped up the whole cumfa story.

Both Charles and Dorothy had walked with lawyers to plead their respective cases, and Charles got off to a flying start when his lawyer opened with the cumfa allegation.

“She dances the cumfa, the shaker’s dance,” he told the Magistrate, “and my client can’t get any sleep in the place.

“And she throws all sorts of strange things about the yard,” he added.

“Isn’t your client invited to these dances?” enquired Mr Debidin.

“He is a fisherman, sir”, counsel explained.

“Well, maybe he could introduce the Fair Maid aspect into the cumfa dancing,” the magistrate suggested with a straight face.

“But sir, the beating of the drums is keeping this man awake,” Charles’s lawyer protested.

“Well, it doesn’t make sense for him to speak to her during the cumfa dance. My understanding is that when the dancers are on the go, they don’t hear. Nothing can stop them,” the magistrate said.

Dorothy’s lawyer replied: “That’s nonsense! There is

nothing about cumfa dances, sir.”

“So what really happened?” the magistrate asked.

Dorothy’s lawyer explained: “He lives on the top flat. The house is Kailan’s house, and he wants to get this woman and another one who lives on the bottom flat out for Kailan.”

“Well, I wonder who is more powerful -- cumfa dances or Kailan?” Magistrate Debidin mused.

However, by this stage it was hard evidence that had to be taken to get to the truth of the matter, so Dorothy was placed in the dock.

She said that, on the day in question and after some talk, Charles had rushed her, snatched her by the neck, held a black knife over her head, and had threatened: “If you only open your mouth I gon stab you in you mole!”

“Mouth or mole?” Mr Debidin asked.

“Me mole, sir,” Dorothy answered.

“Do you have cumfa dances?” Charles lawyer cross-examined.

“No. I have a radio and a recorder changer,” Dorothy answered, and said she listens to rock ‘n roll music.

“You don’t do the shake-shake dance?”

“I have a record changer,” the lady insisted.

“So what does a record changer and rock ‘n roll music have to do with cumfa? Do you have recorded music?” the magistrate wanted to know.

“Yes, Your Worship, but I don’t dance cumfa,” Dorothy answered.

“Do you dance at all?”

“No, sir.”

“Well why should he come down and choke you?”

“We had a quarrel the morning and he came home drunk and attacked me,” Dorothy explained.

However, when Charles took the stand, he vehemently refuted Dorothy’s story.

He insisted that it was not rock ‘n roll music that had disturbed him during the nights, it was the strange thumping of the cumfa drums. Thump! Thump! Thump! he said.

“You insisting that she holds cumfa dances?” Mr Debidin asked.

Charles said: “Sir, these people does believe in witchcraft.

They carry things and throw at sea.

They have a way of burning things at your door mouth.

They got a lot of antics in them,” he added.

“And these dances rock the house, you say?” the magistrate asked.

“Yes, sir,” Charles answered.

THE SLEEPING WATCHMAN (A Poem by the Walking Man)

A watchman had a dream one night That he had won some money He told his boss the morning bright With glowing ecstasy But the witty boss just let him brag And told him with a smile Kindly deposit your sleeping bag And leave my place in style.

He added: “She lying! I never choke her or threaten her with a knife.”

“But you were in liquor the day, and you threatened to stab her in her mole!” Dorothy’s lawyer told him.

Charles said: “Me, sir? Never! I must be staring mad.”

“Not staring mad but drunken mad!” Dorothy’s lawyer retorted.

Mad or not, Magistrate Debidin, in the end, believed that Charles had been influenced by the cumfa drums and had indeed attacked Dorothy.

The Magistrate said: “Indeed, there are some people who believe in foolishness. I see them throwing eggs all about the court yard. I see the egg shells. But I believe that you threatened her with a knife.”

He fined Charles $10, and Dorothy, the alleged cumfa specialist, departed the courtroom with a mysterious smile on her face.

HE ‘CONQUERED’ KAIETEUR – after 28 years (Guiana Graphic July 10, 1959)

TWENTY-EIGHT years ago, Mr Edward Cheong was rather scared to make a trip to see Kaieteur Falls; this although he worked in the Potaro just a few miles away from the ‘wonder fall’. He was afraid of the dense jungle and other dangerous minor falls.

But since then, he always felt that he had cheated himself. So, two weeks ago, Mr Cheong, now 50 and a shop proprietor, made up his mind to put his heart at ease. He decided to make an overland trip to the mighty Kaieteur with a small party.

He made it. He had satisfied himself.

Now Mr Cheong has suggestions to make to Government. He told the Graphic that everything should be done to encourage local people - and foreigners - to visit Kaieteur.

On his trip, he climbed to the summit of the Fall. He said: “I have never seen such splendour. I don’t know why people in this country spend their vacation abroad.”

It took Mr Cheong 10 days to make peace with himself, travelling by lorry and boat.

Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at cliffantony@gmail.com or cell phone # 694 0913

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

Many people are ‘work-shopped out’ - according to GRPA’s Executive Director

By Telesha Ramnarine

T

HE Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) believes that many people are “work-shopped out” and hence has been fo-

cusing on developing more concrete, “creative” means of getting things done.

“We have been working on new initiatives; some quite creative things because we have realised that people are all workshopped out. You go to a workshop and eat lots of pastries and that's about it.

And you go to some and see the same people all the time. So it's like their career. We have to measure the impact the workshops are having on the communities,” GRPA’s Executive Director Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth said recently.

She told the Chronicle at her Quamina Street, Georgetown office that

You go to a workshop and eat lots of pastries and that’s about it.

And you go to some and see the same people all the time.

So it’s like their career.

PATRICIA SHEERATTAN-BISNAUTH

RENUKA ANANDJIT GRPA will be expanding its services and its amount of working hours. “We have to think about late afternoons and sometimes even Saturdays, half day.”

Meanwhile, Programme’s Director Renuka Anandjit spoke a bit about GRPA’s ‘Choices Project’ which focuses on youths, although it caters for parents and adults too.

“To really serve the youth population, you need to target everybody because it's everybody's concerns; it impacts everybody,” she

said.

The project focuses on promoting access to services, promoting access to comprehensive sexuality education and promoting the Caribbean framework to reduce teenage pregnancy.

It will be implemented in four regions across Guyana, namely Regions One to Four (Barima/ Waini, Pomeroon/Supenaam, Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara, and Demerara/Mahaica).

Endorsing Sheerattan’s

remarks that they are trying to stay away from the typical workshop scenario, Anandjit said: “We are trying to move away from training oriented initiatives. We are doing a lot of information sessions but we are doing it in a creative way.

“We are trying to push edu-tainment (Education and Entertainment). It makes an impact. We will incorporate a lot of drama into our deliveries and train a core group of volunteers and persons associated with the organisation to really branch out into the communities to deliver this information.”

Furthermore, she said GRPA will be targeting in and out of school groups from selected schools in the four regions. GRPA also plans to work with the New Opportunity Corps.

“We are going to have health promoters on the ground, so each region will have one or two health promoters who are going to be doing these sessions and working closely with established health centers.

“We have a set relationship with health care providers and they will do referral services. It creates a safer bond when you have a go-to person as opposed to just going in there. That referral service works very well,” Anandjit related.

