Pepperpot 2015 4 26

Bridal make-up specialist

Romona Gajraj

is among Guyana’s best

KAVITA BAIJNAUTH ► Page XI

proud of how her life turned out today

► Page XL

The stunning Romona Gajraj

QUADO

VANCOOTEN Evoking a thirst for knowledge in Mashabo pupils ► Page X

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

- Transforming the lives of ordinary Guyanese

10

► Page VIII

► Page VII

Countries With World’s Most ► XXVII Beautiful Women Page

FIRST HUMAN

Dharmic Sabha plans TRANSPLANT SET FOR countrywide celebrations HEAD 2017

► Page XII

► Page XXIV

Page XIX - to mark 177th ►anniversary of Indian arrivals in Guyana Produced and Edited by Mark Ramotar | Graphic and Layout Design by Duane Prnce

Rainbows and Roses (continued)

- a story of friendship, loyalties and legacies

A

By Maureen Rampertab

ARTI was roused from sleep early in the morning by the sounds of the rooster crowing and Hindu religious songs playing somewhere down the street.

For a moment she felt lost, wondering where she was, so often being awoken in different countries, then the pleasant aroma of breakfast wafting in the air, awakened her to the fact she was holidaying at her old home in the country-side.

She sat up as someone rapped lightly on the door and Devina called, “Can I come in?”

“Sure.”

She had brought up a cup of tea and Aarti sipping it, savouringit’s rich blend, said, “Lovely, thank you.”

“I know how you Brits love your tea,” Devina said smiling, a little tease in her voice, “Slept well?”

“Not quite,” Aarti answered, relaxing against the pillows as the warmth of the sunshine filtering through the window, filled the room. “I kept being awakened by a haunting dream of walking in a dark garden and being pricked by thorns.”

Devina shook her head slowly, understanding the reason for the bad dream, “It’s because your mind is worried about something.”

“I know,” Aarti sighed, regrets shining in her brown eyes, “What happened with Diana was so unexpected, I have to be cautious, now how I reminisce about the past and the sentiments I express, so as not to offend anyone.”

“Times have changed and people have changed,” Devina remarked, “It stuns the mind, when you listen

to the harsh sentiments expressed by some of those whom you thought were your own.”

“The complexities of human nature,” Aarti stated, “Like roses and thorns.”

She tried to put the worrying thought at the back of her mind and began her day with a splendid Indian breakfast of paratha roti, dhal, calalu, and stewed dry fish, expressing her satisfaction after, a little breathless, because of the pepper.

Later in the morning, she shared candies to the children in the neighbourhood who were thrilled by her British accent and one little boy said, “She’s James Bond’s girlfriend.”

That statement was cause for laughter and she was surprised they knew Britain’s action hero.

Her second-cousin, who was living at the family home, informed her, “The children these days know everything because every household has a television.”

Surprised, astonishment and amazement were expressions of the day for Aarti as she took a walk along the streets where she used to walk to school as a little girl, played games and rode her bike. They were more strange faces than familiar ones, who looked at

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

II

her from homes she passed and she asked a little perturbed, “Where is everyone I know?”

“Migration,” one of her girlhood friends, a health worker, answered.

“Oh yes,” Aarti agreed, “My family is a part of that exodus.”

“There is another reason too,” another friend said as they reached the first corner on the street, “Many people who got their own houselots have moved to other areas.”

“Really?” one of the many surprises for her and looking at the nice, little house as they turned the corner, she asked, “Isn’t this where that large, poor family had lived in an old, little house?”

“Yes,” her cousin answered, “But one of the sons has rebuilt it.”

“That was a unique house,” Aarti remembered, awed by the change, “It had no doors, nor windows, housing a family of ten, the poorest in the settlement.”

“The young sons of the family,” her friend told her, “Worked in the sugar estate as cane cutters and that’s what helped their lives to improve.”

“It really pleases the heart to see such improvements in the lives of dirt poor people,” She continued her walk down the street, stopping to talk to people, most of ► Continued on page III

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

III

Rainbows and Roses ► From page II

them she did not know, a settlement that strove on strong race relations. She was talking to a Christian church elder who knew her grandmother when a car turned the corner sharply and sped down the street.

“Deez young boys so wild,” the eldery woman complained, “If yuhdoan watch yuhself, dey knock yuh down flat.”

“Seems as though everyone is driving a new model car,” Aarti remarked.

“Say it again,” the old woman acknowledged, “And yuh hear de kind ah music dey playing?” she fumed.

“That is another issue,” Aarti laughed, “It’s the young generation, born with wings to fly higher.”

It was late in the afternoon when she finished her walks-about, too tired to visit the sprawling housing scheme on the Eastern side. Her plans for the next day were to visit the Corentyne, then return to Georgetown to arrange trips to a few tourist destinations.

At the back of her mind, she thought of her friend, Diana, wondering if she would see her again.

“I came on this vacation with such wonderful plans for my old friends and now she has left,” she said to herself, disappointed and worried for her friend.

“Hate and distrust are like thorny shrubs in the political landscape,” was how it seemed to Aarti, “The genius minds of men and women should bring roses, not stones so the people can hold hands and smile with love.”

Later that night, she took her friends and cousins for a ladies’ night-out in New Amsterdam, that was quite a blast. The ancient town she noticed had really risen to great heights with television stations, hotels, supermarkets, and night-clubs, an evolution of progress.

“To family, friends, and all that’s good,” she toasted, raising her glass.

It was a night of fun, laughter, Banks beer, rum and coke when the troubles of the world were forgotten and the beautiful moments when friends re-unite, sharing once more, love and togetherness, a night to remember.

The next morning, Arvin arrived back from the city to chauffeurAarti and Devina to the Corentyne and bidding neighbours and friends ‘good-bye’ she said, “I’m truly impressed with everything and the good times we had, so I’ll visit again.”

The hugged her, smiled and waved and she felt like crying, having said ‘good-bye’ once before and now again after two decades.

The visit to the Corentyne was a new experience for her, not remembering much about the places Arvin and Devina described to her continuing though to be amazed by the fabulous, unique buildings, they passed along the way, shopping centres, car agencies and the impressionable Port Mourant market that had changed the landscape to modernity. But what impressed her the most was the University at Tain, the world of change for the people, striding with the great advances

of technology and corporate businesses.

“It does have its problems though,” Arvin informed her.