The teams will be operating out of GRPA but will also be on the ground providing mobile services.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

XVII

* Frying Eggs The wife was busy frying eggs, when her husband came home. He walked into the kitchen and immediately started yelling… “CAREFUL!!! CAREFUL!!! MORE OIL!!! TURN THEM!!! TURN THEM NOW!!! WE NEED MORE OIL!!! THEY ARE GOING TO STICK!!!

CAREFUL!!! CAREFUL!!! TURN THEM!!! TURN THEM!!! HURRY UP!!! ARE YOU CRAZY!!!! THE OIL IS GOING TO SPILL!!! USE MORE SALT!!! THE SALT!!!!”

The wife was very upset, “What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you yelling like this? Do you think I don’t know how to fry an egg?”

The husband calmly replied, “This is to show you what it feels like for me when I am driving and you sit next to me…”

* Bridal Registry My sister went to the department store to check out the bridal registry of our niece whose wedding was coming up soon. When my sister returned from the store, she tossed the gift list on a table and declared, “I think she’s too young to get married.”

“Why do you say that?” I asked.

“Because,” she said, “they registered for Nintendo games.”

* Some yogurt visits a local bar Two cartons of yogurt walk into a bar. The bartender, who was a tub of cottage cheese, says to them, "We don't serve your kind in here."

One of the yogurt cartons says back to him, "Why not?

We're cultured individuals." * Magician “What’s your father’s occupation?” asked the school secretary on the first day of the new academic year.

“He’s a magician, Ma’am” said the new boy.

“How interesting. What’s his favourite trick?”

“He saws people in half.”

“Gosh! Now, next question. Any brothers or sisters?”

“One half brother and two half sisters.”

* New Driver’s License Junior had just received his brand new driver’s license. The family trooped out to the driveway, and climbed into the car, where he was about to take them for a ride for the first time. Dad immediately headed for the back seat, directly behind the newly minted driver.

“I’ll bet you’re back there to get a change of scenery after all those months of sitting in the front passenger seat teaching me how to drive,” said the beaming boy to the ol’ man.

“Nope,” came dad’s reply, “I’m gonna sit here and kick the back of your seat as you drive, just like you’ve been doing to me all these years.”

* I Deserve a First Class Seat A blonde gets on an airplane and sits down in the first class section of the plane. The stewardess rushes over to her and tells her she must move to coach because she doesn’t have a first class ticket. The blonde replies, “I’m blonde, I’m smart, I have a good job, and I’m staying in first class until we reach Jamaica.”

The disgusted stewardess gets the head stewardess who asks the blonde to leave. The blonde yet again repeats

“I’m blonde, I’m smart, I have a good job and I’m staying in first class until we reach Jamaica.” The head stewardesses doesn’t even know what to do at this point because they still have to get the rest of the passengers seated to take off; the blonde is causing a problem with boarding now, so the stewardess gets the co-pilot.

The co-pilot goes up to the blonde and whispers in her ear. She immediately gets up and goes to her seat in the coach section. The head stewardess asks the co-pilot in amazement what he said to get her to move to her correct seat. The co-pilot replies, “I told her the front half of the airplane wasn’t going to Jamaica.”

XVIII

ON THE MEND - It's practically a divorce without

L

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

the papers and children

ost girl here.

I’m 23 headed to 24. I’ve been dating my boyfriend eight years. He's my first, of course. We were head over heels from the start, but five years ago we had a horrific car accident. I was driving.

My boyfriend broke his neck and collarbone and had horrible things like burns.

The accident happened on his birthday. His best friend was with us and he broke his back and some ribs. I was 18, just out of high school, one month into my freshman year of college.

I took care of my boyfriend despite issues in his family life. I loved him and tried to balance going to school Monday through

Thursday with working Friday through Sunday. We had a hell of a time going through his healing but eventually we got some money in a settlement.

So we got our own place. We fought. I was enraged with anger at my life.

I fell hard for his friend, the one in the wreck with us, but my boyfriend found out.

Well, he kept me, though I continued to talk to his exbest friend who had other girlfriends.

Long story short, I am miserable. My boyfriend never changed for the better.

He's had a good job for over a year, but he never finished high school. I never finished college because of our constant fights. He never shows compassion or affection, and

I've always had his friend on my mind, though he has a girlfriend now.

I know I should leave my boyfriend because he doesn't satisfy me, but how? We have grown up together. We have a house and everything. It's practically a divorce without the papers and children, thank God! GISELLE ***************** Dear Giselle, In a famed poem by Coleridge, an ancient mariner wears a dead albatross around his neck as a legacy of his past. By the poem's end, however, the weight of the past and the albatross fall from the sailor's neck

and sink "like lead into the sea."

You also are carrying an albatross around your neck, the albatross of the wreck.

Your boyfriend blames you for the accident, and you blame yourself. You were driving a car that gravely injured two men. How much of your connection to these two is based on time and guilt?

Your boyfriend is wrong for you. You'd like to be with his best friend, but he is unavailable. Rarely do people have a chance to start over in life. But you do. You are a free young woman, or at least you can be.

Let the past bury the past. Be a new person in a new place. Untangle yourself and start over. Finish college and make yourself a better life, or the stench of this albatross will curdle your life.

WAYNE & TAMARA

Time's a-wastin' - Find a man who wants to

I

go in your direction

have been dating a man for the past four years.

I am 53 and he is 56. I divorced six years ago and he was a friend before my marriage. For the last four years we've only dated each other.

Many times he's told me he loves me, but I feel we are not moving past boyfriend and girlfriend. We don't live together because he says he is not ready for that.

He wants to be more financially stable, and he does not want to live with my son, a college student living at home while he gets an education.

When we are together, I go to his house. He almost never comes to mine. I asked if he ever wants to marry me and he says yes, but he doesn't know when. Why is this not moving toward living together or marriage? Should I continue down this path or move on?

DEBBIE *******************

Debbie, You are climbing up the ‘down escalator’.

You will never get to the top. Stop climbing. Find a man who wants to go in your direction.

WAYNE & TAMARA

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

XIX

XX

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

XXI

NOOTEN ZUIL The dreamy village where Father Time relaxes

I

By Alex Wayne HAVE always been mystified by the contented repose and dreamy tranquility of Nooten Zuil, and have often wondered why there was never the robust bustle of residents in the streets, the trademark aggressiveness of boisterous males hanging around, or that certain ring of music as the womanly joy of gossiping housewives rend the air with their shrill notes of merry laughter.

Each time I passed this village, its quiet repose was evident, as if it has distaste for the aggressive signs of life or disdained to exude the customary bustle and fuss so evident in many other villages.

Nooten Zuil is located on the East Coast of Demerara some 18 miles from the city of Georgetown; and, to date, according to reliable sources, has a population of just over 2,000 residents.

MY VISIT Piqued by curiosity, I recently decided to explore this village in an undertaking that came many years after its tranquility had first begun to fascinate me. I boarded a minibus and was taken on a swift if dangerous ride along the East Coast Demerara Highway, taking steep turns with alarming squeals

of tyres and sickening screeches of brake pads, until I arrived at the tranquil, contented village of Nooten Zuil, clothed in the pristine beauty of countryside simplicity.

Deemed by its residents as one of the quietest villages on the East Coast of Demerara, Nooten Zuil is one of those villages where a fruit tree can be found in every yard, a hammock is under every sturdy tree, and a kitchen garden supports almost every homestead.

Sandwiched between the villages of Belfield to the west and Hope to the east, the first thing that greets one upon entering Nooten Zuil is its tranquility. The sense of peace that pervades the village is interrupted only by the occasional sound of vehicles traversing the public road.

Residents of this ethnically mixed village say it is so quiet that they feel it is being constantly overlooked by those who are supposed to be tasked with its proper functioning. One resident jokingly said the village should be named the ‘Land of the Forgotten’, because nothing of major interest ever happens there, and consequently the village is not remembered by many.

OCCUPATION The main occupation of Nooten Zuil’s inhabitants is rice and cash crop farming, although some residents have, over

time, begun erecting small shops in the village to sell groceries and a few household items.

BYGONE TIMES The Nooten Zuil of today displays an affluence of sorts, but its lack of modern-day infrastructural features and that certain futuristic sophistication causes one to deem it “The Land where Father Time Relaxes”; it certainly does not lend itself to attracting the interest of today’s trend-setters.

Bursting with curiosity as to why the village has always exuded this Old World appearance, I was directed to an elderly farmer, Fazil Alli, who smilingly reminisced on his days in the village as a young boy.

“In my time,” he said, “this village was just like wasteland.

The few people that lived here would loose their many cows and sheep in the wide open pastures and let them graze their fill. There were no shops and stores and boutiques, like some villages (have now), and the village was quite muddy and watery in several areas.

“Being close to the Atlantic Ocean,” he continued, “we were flooded out many times, and the drainage in the village at that time was terrible. During that time, we had to travel sometimes outside the village to get good ► Continued on page XXII

Welcome to Nooten Zuil

NOOTEN ZUIL

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

► Continued on page XXI

drinking water and supplies for the kitchen. Most of the houses were thatch and shingle roof structures, and the only road in reasonable condition was the one that ran through the village.

“As I grew older,” he went on, “things changed a bit, and more houses began to pop up. Persons built and levelled their lands to avoid flooding, and things are what you see here today”.

A distinct Old World aura envelops this village with a sense of self-imposed reticence; and coupled with its almost sacred tranquility, Nooten Zuil holds a mysterious intrigue which I found a bit unsettling for my outgoing personality.

With just a smattering of shops, one lone boutique, and no popular nightclubs or ‘hot spots’ to offer entertainment for villagers, I find Nooten Zuil lacking in both proper recreational opportunities and facilities for youths. While the village shows signs of developing, villagers are of the view that the impending development is too slow for comfort.

XXIII

have its own health centre and a variety of educational institutions. Her sentiments were shared by several neighbours.

She did, however, mention that some villagers have resorted to selling scrap iron to bring in a fast dollar; but, she explained, because of their small environs, there is not much of that precious metal around.

Some villages explained that there is need for some access streets to be properly maintained, and for new features to be implemented to showcase the village as a whole.

A COMFORTABLE LIFE AFTER SUFFERINGS Ever so often, we meet people who are enjoying the luxuries of life, and we marvel at their success or turn green with envy at their prosperity, without even pausing to think of their prior suffering.

The story of well-established rice farmer ‘Pertab’ should be a lesson to all readers that great success is always assured after the endurance of hard work, suffering and sacrifices.

“Boss, today I am enjoying a very comfortable way of life, but I had to work really hard and endure a lot before I get to this level,” Pertab confided.

“As a young boy, and coming from a family of seven, things were really hard, since my family were poor. I can remember days when we had to eat salt and rice with eschallot and a little oil when there was nothing to cook. Many times we missed school because there was no money for transportation; and when we did attend, there was no extra penny to purchase

An arresting section of the village sets her at great disadvantage. Sales for her were excellent during the Christmas season last year, but just went haywire afterwards.

SINGLE WOMAN YEARNS FOR HELP THE ‘LABBA’ SPEAKS To come by ready jobs in the village is quite a task, since there is hardly any scope for employment besides farming. And vegetable vendor ‘Kemwattie’ admitted she was feeling the full force of this constraint as she sat beside a small table upon which were vegetables and ground provisions, hoping for a sale.

“Sir,” she said, “nothing nah really ah guh awn heah in dis village. Things hard dese days,and business really slow.

Me a wan poor single-parent, and me ah beg ladging wid me sista. Dem give me wan room and ah give meh lil food. Me still ah try wid dis lil stall heah, but me ah experience stiff competition from dem bus and van wah ah come in de village fuh sell vegetable and ground provision.

“Some days me barely ah mek two sale, and dem nah gat no otha wuk anywhea else”, she confided.

Kemwattie sits daily beneath a tree by the roadside as she yearns for sales in an arena where the competition

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

Anand Beharry, more popularly known as the ‘Labba’, is also plagued by the employment problem in the village. While his job as a carpenter is seasonal, he claims he cannot seem to find anything else to do in the village, since there is not much to do by way of jobs or professions in Nooten Zuil.

“Everybady heah know me as de ‘labba’, and me is labba by name and nature. Me believe in surviving honestly, and as such, like de labba would do, me does lap up every available opportunity fuh get ah jaab in dis village. But bai, dem nah get much wuk heah! De village small, and if yuh nah get land fuh farm, yuh doom! We nah gat fancy shops and dem thing heah to affah jaabs; and suh it hard, because most ah dem jaabs at dem suga plantations full up.

“Bai, me does tek-awn dis thing suh much it ah caaze me fuh drink nuff rum when de day come. De cast-ah-living really hard, bass…”, the labba disclosed.

This village sports well managed drainage canals

Off to the rice fields for harvesting a snack like other kids (could).

“Some of us went to school in rubber slippers or no footwear at all. Yes, we were ashamed and were taunted by students that were better off, but my mother always encouraged us with tears in her eyes as she did her best to give us food with the help of my father, who was a rice farmer also.

“My father taught us to save every spare penny, since it grows in time; and that was a good lesson learnt. Myself and my older brother began working in our early teens to help out in the home, and (we) saved our earnings as our mother

CHALLENGES Speaking of the challenges in the small village was housewife Seeta Ramnarine, who operates a small shop in front of her home. While her small shop brings in an extra dollar to make life a little more comfortable, she is particularly concerned about a few challenges she claims villagers are faced with.

“Yes, we all agree that Nooten Zuil is a quiet and peaceful village, but at times meh does think dat de entire world fuget we! Look, fuh instance, some areas in dis village still ah flood during rainy season, and de NDC representative heah more concerned wid breaking down dem small shaps people ah put up fuh survive dan wid cleaning de village prapally.

“We need ah ball field heah, and we nah even get a sports club, nah even wan disco or nutting. Dis place just dead. It like if yuh ah live in wan graveyard. Everybady fuget we and nah ah look in we direction,” she lamented.

Seeta is of the view that the relevant authorities need to pay much more emphasis and focus on existence of the people of Nooten Zuil, and intensify efforts to give the village a “modern makeover”. She also feels that the village should

A tired cane cutter returns home after a hard day in the fields

directed. Soon we extended the home, and soon bought some land and expanded our rice farming.

“As the years went by, we saved in a commercial bank, and were able to build a lavish home and enjoy comfortable living, as we are doing today. Nothing good comes without disappointment and suffering…,” Pertab confidently affirmed.