“What doesn’t?” she responded casually, “It’s a norm all over the world but it’s how you address issues to bring solutions is what makes a difference.”

“Can’t agree more with you, “Devina said, “But right now I’m hungry.”

They stopped at a Chinese restaurant and Aarti astounded her cousins with the fact that she knew to speak Chinese having covered a few assignments in China. The Chinese proprieter was quite pleased with his new customer and more so when she told him she had eaten once at his Uncle’s restaurant in Zhejiang.

Because of that, they got the special dishes they ordered, free but Aarti insisted to pay and Devina said, totally impressed, “You’re an amazing woman.”

“You won’t believe how many languages I can speak,” Aarti told her, laughing a little at her amazement.

The journey continued to Friendship village, where the old family estate, neglected over the decades, by its own, awaited the new generation.

The old caretaker opened the rusted gates, allowing them through and they stood on the gravel pathway looking at the mansion, that had fallen in disrepair and the extensive farmlands beyond that had been retaken by nature.

“It’s such a shame,” Aarti bemoaned, “That a rich legacy was given up for the North American corporate world.”

Looking at the mansion, regrets filled her heart and she shook her head as though saying, “I’m so sorry.”

How many stories must have been written within those walls, how many lives celebrated and farewells bid for those who had passed on to the beyond.

Devina standing close-by, whispered to her, “The family cemetery, can we see it?”

Arvin spoke to the old man who had worked in the grounds since he was a young boy, now aged, but faithful still to his old masters. He took them through a long pathway bordered by tall trees and thick wild shrubs and Arvin said, “This is an old place, it’s unlikely there’s much to see.”

But he was wrong by a far way for as they turned the bend, they saw the private family cemetery standing there in its age old prominence.

“Oh my gosh,” Aarti and Devina gasped in astonishment.

The plot of land was clean, the tombs painted in white against a background of a variety of flowering plants.

“This is incredible,” Aarti said, expressing her surprise and turning to the old man she asked him, speaking slowly so he can understand what she was saying, “You have been maintaining the cemetery all these years?”

A broad smile creased his wrinkled face and he nodded, “Is meh duty, beti, till the day meh eyes close.”

“How do you get money to do all this?” Arvin asked.

“Money in de bank,” the old man explained, “Meh

go every month fi collect pay.”

“That explains it,” Devina said, “At least the younger generation hasn’t forsaken this part of their legacy.”

“A legacy of sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears, does not die,” Aarti stated, “It stays alive, riding on the shoulders of time.”

From a long line of ancestors, connected by their blood line, the three cousins walked among the old tombs, reading the names inscripted on the headstones, evoking deep sentiments of the old generation they did not know. They stood for a long time in front the burial chamber, where two vaults held the remains of the mother and father from whose bosoms the family tree had sprung.

“I think I’m going to cry,” Devina said, unable to control her emotions.

Aarti and Arvin hugged her in comfort, and looking at them standing there, the old man smiled and said quietly, in perfect english, “They are here, dear master and mistress, children of your children, to honour you and forever that’s the way it would be.”

Their legacy, a soft glowing ember, no one can extinguish.

They left the old estate land after eating fresh fruits and drinking coconut water from a small piece of the farmlands, the old man had managed to maintain for his upkeep. They drove further up the Corentyne, through Springlands, a striving township, into Crabwood creek, an area remarkably developed through farming and business association with Suriname.

The ferry crossing at Moleson creek was the end of their visit and on their way back, after stopping at a halaal restaurant to savour the local cuisine, they left Corentyne, crossing the Berbicebridge for the city.

Aarti felt a deep sense of satisfaction with that visit and looking back, the thoughts in her mind was of an ancient county with rainbows painted in the sky.

“What does the city hold for me?” She wondered.

-To be continued

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

Guyana’s First Live Television Book Launch

S

ince the advent of the book, there were numerous modifications to almost every aspect of the book in keeping with fluctuating supply and demand.

Changes were made to instruments of writing, methods and styles of printing, translation, copyright, marketing and distribution, among others. However, one aspect of the book that seems to have undergone little change is the book launch. Book launches are usually confined to one area, mostly indoors – between four walls, sometimes, and at a later date and time, a few book launches may pierce those confines if reported on by the media. That changed 2015 when Guyana experimented and experienced its first live television book launch.

‘Conjunction’ was the title given to Guyana’s first live television book launch.

‘Conjunction’ was successful for the duration of the show, hinting at numerous benefits to be realized, opening all manner of possibilities, augmenting the possible, all auguring well for the future. So based on the above, we will experience more of ‘Conjunction’ as such an engaging title and novel form of book launch takes hold of the Guyanese psyche.

What’s in a name? First and foremost, I was driven to form a link between the producer of words/ ideas/ books and consumer of words/ ideas/ books, a link not unlike the function of a conjunction joining words, phrases and clauses while being recognizable, familiar and yet formal. ‘Conjunction’ was caught between and betwixt the names of my other two television programmes, ‘Oral Tradition’ and ‘Between the Lines’ in that this new name must like its senior relatives form a nexus among writer and reader, writer

and writer, reader and reader, while extending the conversation a bit further by inviting and encouraging instant feedback. Instant feedback and due process – what an optimum tool for television!

Further, conjunction was borrowed from a poem by Martin Carter to which he expanded on in the following way; ‘[t]he word “and” is very important to my way of thinking, that is to say, something and something, not something and then something else…’

And finally, conjunction was an input from my formative days surrounded by Hindi influences, referencing one of the most enriching prayers: Tumhi ho mata pita tumhi ho --- you are my mother and also my father…

The show started after the generic preamble with the moderator talking about the greatest gift – reading, and the guest and author, Eon Stephens*, responding with the following: ‘…Reading is very important and in this day and age; parents need to encourage their children to read and love reading. I will agree with you that it is the perfect gift to give to a child, even an infant…’

After the opening remarks, the three books, ‘Mommy loves me before I go to school’, ‘Daddy loves me, this I know that’s why I love him so ’, and ‘Grandma loves me, this I know that’s why I appreciate her so’ were introduced while telephone calls were entertained.