Pertab reflected on instances when the family from which he came were forced to eat ‘fowl guts’ cooked ► Continued on page XXIV

Nazeer Khan has contributed positively in the areas of the arts in Nooten Zuil and in other villages

A career mom returns from work in the evening

The traditional bicycle is still widely used in the village

NOOTEN ZUIL

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

► Continued on page XXI

drinking water and supplies for the kitchen. Most of the houses were thatch and shingle roof structures, and the only road in reasonable condition was the one that ran through the village.

“As I grew older,” he went on, “things changed a bit, and more houses began to pop up. Persons built and levelled their lands to avoid flooding, and things are what you see here today”.

A distinct Old World aura envelops this village with a sense of self-imposed reticence; and coupled with its almost sacred tranquility, Nooten Zuil holds a mysterious intrigue which I found a bit unsettling for my outgoing personality.

With just a smattering of shops, one lone boutique, and no popular nightclubs or ‘hot spots’ to offer entertainment for villagers, I find Nooten Zuil lacking in both proper recreational opportunities and facilities for youths. While the village shows signs of developing, villagers are of the view that the impending development is too slow for comfort.

An arresting section of the village sets her at great disadvantage. Sales for her were excellent during the Christmas season last year, but just went haywire afterwards.

SINGLE WOMAN YEARNS FOR HELP THE ‘LABBA’ SPEAKS To come by ready jobs in the village is quite a task, since there is hardly any scope for employment besides farming. And vegetable vendor ‘Kemwattie’ admitted she was feeling the full force of this constraint as she sat beside a small table upon which were vegetables and ground provisions, hoping for a sale.

“Sir,” she said, “nothing nah really ah guh awn heah in dis village. Things hard dese days,and business really slow.

Me a wan poor single-parent, and me ah beg ladging wid me sista. Dem give me wan room and ah give meh lil food. Me still ah try wid dis lil stall heah, but me ah experience stiff competition from dem bus and van wah ah come in de village fuh sell vegetable and ground provision.

“Some days me barely ah mek two sale, and dem nah gat no otha wuk anywhea else”, she confided.

Kemwattie sits daily beneath a tree by the roadside as she yearns for sales in an arena where the competition

Anand Beharry, more popularly known as the ‘Labba’, is also plagued by the employment problem in the village. While his job as a carpenter is seasonal, he claims he cannot seem to find anything else to do in the village, since there is not much to do by way of jobs or professions in Nooten Zuil.

“Everybady heah know me as de ‘labba’, and me is labba by name and nature. Me believe in surviving honestly, and as such, like de labba would do, me does lap up every available opportunity fuh get ah jaab in dis village. But bai, dem nah get much wuk heah! De village small, and if yuh nah get land fuh farm, yuh doom! We nah gat fancy shops and dem thing heah to affah jaabs; and suh it hard, because most ah dem jaabs at dem suga plantations full up.

“Bai, me does tek-awn dis thing suh much it ah caaze me fuh drink nuff rum when de day come. De cast-ah-living really hard, bass…”, the labba disclosed.

This village sports well managed drainage canals

CHALLENGES Speaking of the challenges in the small village was housewife Seeta Ramnarine, who operates a small shop in front of her home. While her small shop brings in an extra dollar to make life a little more comfortable, she is particularly concerned about a few challenges she claims villagers are faced with.

“Yes, we all agree that Nooten Zuil is a quiet and peaceful village, but at times meh does think dat de entire world fuget we! Look, fuh instance, some areas in dis village still ah flood during rainy season, and de NDC representative heah more concerned wid breaking down dem small shaps people ah put up fuh survive dan wid cleaning de village prapally.

“We need ah ball field heah, and we nah even get a sports club, nah even wan disco or nutting. Dis place just dead. It like if yuh ah live in wan graveyard. Everybady fuget we and nah ah look in we direction,” she lamented.

Seeta is of the view that the relevant authorities need to pay much more emphasis and focus on existence of the people of Nooten Zuil, and intensify efforts to give the village a “modern makeover”. She also feels that the village should

A tired cane cutter returns home after a hard day in the fields

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

XXIII

have its own health centre and a variety of educational institutions. Her sentiments were shared by several neighbours.

She did, however, mention that some villagers have resorted to selling scrap iron to bring in a fast dollar; but, she explained, because of their small environs, there is not much of that precious metal around.

Some villages explained that there is need for some access streets to be properly maintained, and for new features to be implemented to showcase the village as a whole.

A COMFORTABLE LIFE AFTER SUFFERINGS Ever so often, we meet people who are enjoying the luxuries of life, and we marvel at their success or turn green with envy at their prosperity, without even pausing to think of their prior suffering.

The story of well-established rice farmer ‘Pertab’ should be a lesson to all readers that great success is always assured after the endurance of hard work, suffering and sacrifices.

“Boss, today I am enjoying a very comfortable way of life, but I had to work really hard and endure a lot before I get to this level,” Pertab confided.

“As a young boy, and coming from a family of seven, things were really hard, since my family were poor. I can remember days when we had to eat salt and rice with eschallot and a little oil when there was nothing to cook. Many times we missed school because there was no money for transportation; and when we did attend, there was no extra penny to purchase

Off to the rice fields for harvesting a snack like other kids (could).

“Some of us went to school in rubber slippers or no footwear at all. Yes, we were ashamed and were taunted by students that were better off, but my mother always encouraged us with tears in her eyes as she did her best to give us food with the help of my father, who was a rice farmer also.

“My father taught us to save every spare penny, since it grows in time; and that was a good lesson learnt. Myself and my older brother began working in our early teens to help out in the home, and (we) saved our earnings as our mother

directed. Soon we extended the home, and soon bought some land and expanded our rice farming.

“As the years went by, we saved in a commercial bank, and were able to build a lavish home and enjoy comfortable living, as we are doing today. Nothing good comes without disappointment and suffering…,” Pertab confidently affirmed.

Pertab reflected on instances when the family from which he came were forced to eat ‘fowl guts’ cooked ► Continued on page XXIV

Nazeer Khan has contributed positively in the areas of the arts in Nooten Zuil and in other villages

A career mom returns from work in the evening

The traditional bicycle is still widely used in the village

NOOTEN ZUIL

XXIV

► From page XXIII

into various stew types at Christmas season, while the air was filled with the aroma of cakes, baked chicken, and other delicacies that were being prepared by some neighbours.

He explained that, at times, they had to make their own toys from pieces of wood and other materials, while their mother had to ‘turn over’ and use the same curtains year after year at Christmas.

He said his father would sometimes catch a small alligator in the rice fields, and his mother would cook the ‘alligator tail’ in a nice smelling curry that somehow never managed to change the stark whiteness of the meat.

PROMINENT FIGURE A much-celebrated figure who used to traverse between Lusignan and Nooten Zuil was Nazeer Khan, aka the Mighty Roger, who was, in his time, a renowned calypsonian, dance instructor and cultural enthusiast.

Today, he still continues to keep the East Indian culture alive in villages along the East Coast, and just recently hosted a three-night Phagwah Mela in the nearby village of Lusignan. The mela was attended by hundreds of individuals.

Khan’s journey into the

arts began in 1974, when he started out as a talented Indian Classical and Kathak dancer at the National School of Dance. There he surprised many by doing the dance disciplines of ballet and African pieces with instructor ‘Edward ‘Shaft’ Lashley, who taught him the dance styles of Amerindians.

With his vast reservoir of experience, he choreographed an excellent ‘ethnic fusion’ that showcased all the different dance styles, and soon formed the People’s Cultural Corps in 1975 with talented Guyanese artistes countrywide. This group told the excellent tale of the rich Guyanese folklore through dances in schools and other institutions around Guyana.

He then branched into the field of calypso, and performed with celebrated faces like Calypso Stella, Lord Canary and may others, doing back-up singing. A calypso enthusiast composed a piece dubbed ‘The lying Teacher’ and gave him to perform, and he thrilled many with his performance.

He placed second in the Calypso Competition with that entry in 1977.

Today, while he is not dancing or singing as before, he owns the ‘Mighty Roger Taxi Service’ and operates from Lusignan, but still remains active in schools as

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

he promotes the East Indian culture.

CONCLUSION

Villagers may say that Nooten Zuil is “The Land of the Forgotten”, but after my visit, I certainly beg to differ.

For me, it’s a strikingly beautiful, reserved and tranquil village with pleasant residents who add to its simple lustre.

And living there is not so bad after all, because I did manage to visit the lone San City Chinese Restaurant, the Western Union and Bill Express outlets, and even dropped in at the Triple ‘D’ Original Boutique and Rentals; all of which I liked.

I would say that, with some good “sprucing up and alterations”, Nooten Zuil can hold its own against many other well established villages.

One thing I know for sure is that, should you visit the village, you would be sure to enjoy the fresh, crisp Atlantic breeze that does wonders for the lungs. And if you delight in peace and quiet, and have that early-to-bed-and-earlyto-rise attitude, you are certain to find Nooten Zuil as the ideal place on Earth.

Join us next week when we take a ride to the breath-taking village of Unity, East Coast Dmerara, which has produced some of our best stalwarts and sportsmen of the century.

Enjoying the shades of the tropics

Some sell pigs and other domesticated animals to earn an extra dollar

The lone Chinese restaurant in the village is flocked on weekends as villagers gather to savour the sought-after oriental cuisine

Sugar estate trucks arrive in the village to transport the many who are employed at estates along the Lower East Coast

The scrap iron trade is growing in popularity in this village

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

XXV

BLUE FLAME making WOMEN’S GROUP waves - exporting cocoa mass to UK chocolate company

N

By Tajeram Mohabir OT much is known about entrepreneurs in the hinterland regions, but the Blue Flame Women’s Group has been making waves in creating a name for itself as a reputable agro-processor; and, of late, has made an export to a wellknown British chocolate factory.

Comprising 10 enterprising women, the group, located in Region One (Barima-Waini), produces mainly cocoa sticks, cassava bread, cassareep and coconut oil, along with seasonal products such as fruits and ground coffee. Its attractively packaged products are supplied under the North West Organics label as well as its own label -- Hosororo Naturals, to super markets in Georgetown and other parts of the country.

With some five years in the business, founding member Christine James, who is also a founding member of the Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network (WADN), said Blue Flame has been keeping alight the torch of women entrepreneurship in Region One. She told the Guyana Chronicle that the business has been moving from strength to strength, and has recently secured a small contract with UK chocolate manufacturing company Lessiter.

Now in its 99th year, the Lessiter chocolatiers have been hand-making, original chocolate since 1911.

According to the company’s website, Mr Lessiter had originally developed the business from a cluster of chocolate shops in pre-war London, and had expanded to satisfy a never-ending demand for fine couverture.

At the heart of the business today are brothers Peter and Hans Luder, both Swiss-born and highly trained chocolatiers.

The company has said that the brothers have devoted almost half a century to refining and perfecting their chocolate skills, which they are now passing on to a second generation.

The company’s products range from nutty pralines to creamy champagne truffles, and its chocolate gifts are perfect for birth or other anniversaries, Christmas, or just a treat for one’s self.

Regions One, Two, Six and Nine.

The groups produce a variety of products, including cassava farine, cassava bread, peanut butter, vegetable and fruit-based sauces, achars, coconut oil, bottled water, cocoa sticks and soaps.

Prior to establishment of WADN, the groups operated as

A resident displays packaged products of the Blue Flame Women’s Group (Caribbean Beat photo) individual entities, independent of each other, and in some cases unknowing to each other, given the geography of Guyana.

However, as part of a Making Markets Work Programme, it was recognised that greater efficiencies and synergies could be realised by bringing these groups together, since they all share similar objectives, challenges and operational issues.

Presidential Grant, James said.

COMMUNITY-BASED OPERATION She noted that the operation is community-based. The women’s group purchases cocoa from farmers in the community, which is processed at the factory to make various products, which are packaged and sold in supermarkets throughout the country.

The factory has a capacity to process some 6,000 pounds of cocoa beans per year, and according to the small entrepreneur, the group has been doing well, but the sky is its limit.

The group recently received a computer through the Rural Enterprise Agricultural Development (READ) Project, to network and share vital information on market access and product development, and to maxamise its growth and development.

Through READ, poor rural households in six of the 10 administrative regions are benefiting from better access to financial services and training in marketing and enterprise development – all of which is designed to enable them to overcome poverty.

EMPOWERING VULNERABLE GROUPS The overall goal of the project is to improve the social and economic conditions of these households, particularly for small-scale producers and vulnerable groups comprised of women and indigenous peoples.

Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, the project is supported by both loan and grant financing from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).

An estimated 20,800 people, almost half of them women, benefit directly from project activities.

READ targets farmers who grow non-traditional crops and have up to five acres under cultivation, and operators of

Cocoa mass

BIG HOPES

Cocoa sticks made by the Blue Flame Women’s Group

A cocoa nursery in Hosororo, Region One

Ms James said the UK market was secured after the company gave the green light to samples sent to it for testing. The Blue Flame Women’s Group is exporting to Lessiter some 200kg of cocoa mass as a start, and is hoping that the trade would expand in the coming years.

According to James, the women’s group has not been able to develop a label for the cocoa mass being exported to the UK. She pointed out that the commodity has been packaged in 20 kg buckets and posted to the importer. But she said that, with the help of WADN, this issue will be addressed.

WADN is registered under the Friendly Societies Act, and its objectives include developing market linkages locally and abroad, and building capacity of member groups.

WADN Established in 2011, WADN consists of 11 women’s groups involved in agro-processing, having been drawn from

BLUE FLAME The Blue Flame women’s Group is a story of women entrepreneurs making strides in a far flung region, moving from making cocoa products in their homes for sale to marshalling a cause for the establishment of a processing factory.

The factory, the lifeline of the women, was set up through funding from the Canadian Agency for International Development (CIDA) and the Guyana Turtle Conservation Society.

The equipment to make the factory operational was purchased through monies raised by residents and from the

microenterprises and small-scale businesses employing up to five permanent workers.

It also focuses on rural households that are headed by women, households that include unemployed or underemployed young people, and Amerindian communities.

President Donald Ramotar had said that for the economy to continue growing, small businesses have an important role to play. He pointed out that many operations started small before becoming big enterprises.