Here are some comments: 1) …’it is nice to see Guyanese writers coming out and expressing themselves this way…I am happy to hear the books are about the family and not just child-centred…

2)…I like what is being said about reading to the fetus, you see I’m pregnant and I can relate to these books…

3)…I’d like to commend my young brother for presenting these morals to society… usually men are not in the forefront of child rearing and so forth…as men we should take our rightful place…I wish you much success; a writer is not finish until there is a response to his work…

4)…I’d like to commend both of you for what you’re doing because men have a role to play in society…against all the negative influences, these books are welcomed…

5)…one of the things we need to understand is a child honours whatever is in a book…It would be a privilege for me to buy one of those books and support one of our own writers….

‘Conjunction’ Guyana’s first live television book launch was adjourned with the following words: ‘this is not the end, we could continue this conversation by making contact…with each other.’

Although ‘conjunction’ is a novel idea and a first for Guyana, the cost for the complete production was personally funded. The support when the idea first marketed was overwhelming, but the financial pledges fizzled out into empty boasts. Making the nation more literate, a fundamental for a citizen to survive in a community is treated with little respect. I shudder to think how we would be able to handle a deluge of information during this silly season without proper comprehension skills.

However, ‘Conjunction’ has already rolled the dice, the ball is now in the public domain and there is no turning back. This new form of launching books will become the norm, in time to come. *Eon Stephens believes that children are a blessing from God [and] he has been working with children and youth for more than fifteen years…. He is the CEO/ founder of Professional Youth Alliance Guyana and Children and Youth Support Initiative New York. He holds a master’s degree in counseling and psychology. (from Eon Stephens FB page)

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

THE DECLINE OF THE ARTS TODAY Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

V

(Part VI)

W

by Terence Roberts

ITHOUT proclaiming themselves as 'novels', the creative writings of Petronius, Apuleius, and others up to Melidorus in the 4th century AD, delivered a synthesis of approaches to creative writing which involved romantic love, travel, sexuality, mythology, politics, fantasy, imagination, cuisine, wine, serfdom, violence, racial ancestry, family life, and divinity.

On the level of general human values, or qualities, such literary interests are no lesser than those of present day creative writers. Today's specific difference from that of antiquity exists only in the various physical and mental extensions of human 'progress', and their obvious repercussions, but not in the perennial physical, sensory, and imaginative activities which govern human existence.

FROM GENERAL TO PARTICULAR For example, the 'progress' of the planet instigated by Industrialism, African slavery in the New World, scientific experiments since the 16th century, literacy, capitalism, and later the advancements of the nuclear and computer age, became a topic which started to dominate the content of the Western European and Russian novel in the hands of writers like Dickens, Austen, Hardy, Hugo, Zola, Balzac, Tolstoy,

Chekov, Turgenev, Dostoyevsky, Gogol, and many others.

As studies of such literature gave birth to classes in literary study, and diplomas offering educational 'proof', formulas on the definition of the 'Novel', 'Short Story', 'Poem', inevitably emerged. So that the original unhampered, physical, sensory and mental activities which govern human existence, shrunk to the size of popular creative formulas which arose in the era of 'progress' mentioned above, influencing all the Arts. The decline of the art of writing therefore unfolded as each new era asserted it specific interests and social values, defined as 'reality', contained in abridged formulas governing 'content' in numerous art forms.

PETRONIUS' 'THE SATYRICON' By the time Petronius wrote 'The Satyricon' in the 1st

century BC, or the 60s, AD, during the era of Nero's governance of Rome, most of the linguistic possibilities of the future 'Novel' were projected in his style; which tells of two young Roman scholars wandering around the urban and rural Roman landscape. What they encounter and experience is not expressed in a singular 'story' with a plot, and language servile to an inevitable plot, (which came to define the traditional novel and short story with their artificial control of writing as a formula of 'entertainment'), but rather in multiple stories succeeding each other, which reveal or expose the social nature of Petronius' Roman nationality of the time. A number of points make Petronius' 'The Satryricon' a forerunner of the 'progressive', or avant-garde style of modern literature.

Terence Roberts

THE POINTS OF STYLE First: Is the amazing fact that because such antique creative writing had no literary tradition ahead of it to judge and censor its creative freedom, the creative writer BEGAN with an example of creative freedom in writing, which, over centuries, declined as a literary standard highly effective towards readers, and the increasing quantity of books written became a commodity of commerce, rather than 'quality' as a priority of art. Second: In 'The Satryricon', the continuous stories written in the 1st person tense, revealing and involving 'scandalous' acts between the opposite and same sexes, the materialistic extravagance, vanity, stupidity, and corruption of men and women; the descriptive encounter with poets, painters, paintings, sculptures; the hypocrisy and opportunism of learned men; the long quotations of poetry inserted in the text; the kind and cruel approach to serfdom; the quantity of vivid, colourful descriptions of various cuisine and wines consumed, clothes, architecture, feminine black magic potions, aphrodisiacs, etc; all of this is given via the narrator's voice which reveals ITS OWN involvement in this very content, which any reader can see is neither condemned nor condoned uncritically. Third: This sort of self-exposure, is exactly the style of modernist writing from its beginning, where the narrator in not only critical of others, but HIMSELF as well! The reader then, by being substituted for the writer's "I", or "we", when reading, experiences the same self-exposure and self-criticism that is within the text. Fourth: Petronius' 'The Satryricon' as it has survived for us, is really only the fragments of a much larger book of episodes, which, like numerous antique texts, fell into the hands of medieval

monks in the 15th and 16th centuries, who, as religious zealots and dogmatic judges of all pleasurable writings they deemed 'heretical', mutilated these books, tearing out their large illustrated pages that had come down through the centuries as Roman parchments, so that it was the bawdy Renaissance writer, Boccassio (who wrote 'The Decameron'), who discovered their abused pages scattered like rubbish on a monastery's library floor, or used to patch broken windows, wrap trifles, etc, and pleaded to rescue what was left from further destruction. The very fragmentation of 'The Satryricon' which has survived, paradoxically, did not harm the book's reputation, but as if magically suggested a pertinent future structure for modern creative writing, based on the sentence, the paragraph, the chapter, as literary value each by themselves.

VI

Federal Supreme Court freed conspiracy convicts in 1960

T

By George Barclay WO appellants including a policeman who, in 1960, were unlawfully convicted for conspiracy to prosecute for unlawful possession of bush rum, were freed by the Federal Supreme Court because the evidence was not supportive of a conspiracy under the ordinance.