“It has been noted all over the world that while big businesses and major investments are extremely important -- and as we continue to seek these types of investments in our economy, these are a very important pull-factor to help economies develop -- but I think it has been noted by many experts in the field that the sustainability of economic development and progress in any society is directly linked to the development of small and medium-scale enterprises within the society,” he said.

According to the Entrepreneur Magazine, there are between 25 and 27 million small businesses in the U.S. that account for 60 to 80 per cent of all U.S. jobs.

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Wastewater – Part 2

Last week we highlighted the fact that water is as important as the air we breathe. We also established that as long as we are using water, wastewater can’t be avoided. The wastewater produced, if left untreated can affect our food supply, quality of life as well as the environment. This week we will examine some of the processes that make wastewater safe for release into the environment.

Wastewater Treatment Processes The main reason why we treat wastewater is to reduce its potential negative impacts on the natural environment and human health.Wastewater can be treated either by Conventional methods or Natural methods.

(1) Conventional Wastewater Treatment Systems consist of a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes and operations to remove solids, organic matter, and some-

times nutrients e.g. nitrates and phosphates from wastewater.

A diagram of a generalised wastewatertreatment process is shown in the figureon the left.

At the first stage or pre-treatment large debris such as garbage are removed. This is followed by the second stage or primary treatment during which solids are allowed to settle. At the third stage wastewater undergoes secondary treatment where dissolved or suspended materials are allowed to breakdown or degrade. This breakdown is done by bacteria and other micro-organisms in the presence of oxygen. At the fourth stage particles and nutrients,e.g. as phosphorous and nitrogen are removed in the tertiary treatment. Thesludge formed at the end of the various stages of the process is further treated before disposal.

Finally, the water is disinfected, usually with chlorine or ultraviolet (UV) radiation before being discharged into natural waterways.

(2) Natural Wastewater Treatment Systems are also called constructed wetlands, artificial wetlands, and bio-filters.

Wetlands such as mangroves, swamps and marshes act as a natural filter for pollutants.

The major processes occurring in natural systems include sedimentation (settling of solids), plant uptake, bacterial degradation, and chemical adsorption (fixation). These processes help to remove physical, biological and chemical contaminants from wastewater. These systems are generally man-made and controlled.

Protecting Water Resources in Guyana Environmental Protection (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 In an effort to protect the water resources in Guyana, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), developed the Environmental Protection (Water Quality) Regulation 2000. This Regulationaims to protect Guyana’s waters and by extension our health by management and monitoring of effluent (waste matter) discharge into coastal and inland waterways.The Regulation encourages proper disposal of effluent thereby minimising potential contamination of water sources.

Cartagena Convention Guyana is signatory to the Cartagena Convention which calls for the protection and development of the marine environment within the wider Caribbean region.This is supported by a supplementary Protocol governing pollution from Land-Based Sources (LBS). Therefore, waste matter discharged into the Atlantic Ocean through the internal drainage canals is required to meet identified environmental standards.

Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund (GWRF) Project Along with legislation, the Government of Guyana has established the Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund (GWRF) Project, in an effort to reduce water pollution and minimise the impact on marine life. The Project is the first of its kind in Guyana and is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).This project which focuses on the treatment of wastewater from industries will see the enactment of legislation aimed at managing our water resources. Additionally, it will provide scope forgreater collaboration within the Caribbean Region.

To-date consultations have been held with various stakeholders on strengthening policy and institutional frameworks for wastewater management in Guyana and a Draft National Wastewater Management Strategy is being circulated for comments.

Reducing Wastewater in your homes 1. Check faucets (taps) and pipes, toilets for leaks and have them repaired or replaced quickly. A small drip can waste 20 gallons of water per day.

2. Turn off faucets while brushing your teeth or soaping your skin, and use a container with water instead of running water to rinse your razor while shaving.

3. Thaw foods on the lowest shelf of the fridge overnight rather than in a container of water.

4. Use a filled sink to wash wares rather than running water.

5. Reuse washing water to water plants.

6. Never wash chemicals, paints and oil into the drains.

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The appearance E of a smile with a few missing teeth - is considered unacceptable by most people

VERY intelligent person would surmise that many people loose their natural teeth during their lifetime because of accidents, tooth decay, gum and bone disease, or other reasons. There are numerous solutions for replacing several teeth. The choice depends mainly on availability, affordability and need among others. Obviously there are negative consequences for failing to replace functional and aesthetic teeth within the appropriate period.

• Collapse of Facial Form: Although not as severe as the facial changes caused by loss of all teeth, losing a few teeth also produces a sunken facial appearance. The appearance of a smile with a few missing teeth is considered unacceptable by most people.

• Bone Shrinkage: When a few teeth are removed, the supporting bone shrinks from then on, leaving a defect in contour in that area.

• Reduced Eating Efficiency: Reducing eating efficiency is directly related to the number of teeth lost. After removal of many teeth, chewing efficiency is reduced significantly, but removal of one or a few teeth does not seem to cause a major loss of chewing effectiveness. The appearance of the smile is the negative characteristics caused by removal of a few teeth.

If you have had numerous teeth removed, you have the following alternatives: • Traditional Fixed Partial Denture (Bridge). A traditional fixed partial denture attaches to the attaching teeth remaining in the mouth. You cannot remove this prosthesis.

• Traditional Removable Partial Denture. A traditional removable partial denture rests on, but does not attach to, the remaining teeth in the mouth. You can remove this prosthesis at will for cleaning.

• Place Implants and Construct a Removable Partial Denture. Place implants, allow healing, and construct a removable partial denture that rests on, and is retained by, implants and the remaining natural teeth. You can remove this prosthesis at will for cleaning.

• Place Implants and Construct a Fixed Partial Denture.

Place implants, allow healing, and construct a fixed partial denture that is attached to implants alone or to implants and the remaining teeth. You cannot remove this prosthesis.

• Do Nothing. If you elect to do nothing, your remaining natural teeth will continue to move, and your bite will usually collapse and degenerate further. This is not a good alternative in most cases for more than a short time.

Two situations exist after the removal of one tooth: An unsightly appearance is created when a front tooth is removed. This condition is unacceptable in most societies, and it usually influences people to seek treatment. When a back tooth is removed, the cosmetic appearance is not observed, and patients may not be motivated to have an examination of the affected area until the following changes have occurred: The movement of surrounding teeth and collapse of bite occur rapidly. Often within weeks the surrounding and opposing teeth start to collapse toward the space that was created by the tooth removal, making an acceptable replacement difficult. The contacting areas of teeth near the space may open, and food may become impacted between the teeth.

If you have one missing tooth, you have the following alternatives: 1. Traditional Fixed Bridge. A traditional fixed bridge attaches to the teeth adjacent to the space. You cannot remove this prosthesis.

2. Removable Partial Denture. A removable partial denture fills the missing tooth space and allows an improved appearance and nearly normal function.

3. Implant followed by Crown (cap). Place an implant, allow healing, and place a crown over the implant head, thereby creating near optimal function and appearance. You cannot remove this crown.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

Coming soon‌

NEW PLANTAIN/ JUICE FACTORY at Blenheim, Leguan

- will benefit scores of farmers on the island A new plantain/juice factory at Blenheim, Leguan, to benefit scores of farmers on the island, will come on stream before the end of April.