The appellants, Ramsonahai and Police Constable Duke, who had been convicted of a plot to incriminate Mohamed Ali in a bush rum offence, had their appeals allowed.

Queen’s Counsel J.O. F. Haynes represented the appellants, while Mr. E. A. Romao appeared for the Crown at the hearing of the appeal, which lasted 4 days in 1961.

The court was constituted by Chief Justice Gomes and Justices of Appeal Wylie and Lewis.

The facts of the case disclosed that the appellants sent a bag containing two bottles of bush rum by a messenger to Mohamed Ali, the driver of a car, with instructions to the messenger to tell Mohamed Ali that he (the messenger) would return later to be taken up the coast.

The messenger did what he was told, and Mohamed Ali received the bag and kept it in his car.

The second appellant, who was a police constable, then telephoned the Force Control Office and reported that Mohamed Ali had just received a bag containing bush rum. Mohamed Ali’s car was located by a police patrol car and the bag with the bush rum was found in it by the police. There was other evidence clearly establishing that the appellants had plotted to incriminate Mohamed Ali by false evidence.

The indictment charged a conspiracy to prosecute Mohamed Ali, knowing him to be innocent, for the summary conviction offence of being in unlawful possession of bush rum; and was laid under Section 330 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 10 [B.G.]. That section reads as follows: “If anyone conspires with another to prosecute any person for an alleged offence, knowing that person to be innocent thereof, the offender shall be guilty of felony, and on conviction thereof, shall be liable(a) to penal servitude for life if the person prosecuted, or intended to be prosecuted in pursuance of the conspiracy, might, on conviction for the alleged offence, be sentenced to death or penal servitude for life; (b) to penal servitude for fourteen years if the person prosecuted, or intended to be prosecuted in pursuance of the conspiracy might, on conviction for the alleged offence, be sentenced to penal servitude for any term less than life; and (c) to penal servitude for seven years if the person prosecuted, or intended to be prosecuted in pursuance of the conspiracy, might, on conviction for the alleged offence, either on indictment or before a magistrate’s court, be sentenced to imprisonment but not to penal servitude.”

The Federal Supreme Court held: (i) The evidence did not support the conclusion that either of the appellants intended to institute a prosecution by personally laying a complaint or information (ii) The words “to prosecute” in Section 330 are to be construed in their strict sense, and are not to be extended to

include a conspiracy between two or more persons to cause another person to be prosecuted.

APPEALS ALLOWED. The appeals were against conviction by the Supreme Court of British Guiana of conspiracy to prosecute for the offence of being in unlawful possession of bush rum.

Chief Justice Gomes, who delivered the judgment of the court, noted that the two appellants, Samuel Ramsonahai and Roy Duke, appealed against their convictions for conspiring together to prosecute one Mohamed Ali, knowing him to be innocent of the summary conviction offence of being in unlawful possession of bush rum.

According to the Chief Justice, the section under which the appellants were indicted is Section 330 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 10 [B.G.]. Referring to the facts of the case, the Chief Justice disclosed that on the morning of October 24, 1959, the appellant Samuel Ramsonahai left his home on the East Coast and drove to Georgetown by car.

By prearrangement, he picked up on the way first the appellant Duke, who is a police constable, and then a man named Naraine Persaud. On arrival in town, Ramsonahai took a bag which was in the car between where the two appellants were sitting, gave it to Persaud, and, in the hearing of the appellant Duke, told him to go to the gasoline station and enquire for Pundit’s car and deliver to the driver, and to say that he, Persaud, would return later to be taken up the coast.

Naraine did what he was told to do, and the driver of Pundit’s car, who was Mohamed Ali, received the bag and kept it in his car, the number of which was HD 444.

Either before or about the time that Naraine delivered the bag, the appellant Duke rang up the Force Control Office and reported that Mohamed Ali, driving car HB 444, had just received a bag containing bush rum. The message was immediately relayed by a patrol car which located Ali’s car, in which was found the bag that Naraine had delivered to Ali. The bag contained two bottles of bush rum.

The other evidence in the case clearly establishes the fact that the two appellants had acted jointly in causing the bush rum to be ‘planted’ on Ali. Continuing his judgment, the Chief Justice declared that

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

George Barclay

there are three grounds of appeal: the first is common to both appellants, the second relates to the case against the appellant Duke, and the third to the appellant Ramsonahai only.

He added, “The three submissions made by counsel, who appeared for both appellants, are: (i) That the evidence did not establish the offence for which the appellants were indicted and convicted; (ii) That the judge misdirected the jury by failing to direct them that the onus of proving whether the statement alleged to have been made by Duke to the Police was made voluntarily or not was on the prosecution; and also that if they had any reasonable doubt on the question whether or not the statement, if made, was a voluntary one, they should reject it; and (iii) That the case against Ramsonahai was unduly prejudiced by the failure of the judge to order a separate trial.

“Counsel also made submissions on other questions that could or might arise if those three submissions were not upheld, or in the event of the second or third submissions being sustained.

“With regard to the final submission, counsel contended that while the evidence may be sufficient to prove the commission of other statutory offences or of an indictable conspiracy at common law, it did not establish a contravention of the provisions of Section 330 of Chapter 10, because it did not prove that the agreement was that either of the alleged conspirators would prosecute Ali; that is to say, that one or other of them would actually institute proceedings by laying a charge against him.

“In other words, counsel maintained that an offence is not committed if the evidence discloses an intention merely to cause a public prosecution to be instituted against him.

“Counsel advanced three reasons in support of his argument. He stated that the ordinary and primary meaning of the words “to prosecute” is to commence proceedings by laying a complaint or information.

“Secondly, that the section is a highly penal, one and on that account the words “to prosecute” should be strictly construed and not extended to include the phrase “to cause to be prosecuted”; and thirdly, that if the legislature intended such an extension of the words “to prosecute”, it would have said so, as it did in several other sections of the same enactment.

“While it is clear that any person may commence a prosecution against another person, we agree with counsel for the appellants that the evidence does not support the conclusion that either of the appellants (notwithstanding that the appellant Duke is a constable) intended to institute a prosecution by personally laying a complaint or information against Ali. “We do not therefore consider that it would be profitable to examine and deal with the evidence that was put before the jury in regard to police regulation and procedure before a complaint is made by a member of the police force.