Vice Chairman of the Leguan Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Mr. Inshaan Ayube, told this newspaper that the new factory is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. He said that another one of its kind will also be constructed at Wakenaam, another island in the Essequibo River.

Ayube did not have on-hand information pertaining to the cost of the edifice but noted that approximately 20 persons will be employed, while farmers will have plantain as an alternative crop to produce.

Ayube said Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali’s intention is to enhance the livelihood of Leguan residents. (Telesha Ramnarine) Equipment on site for the construction

Construction of the factory currently in progress

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Sand to be used on the facility

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South Africans perform first ‘successful’ penis transplant

By James Gallagher, Health editor of BBC News website THE world's first successful penis transplant has been reported by a surgical team in South Africa.

The 21-year-old recipient, whose identify is being protected, lost his penis in a botched circumcision.

Doctors in Cape Town, South Africa said the operation was a success and the patient was happy and healthy.

The team said there was extensive discussion about whether the operation, which is not life-saving in the same way as a heart transplant, was ethical.

There have been attempts before, including one in China.

Accounts suggested the operation went fine, but the penis was later rejected.

PENIS REPLACEMENT The man was 18 and already sexually active when he had the circumcision.

The procedure is part of the transition from boyhood to adulthood in parts of South Africa.

The boy was left with just 1cm of his original penis.

Doctors say South Africa has some of the greatest need for penis transplants anywhere in the world.

Dozens, although some say hundreds, of boys are maimed or die each year during traditional initiation ceremonies.

LONG Surgeons at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital performed a nine-hour operation to attach a donated penis.

One of the surgeons, Andre Van der Merwe, who normally performs kidney transplants, told the BBC News website: "This is definitely much more difficult, the blood vessels are

1.5 mm wide. In the kidney it can be 1 cm."

The team used some of the techniques that had been developed to perform the first face transplants in order to connect the tiny blood vessels and nerves.

The operation took place on 11 December last year. Three months later doctors say the recovery has been rapid.

Full sensation has not returned and doctors suggest this could take two years.

However, the man is able to pass urine, have an erection, orgasm and ejaculate.

PREPARATION The procedure required a lot of preparation.

The team needed to be sure the patient was aware of the risks of a life-time of immunosuppressant drugs.

Also some patients cannot cope with a transplant if they fail to recognise it as part of their body.

"Psychologically, we knew it would have a massive effect on the ego," said Dr Van der Merwe.

It took "a hell of a lot of time" to get ethical approval, he added.

One of the concerns is a heart transplant which balances the risk of the operation against a certain death, but a penis transplant would not extend life span.

Dr Van der Merwe told the BBC: "You may say it doesn't save their life, but any of these young men when they have penile amputations are ostracised, stigmatised and take their own life.

"If you don't have a penis you are essentially dead, if you give a penis back you can bring them back to life."

Further attempts on other patients are expected to take place in three months time.

These boys are undergoing a circumcision ceremony in South Africa

The world’s first successful penis transplant has been reported by a surgical team in South Africa

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 15, 2015

By Shirley Thomas

Commonwealth Week

S

t. Margaret’s Primary School on Camp Street, headed by Ms Georgeania Lewis, on Thursday last joined in staging activities in observance of Commonwealth Week, which began on Monday, March 9, 2015.

With the involvement of teachers of the school, pupils set up colourfully adorned exhibition tables where they displayed interesting and well-put-together creations, depicting the cultures of some of the 53 Commonwealth member nations. Countries highlighted included: Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Malaysia, among others.

Additionally, brochures were prepared highlighting interesting facts on the Commonwealth, distinguishing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations.

For each country represented, there was a poster from which the student population gleaned important knowledge and grasped images of the nations’ cultural artifacts. The posters highlighted the photographs and names of heads of state; key economic activities; national flags; national wear; the countries’ maps; currencies; national dishes (cuisine); religion, art and folklore.

And adding colour to the celebration were the unique and attractively designed costumes of the respective nations, modelled by the smart and witty pupils. Rather heartening, also, was the fact that the pupils all seemed to have appreciable knowledge of the basics of what Commonwealth stands for.

Meanwhile, the national dishes on display were simply irresistible and boasted a range of delectable, mouth-watering sweet and savoury dishes - all peculiar to the countries of origin.

On Monday last, South Road Nursery School held a similar programme in observance of Commonwealth Day, observed on the second Monday in March.

The Commonwealth of Nations, commonly known as the Commonwealth (formerly the British Commonwealth), is an inter-governmental organisation of 53 ► Continued on page XXXIII

Kids display the national wear of some Commonwealth countries

Jamrock, Jamaica

Pupils from Grade Six Dove (from left) Yohance, Ravendra, Mesha and Rhea standing in front of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Guyana posters on display

The pupils in costume depicting the national wear of some Commonwealth countries (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

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► Continued on page XXXIII members, of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is head.

Home to some 2.2 billion citizens, these diverse countries span Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. All members subscribe to the Commonwealth’s values and principles outlined in The Commonwealth Charter.

Leaders of member countries shape Commonwealth policies and priorities. Every two years, they meet to discuss issues affecting the Commonwealth and the wider world at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

All members have an equal say – regardless of size or economic stature. This ensures even the smallest member countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth.

These pupils of St. Margaret’s Primary School proudly identify Queen Elizabeth II, head of the Commonwealth of Nations Grade II pupil, Aquila Whyte mans the Jamaican booth

Malaysian foods

Guyana’s current and past Heads of State

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200-year-old mummified Monk not dead

- just meditating, Buddhism Expert claims

A

MYSTERIOUS mummified monk found almost perfectly preserved in a lotus position last month is causing controversy after a well-known Buddhism expert claimed he isn’t actually dead but in a deep meditative trance.

Interestingly, the monk came to the attention of authorities after a man was attempting to sell him on the black market in the Songinokhairkhan province of Mongolia.

Mongolian police have arrested the man, and the mummy is now being guarded at the National Center of Forensic Expertise at Ulaanbaatar. They believe that the man might have stolen the mummy from another part of the country – a cave in the Kobdsk region – and then hid it in his home. Scientists are currently conducting forensic examinations on the 200-yearold mummy that was found wrapped in cattle skins. They are trying to determine how the body was so well-preserved, although they do suspect that the nation’s cold weather could have played a part.

Dr. Barry Kerzin, a physician to the Dalai Lama, told the ‘Siberian Times’ that the monk isn’t actually dead, but in a rare state of meditation known as ‘tukdam’. He explained that if a person manages to achieve the state and remain in it for more than three weeks, the body starts to shrink very, very slowly. In the end, all that will remain of the person are the hair, nails and clothes. “Usually in this case, people who live next to the monk see a rainbow that glows in the sky for several days. This means that he has found a ‘rainbow body’.

This is the highest state close to the state of Buddha.”

“If the meditator can continue to stay in this meditative state, he can become a Buddha. Reaching such a high spiritual level the meditator will also help others, and all the people around will feel a deep sense of joy,” he added.

The identity of the monk has not yet been established, but he is speculated to be the teacher of Lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov, who was also found mummified. Itigilov, who was from neighbouring Buryatia in the then Soviet Union, apparently told his disciples in 1927 that he was going to die, and that they should exhume his body in 30 years.

When he was dug up as per his instructions, legend has it that Itigilov’s body was found intact and perfectly preserved.