“The point is a novel one, and research has not revealed any authority on it. We therefore deal with it according to the ordinary rules of construction”, the Federal Supreme Court disclosed, as it allowed the appeals and set aside the convictions and sentences.

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

VII

STAINED OR DISCOLOURED TEETH

IF your teeth are stained or discoloured, it is likely that you have gone to some lengths to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Perhaps you have experimented with the variety of toothpastes on the market today and maybe purchased some of the home bleaching kits sold in drugstores and supermarkets. And who knows, in an attempt to draw attention away from your teeth, accentuated your hairstyle or clothing.

But unfortunately, many of these efforts ultimately fall short. Today, however, there is no need to suffer from social embarrassment or psy-

chological trauma because of stained or discoloured teeth. Suitable cosmetic dental treatment can provide both predictable and positive longterm results.

There are a number of reasons that teeth stain.

Foods, beverages, and medications may discolour teeth.

Smoking or forgetting to brush and floss on a regular basis may also lead to staining. In other cases, discoloration may be the result of genetics or disease. Micro cracks caused by chewing ice or other hard objects can trap stains and are difficult – or more often impossible – to clean.

(Photo: intelligentdental.com)

Cut back on coffee to reduce stains. Even with frequent cleanings, stains due to drinking large amounts of coffee may rapidly return. Now, what stains teeth?

Stained teeth can be caused by drinking Coca Cola or Pepsi Cola, coffee, and tea.

Also, by consuming other stain producing foods such as betel nuts, blueberries, red wine, or using tobacco the teeth can be stained.

These stains are called surface stains.

You can stop staining your teeth by limiting the amount of black coffee and tea in your daily diet. Avoid smoking. Make regular visits

to your dentist for professional cleanings and brush and floss regularly and properly.

Some toothpastes have compounds that can help remove minor stains for a whitening effect.

Plaque can build up on teeth and cause stains, referred to as soft deposits.

This is usually the result of inadequate oral hygiene (brushing and flossing). Surface stains occur primarily between teeth and on surfaces of crooked teeth. They are typically dark brown and are caused strong discolouring agents such as coffee, tea, and tobacco. It can usually be managed with daily oral hygiene combined with regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings. Food colouring may be trapped in

micro cracks and require a more aggressive treatment than professional cleanings alone (although bleaching can cause the micro cracks it become even whiter than or a different color from the rest of the tooth).

Soft deposits are caused by plaque – a sticky film that builds up on teeth over time – or tartar (calculus) – a cement-like substance that forms when plaque is not removed. They are often bacterial in origin and may be the by-product of ineffective oral hygiene. It can appear as dark or whitish areas around the gum line, most often on the lower front teeth and typically disappear after thorough dental scaling and polishing.

However, intrinsic stains are part of the tooth struc-

ture itself. This may be a result of genetics, disease, or the use of medications such as tetracycline. Intrinsic stains include white patches on the enamel surface and bands of brownish gray across the teeth. It may be caused by faulty hardening of the tooth before birth or the interruption of normal enamel formation by medications or disease. It often appears in people who were treated with the antibiotic tetracycline before the age of eight years or whose mothers tooth the drug while pregnant. it can also result from the use of the antibiotic minocycline or may be caused by advanced decay or by old or defective silver fillings (brown or gray stains).

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - Transforming the lives of ordinary Guyanese

By Tajeram Mohabir WITH a mission to transform the lives of the poor through home ownership, Habitat for Humanity (Guyana) Inc has, since establishment of operations here, built, repaired and extended some 600 homes throughout Guyana.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Habitat, as the organisation is also called, is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, founded in 1976 with a vision for a world in which everyone has a safe and decent place to live through the elimination of housing poverty and homelessness.

Most know Habitat as an entity in the business of building a home, but Habitat’s work extends beyond just building.

It provides low-cost housing frequently through voluntary labour; offers house-related technical assistance; promotes innovative house financing opportunities, advocates for adequate housing for all, and prepares for and responds to disasters.

Habitat was formally registered as a non-profit organisation in Guyana in 1995, but its relationship with this country stretches a few years back.

The relationship began soon after the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) came to power in 1992, following a conversation between then President of Guyana, Dr Cheddi Jagan, and former US President Jimmy Carter.

When Dr Jagan assumed office, the former US President had asked him what he could do for Guyana; and Dr Jagan, who was deeply concerned about the poor condition of housing in Guyana at the time, requested assistance in housing.

And there is where it all started.

Habitat’s representatives, Mr Charlie and Mrs Ruth McGill, were dispatched to Guyana to explore the possibility of the humanitarian organisation setting up an office here.

In their sojourn, they consulted with various stakeholders in society; and, having a first-hand look at the deteriorating conditions, they found that there was a clear-cut case for the establishment of operation in these shores.

And gradually, with persistence and determination, Habitat has complemented Government’s efforts to bring comfort to the discomforted and dignity and hope to thousands of poor and underprivileged, throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

Habitat for Humanity (Guyana) Director Rawle Small told the Guyana Chronicle that Habitat is not only about building homes for the poor and the impoverished, but is also about bringing people together to change lives in their communities.

In the building of homes, he said, the labour of families and, if possible, community members is utilised aside from the work of the paid labourers and contractors.

PROMOTING TOGETHERNESS Small explained that what this does is bring family members together, possibly members of the community, and in so doing, it brings down the cost for building the home.

He said persons should not be confused, and he pointed out that Habitat helps but does not give handouts, as families have to contribute to the building of their own homes.

Aside from building homes, Habitat also does home extension, home repairs, and incremental work, which includes, among other things, the construction of septic tanks and sanitary blocs.

This year, Small said, the organisation would be building 31 new homes and engaging in repair projects and five incremental assignments.

Habitat, he said, is in the business of building low-cost houses, but does not build just any house. He pointed out that the organisation utilises eight different housing designs, with costs ranging from $1.7 million to $4.2 million.

These houses include one- and two-storeyed structures that are outfitted with kitchens, living and dining areas, lights, toilets, running water and other basic amenities.

One would ask: if family members are contributing to the building of their own homes, and have to pay the interest on loans borrowed from the commercial banks, why the need for Habitat?

The need is a necessity, since from its track record of success in Guyana, Habitat has enjoyed an excellent relationship with the country’s top suppliers of building materials.

Once housing projects are routed through this humanitarian organisation, they benefit from concessionary prices on building materials, or prices below the regular market price.

Taken together, these usually amount to half the cost a private contractor would charge to build the house.

A good example, Small told the Guyana Chronicle, is that a typical house constructed by Habitat for $2.5 million would usually cost $5 million and more if the project is privately done.

He pointed out that the goal is not only for the poor to own their own homes, but to recognise the importance of saving, and building on their gains. This, he said, is part of the wider strategy of empowering the poor in the bid to get them out of poverty.

LOW-COST SERVICE

A new business model was created, and it mandates that funding for projects be sourced not exclusive from Habitat’s donor agencies, but from external sources, to ensure productivity and viability of the organisation.

In the early period of operation in Guyana, Habitat used to receive funding from several donors in the US; but today, while still receiving overseas support, the amounts have been lessened. A large portion of the funds, Small said, comes from local organisations.

Grounded in the readjustment of policies, Habitat forged partnerships with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited, Scotia Bank, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited, Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited,

Late President of Guyana, Dr Cheddi Jagan

Former US President Jimmy Carter

Only the poor and vulnerable qualify to benefit under Habitat, and Small said that once the applicants are successful, they pay a fee of $15,000 for the plan and estimate of the house, a service for which a regular contractor would charge $50,000 and more.

Prior to 2012, the humanitarian organisation used to provide no-interest mortgages to beneficiaries, and the monies repaid used to be channelled into a revolving fun, so that more people can benefit under the low-cost housing programme.

But the scheme encountered some difficulties when many of the beneficiaries began dishonouring their payments, and this prompted Habitat Guyana to strategically review the way they do business here.

and several corporate entities to support its housing drive.

Small said that once beneficiaries have the land, they would qualify for a low-income loan from the commercial bank, paying an interest rate of 4.2 per cent. But, he said, homes built exclusively by corporate entities are given to beneficiaries for free.

Another strategic decision that was taken following the reorganization of Habitat, Small said, was the building of homes to withstand flooding and other associated risks.

Also stemming from the reorganisation, a Youth Volunteer Programme was established in 2013, which today boasts some ► Continued on page IX

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and his wife Yvonne Hinds stand with Charlie McGill (second right) and others at a local Habitat for Humanity function

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015 The home Habitat for Humanity built for Fulencity Holder

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The house built for Tomeicka Miller Patterson at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ► From page VIII

250 youths, focusing on construction, resource mobalisation and disaster risk management.

NEW PROJECT Building on its success, Habitat will be introducing a new programme in July, by which it intends to build 100 homes every year. It has already begun working with two construction firms to execute part of the project.

Small explained that Habitat has chosen the firms to execute projects on the coastland, as it is cheaper to contract them than to give the projects to individual contractors. And in an effort to minimise cost and provide employment to community members, projects in the hinterland, he said, will be awarded to individual contractors.

Small said that Habitat sees housing for all as a basic human right, and he lauded the current Government for creating the environment for more persons to own their own homes now than at anytime before.

Today, tens of thousands of working class Guyanese are proud home owners as a result of Government’s national housing programme. With subsidies towards providing infrastruc-

Volunteers at work on a housing project

ture support worth billions of dollars, over 200 squatter settlements have been transformed into housing schemes with beautifully built homes.

From cramped one-room dwellings in what can be described as hazardous conditions, families are now accommodated in spacious homes.

Putting the Government’s programmes aside, the Habitat Director said, with 20 years of service in Guyana, the organisation cannot be prouder of its accomplishments in transforming the lives of thousands of poor Guyanese.

construct a sanitary block.

Patterson was overjoyed with gratitude, but after receiving financial support to start the renovation, Tomeikca was left with tears in her eyes after tragedy struck once again when fire ravaged her Goed Fortuin home.

After Anjuli Beharry Strand, Director of Edward B Beharry and Company Limited, heard of Tomeicka’s story, she immediately wanted to help. Tomeicka’s home was made possible through the partnership with Edward B Beharry and Company Limited under the Habitat/Beharry Build project; they were the major donors of the project.

TRANSFORMATION Tomeicka Miller Patterson, he said, is just one example. Patterson, a single mother of one, became a survivor of domestic violence in 2014 Habitat for Humanity MOST WELCOME ASSISTANCE after her reputed husband had stabbed her 27 times Today, after all of her misfortunes, To(Guyana) before taking his own life. Her home at Goed For- Director Rawle Small meicka still has the comfort of a place she tuin, West Bank Demerara, where she had resided calls home. In addition to her new home, at the time, was in dire need of repair. Habitat for Courts Unicomer Guyana has extended Humanity Guyana, Scotia bank, Courts, Qualfon and Demer- its interest in supporting Tomeicka by making provision to ara Bank Limited collaborated to assist Tomeikca monetarily furnish her home. with the repairs for her floors, roof, kitchen cupboards, and to Another example, Small said, can be found in Fulencity Holder. Between the ages of 17-18, Holder had her first two children, a bouncing baby boy she named David, and his younger, energetic sister Cecilia.

With two children and no reliable source of income, Fulencity set her sight on finding employment. In 2009, at age 22, she joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as a cook, a skill she had developed since her teenage years.

Without a place for her and her children to stay, Fulencity found refuge at Base Camp Ayanganna, the headquarters of the GDF. By this time, however, she had lost custody of her daughter, who lived with her aunt, and her son developed a disability. Holder decided it was best to enroll him in a children’s Convalescent home.

She urgently needed a place to regain full custody of her children and provide the quality of care only a dedicated mother can.

DREAM REALISED Holder’s dream was finally made a reality in February 2015 with support from Habitat for Humanity Guyana and El Salvador, which partnered with the GDF to construct a modest three-bedroom house which catered to the family’s general needs as well as her son’s disability.

Small is hoping that with US President Jimmy Carter returning to Guyana to observe the May 11 General and Regional Elections, he would be available to attend the dedication ceremony, where the home will be officially handed over to Holder.

After all, it was former President Carter who really brought Habitat to Guyana, whose mission is: "Seeking to put God’s love into action…bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope."

In essence, Habitat brings comfort to the poor. And of all the comfortable places in life, there is no place as comfortable as the place called home.

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

QUADO VANCOOTEN Evoking a thirst for knowledge in Mashabo pupils

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By Alex Wayne

DUCATOR Quado Vancooten is a selfless man among men.

Humble, unassuming and selfless are just some of the words that may best describe my one time hip-hop-loving buddy.