Fearing interference by the Soviet authorities, the followers buried him once more. He remained that way until 2002, when he was dug up again and still found well preserved. His body was then placed in a Buddhist temple to be worshiped by his followers.

Over the last 50 years, there are believed to have been at least 40 cases such cases in India, involving Tibetan monks. In fact, Dr. Kerzin said that he has had the privilege of taking care of some meditators in a tukdam state. (odditycentral.com)

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Milepost:

CONGRATULATIONS!

HAPPY Wedding Anniversary is extended to Parbattie and Maniram (Ma and Dorday) of Blenheim, Leguan Island. Fifty-six (56) years ago, they got married and are appropriately celebrating with relatives and friends today.

Their children Robert, Dhansham, Dato, Babo and Shanti wish them continued happiness and strength, along with their 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Incidentally, Mr. Maniram will be 80 years old tomorrow.

10 BIZARRE RITUALS from Around the World

Rites and rituals have been a part of human culture since the beginning of recorded history and long before even that. While we’re all familiar with some of the ritual of our own cultures, even if nothing else other than religious rites, there are far stranger things going on around the world.(Source: kizaz.com) 1. Religious Self-Mummification Practiced seemingly exclusively by Japanese Sokushinbutsu Buddhist monks, the rite of self-mummification was intended as a means of demonstrating dedication and spirituality. Priests would essentially commit suicide over an extended period of time, beginning with the ingestion over 1000 days of a nut and

seed diet intended to rid their body of all its fat. They would then eat bark and drink poisonous tea over another 1000 days in order to make their body so poisonous that maggots would not infest it after the monk’s death. This tea drinking did, however, have the unfortunate side-effect of causing vomiting and massive fluid loss. The final part of the process would see the monk take up their final residence within a sealed stone tomb, containing nothing but an air tube and small bell, which would be rung once each day to let those outside know that they were alive. Once the bell stopped ringing, the tomb would be sealed for a further 1000 days before the mummified priest was removed and put on display in the monastery.

4. Tibetan Sky Burials More common as a historical practice, but nevertheless still taking place even today, the practice of sky burials in Tibet are probably the polar opposite of the Western traditions of corpse burial. After death, Tibetan priests would split a corpse up by way of stripping the flesh from the bones and breaking the bones into smaller pieces. The remains of the remains, so to speak, would then be left on a mountaintop to be broken down naturally, whether by the elements or by numerous birds of prey (such as vultures) and other predators. It is believed by some that the Buddhist belief in the body as simply a vessel to hold the soul might be one reason for this seemingly gruesome yet very practical way of disposing of corpses.

7. Sepik Skin Mutiliation In Papua New Guinea, there are some communities living around the Sepik river who hold an even more bloody and painful rite of passage. The communities’ teenage boys (though they are referred to as little girls during the rite) are gathered together, stripped naked and have insults shouted at them. They then must lay down on their fronts while their elders make crocodile skin-like patterns on their backs by making hundreds of small cuts into the skin and flesh. After enduring this process, which leads to not insignificant blood loss, initiates are visibly weakened and often unable to walk or even stand up. The ritual lasts for days, sometimes even weeks, with further humiliation, cutting and even whipping of the boys until they emerge from the process as men in the eyes of the tribe.

2. Sati Practiced intermittently since at least 400 CE and as recently as 2008, Sati was the suicide of Indian widows at their husband’s funeral by leaping onto a burning pyre. This particular ritual has always been controversial, with the most notable ban being legislated by the British in 1829 but forbidden as early as in a 10th century-dated chapter of the Padma Purana (for certain castes). While the practice was relatively uncommon, British records from the early 19th Century indicate that in Bengal, over 500 incidents of sari took place each year between 1813 and 1828. One remarkable aspect of sari was that the process is often described as being undertaken voluntarily, though instances of forced sati have been recorded. Though the practice is banned by today’s Indian government, incidents of sari have taken place at least three times in the past ten years.

3. Bullet Ant Gloves You might have heard of the bullet ant, the tiny South American insect with a bite so intensely and immediately painful it gave the creature its name after one victim described the experience as like being hit by a bullet. Well, to become a warrior of the isolated, 1000-strong Satere-Mawe tribe of the Brazilian Amazon, you have to endure this pain – except, instead of one ant, those undergoing this testing rite of passage must wear a makeshift glove containing bullet ants for a full ten minutes. Those wearing the glove are subjected to frequent stings which release a paralysing neurotoxin called poneratoxin, leading to intense pain, partial paralysis and shaking which can last for days. Even worse, for boys to become men of the tribe they must endure this ritual twenty times.

5. Walking on Water More strange than gruesome, the Walk on Water contest is a rite of passage that must be completed by all architecture students at the Florida International University School of Architecture before they are allowed to graduate. For the past 23 years, Professor Jaime Canavés has overseen students attempting to cross a 175 feet lake by the University’s main library using some form of self-designed ‘walking device’. Participants in the event have ranged in age from 9 (in place of his mother) to 67, each competing for a US$500 prize, not to mention a guaranteed A Grade for the project.

6. Blood Wings A form of military hazing, the Air Force initiation rite known as blood wings (or blood pinning) is the forceful driving of a new graduate’s badge pin into their chest. Originally stemming from World War 2, the practice is held in high esteem by recipients of the Parachutist Badge, who are the only people allowed to undergo the rite. The process is not forced on unwilling graduates, but being offered the opportunity is considered a great honour among those who have undergone the Airborne Training Course for which the badge is awarded. Blood Wings is officially prohibited under Armed Forces policy and has been condemned by military authorities as recently as 2008, but is still believed to take place in secret.

8. The Mourning of Muharram An important period of religious observance for followers of Shia Islam, this ten-day period of mourning marks the anniversary of the battle in which the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein ibn Ali, was killed. It is observed quite widely among Shia communities in countries like Iraq and Bahrain, and the tenth day is marked by matam, or ceremonial chest beating, an act designed to express sorrow for those who died. However, some participants take matam to an extreme level, taking knives or even swords and cutting their foreheads open, often so severely that blood pours down their face and chest.

9. Yanomami Death Rites The Yanomami tribe of Brazil and Venezuela believe, like many cultures, that proper treatment of a deceased person’s body is essential for that person’s soul to be at peace. Like many cultures, they also believe that the body should be cremated rather than buried; however, instead of scattering the ashes as many would in the West, the Yanomamimix some of the combination of funereal ash and crushed bone remains with a sweet banana-based concoction.

The remaining ashes are then buried beneath the deceased family’s home. Oh, and the ash/bone/banana drink is consumed by the people of the village.

10. El Colacho (Baby Jumping) Head to the village of Castrillo de Murcia in northern Spain on the Catholic feast day of Corpus Christi and you will observe what is known as El Salto del Colacho, or the devil’s jump. During what is quite possibly one of the most bizarre rituals of the modern era, all the babies born within the village in the previous 12 months are laid out on mattresses in the streets, where they are then jumped over by men dressed as the devil. The local organisers insist that the ritual guards the infants against illness and evil spirits, as well as cleansing original sin.

The festival is so widely criticised for being dangerous to the children involved, that even Pope Benedict XVI asked Spanish Catholics to distance themselves from the festival, in particular its claims regarding original sin.