We go way back to 1993, when the Guyana Star Search was a hit show. It was around that time that I won the rap category, and Quado Vancooten and I became friends because we both were lyricists with hip-hop dreams.

Fate, however, led us down different paths to where we are today. He is now 40 years young and is the Headmaster of the Mashabo Primary School; a post he has held with distinction from 2004 to present.

He grew up in La Grange, West Bank Demerara, where it was always a struggle to get to school, whether on the Tata buses or the ferry from Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown.

After completing high school, he went on to the CPCE, where he completed the primary teachers training from 1997 to 1999. It was after completing college that he made the decision to switch regions and head to Region 2.

His years of struggling with transportation to get to school left him with bitter memories, and he was desperate for a change. Being familiar with the Mainstay Lake from attending church camps and day excursions, he fell in love with the black water and white sandy beaches and quickly realised that that was the place where he wanted to work and live.

His first month on the job was like a dream. The Lake Mainstay resort was about to begin operations, and electricity was also making its way into the community, with the school included. He was well settled in, and had all the basic necessities at his disposal.

My buddy took up the challenge, and his application was accepted. He was appointed in September 2004.

Mashabo is found on the Ituribisi Lake, the largest lake in Guyana. It was a totally different environment, and the only way in was a 30-45-minute ride by boat over the large lake. Quado was unfazed; like a chameleon he adapted to the change and realised that here, too, was a natural paradise with an abundance of wildlife, from parrots and macaws flying overhead, to otters swimming freely in the lake, to different species of monkeys swinging on the branches just behind the school.

Quado Vancooten certainly evokes a thirst for knowledge in the young children he tutors

have since gone on to write CSEC, with one of them gaining distinctions in Agriculture Science and Food and Nutrition,” Quado revealed.

As an educator, Quado believes that each child should be seen as a blank slate on which a good teacher can impart the necessary knowledge.

While he has had challenges galore, this young Guyanese has no regret leaving the comforts of the city to share the knowledge he has with those he comes in contact with.

He says: "I gain full job satisfaction when I can get a child who couldn't write to do so, or a child who couldn't read to improve to a satisfactory level. It is worth the sacrifice, and at the end of the day I can smile when I see a batch of students leaving for high school, knowing that a younger batch is just about coming in.”

It is a known fact that teenage pregnancies and substance abuse, namely alcohol and marijuana, are major problems in many hinterland communities. To help keep the youths on track, a relationship was established with the Youth Division of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, where workshops are held and training is done on a regular basis. This has been working, since it is evident that there is a major reduction in the instances of teenage pregnancy. Youths in the community are living more productive lives, participating in sports such as cricket and volleyball.

‘Sir’ Quado was, nine years ago, able to establish a permanent school feeding programme with the help of the Toronto Foundation through Food for the Poor. Today that programme is fully sponsored by the benefactors of Mashabo, the Stoner Family, which has given the school a computer lab, a school

In Quado’s own words: "I fell in love with Mashabo.

I, however, found out that there were no high school graduates in the community because most of the high school children would go up to Form 3 and then drop out. It was during this period that a teacher brought to my attention a student who had reached Form 4 but was on the brink of dropping out because of financial constraints.

The teacher and I quickly The outstanding stalwart, Quado Vancooten visited the parents of the child, and we were able to convince them about the boat, and sufficient funds for the smooth running of the importance of education and feeding programme. The attendance has improved over the the long-term benefits that years, and the pupils continue to show improvement in their can be accomplished from the academic performances!

Quado Vancooten (right) during a televised interview sacrifices made if they invest And while Quado is the relatively young man who in (education). They took the sacrificed his city life and Hip-Hop dreams to make life In 2004, however, the headmaster with whom he worked advice, and the young lady went on to write 6 subjects, passing better for a little known community, he is quite a humble applied for promotion, and he told Quado about a school in 5 with grade twos and threes. and secluded soul. He is a single parent dad of two great Mashabo which had, for quite some time, been without a head.

“This was a landmark achievement, and six other students kids, a girl aged nine, and a boy aged seven.

KAVITA BAIJNAUTH proud of how her life Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

turned out today

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Kavita Baijnauth

- says it doesn’t matter where you grow up, it’s what you have turned out to be

By Telesha Ramnarine

MEET the young and endearing Kavita Baijnauth, producer and hostess of ‘Bollywood Sensation’ which has been airing every Sunday for the past ten years! It’s Kavita’s pride; a television programme she has built and has been caring for on her own.

Kavita, 28, was born and raised in Georgetown’s Albouystown, a community with a kind of stigma attached to it.

Kavita doesn’t care about the reason for this, but she is proud of how her life turned out today. “To me, it doesn’t matter where you grow up; it’s what you have turned out to be,” she said in an interview with the Chronicle.

She attended Smyth Street Nursery, before pressing on to Ketley Primary and Dolphin Secondary, where she wrote her Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Exams. Afterwards, she opted for a few classes at Global Technology.

Kavita was born to Rabindranauth Baijnauth and Bibi Rosa Alli and she has two brothers namely, Rishi and Reeaz.

When she was about a month old, her parents separated and Kavita recalled how difficult this made her childhood.

“It’s hard not growing up with both parents. Parents’ separation affects children a lot and it did in my case. It wasn’t easy. We didn’t get everything we deserved. There was nobody there to encourage you like how I was there for my son when he was writing his exams recently. I went all out for him,” she candidly expressed.

But she is not mad at anyone because she realises that circumstances in many instances dictate what happens in life.

“My mom couldn’t afford it and she didn’t know anything.

But we tried. We didn’t get the best but I tried to make much with whatever I got.”

Kavita continues to have a great relationship with her family and chooses to focus on the positives in her life. “It doesn’t matter what your past is; it’s what your future will be.”

Kavita’s upbringing has positively impacted her life.

“When you grow up like that, you become a better person.

You value money more; you know the value of things. I try to give my children the best. I try my best especially where education is concerned because I know without that you can’t get anywhere. Those circumstances help me to be a better person and a better mom.

Kavita is married to Rajesh and has two children, Christopher and Ashley. She praised the supportive role her husband plays in her life.

MAKING SACRIFICES Kavita hadn’t a specific goal as a child with regard to the type of work she wanted to do, but she believes that the field she is currently in is one that god led her to. And she embraced it with open arms. In fact, she loves doing what she does although it entails a lot of hard work.

Growing up under tough circumstances helps her to know the true value of things and to desist from having a wasteful attitude. “I know the value of things which helps me save and spend wisely. I had to work towards obtaining a better life for myself. First thing I did was budget myself. I always know how to spend. And I made a lot of sacrifices. Once you know how to make sacrifices,” she offered.

She is very determined to achieve her goals. Kavita ► Continued on page XIV

With her husband and kids

In addition to her busy schedule, Kavita works hard to be a good mom

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

FIRST HUMAN HEAD TRANSPLANT SET FOR 2017

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radical plan for transplanting a head onto someone else’s body is set to be announced. But is such ethically sensitive surgery even feasible?

It's heady stuff. The world's first attempt to transplant a human head will be launched this year at a surgical conference in North America.

The idea was first proposed in 2013 by Sergio Canavero of the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group in Italy. He wants to use the surgery to extend the lives of people whose muscles and nerves have degenerated or whose organs are riddled with cancer. Now he claims the major hurdles, such as fusing the spinal cord and preventing the body's immune system from rejecting the head, are surmountable, and the surgery could be ready as early as 2017.

The first successful head transplant, in which one head was replaced by another, was carried out in 1970.

A team transplanted the head of one monkey onto the body of another. They didn't attempt to join the spinal cords, though, so the monkey couldn't move its body, but it was able to breathe with artificial assistance. The monkey lived for nine days until its immune system rejected the head. Although few head transplants have been carried out since, many of the surgical procedures involved have progressed.

So, how will this be done?

The recipient’s head will moved onto the donor body and the two ends of the spinal cord – which resemble two densely packed bundles of spaghetti – are fused together. To achieve this, the team intends to flush the area with a chemical called polyethylene glycol, and follow up with several hours of injections of the same stuff. Just like hot water makes dry spaghetti stick together, polyethylene glycol encourages the fat in cell membranes to mesh.

Next, the muscles and blood supply would be sutured and the recipient kept in a coma for three or four weeks to prevent movement. Implanted electrodes would provide regular electrical stimulation to the spinal cord, because research suggests this can strengthen new nerve connections.

When the recipient wakes up, it predicts they (recipient) would be able to move and feel their face and would speak with the same voice. Physiotherapy would enable the person to walk within a year. And according toSergio Canavero, several people have already

volunteered to get a new body.

The trickiest part will be getting the spinal cords to fuse.

Polyethylene glycol has been shown to prompt the growth of spinal cord nerves in animals, and the ambitious team intends to use brain-dead organ donors to test the technique.

If polyethylene glycol doesn't work, there are other options Canavero could try. Injecting stem cells or olfactory ensheathing cells – self-regenerating cells that connect the lining of the nose to the brain – into the spinal cord, or creating a bridge over the spinal gap using stomach membranes have shown promise in helping people walk again after spinal injury.

Although unproven, Canavero says the chemical approach is the simplest and least invasive.

But what about the prospect of the immune system rejecting the alien tissue? Robert White's monkey died because its head was rejected by its new body. Are we prepared for a change of “head”?

DIGITAL TATTOO LETS YOU CONTROL DEVICES WITH MIND POWER ALONE What’s on your mind? Anyone can buy a headset that reads the electrical activity of their brain. It's called an electro-encephalo-gram, or EEG, and you can use it to control devices with the power of your mind. But there's a drawback: they don't work when the wearer is moving and they look silly, so no one wants to wear them.

The solution could be a kind of EEG system that does away with the cumbersome electrodes, annoying gels and wires of its predecessors, replacing them with a flexible electronic skin that conforms to the body. It promises to let us monitor our brains discreetly 24 hours a day, and can be worn continuously for two weeks, staying put whether you're swimming, running or sleeping. Comprising just a small patch of gold electrodes on and behind the ear, it beats the existing tech.

To test it, the team looked at their system's performance in tasks that clinical EEG devices usually handle. For example, volunteers were able to spell out the word "computer" on a screen in front of them using their brains' electrical activity.

Their stick-on EEG was wired up to a computer for the tests, but the team is working on wireless transmission of data and power, something they have already achieved in other devices.

The focus is on medical applications to begin with – "EEG is important in detecting seizures – particularly in premature babies. But the fact that it can sit discreetly behind an ear means that all kinds of other applications are feasible. No one wants to wear a headset constantly, but applying a hidden electronic tattoo once every two weeks is more acceptable.

DIGITAL CLOCK WON’T LOSE OR GAIN ONE SECOND IN 15 BILLION YEARS

With the advent of Internet-connected phones, computers, and other devices, it’s become something of a non-issue to worry about whether it keeps time properly. Now it’s down to edge cases, such as an old car I had with a specific model-year problem that caused the dashboard clock to gain roughly 10 minutes every month. And I still find the occasional PC or Mac that loses track of time gradually if the Internet sync is turned off.

Meanwhile, the tech world has been working on maintaining and improving the best time-keeping devices on the planet. And it seems we may have a new record, with the latest modification to a strontium lattice atomic clock allowing for some incredible precision: It won’t lose or gain one second in some 15 billion years. For context, that’s slightly longer than our universe has existed.

So what does this mean exactly? The team working on the clock measures its accuracy by tracking how closely it nears the resonant frequency where the strontium atoms oscillate between two distinctly different energy levels. The clock is now accurate enough to measure extremely small changes in the passage of time and the force of gravity at different heights, as per Einstein’s general theory of relativity — the clock will tick ever so slightly faster at higher elevations. The performance means that we can measure the gravitational shift when you raise the clock just 2cm on the Earth’s surface!

The improvements included two platinum resistance thermometers surrounding the atoms, and now include measurements from an incredibly stable laser to track electron movement. Today, the clock contains a “few thousand atoms of strontium held in an optical lattice,” a 30-by-30-micrometer column of about 400 regions formed by an intense red laser light at the frequency that prompts the switch in energy levels.

Every second, strontium “ticks” 430 trillion times. And thanks to a radiation shield around the atom chamber, the clock can sit in a relatively normal space.

As you can imagine, this race to build the most accurate clock ever is actually a thing, and it’s been going on for some time. Back in February, a team of researchers in Poland at the National Laboratory for Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (KL FAMO) made similar claims about their own four-room-wide timepiece. In the end, the more accurate we can build a clock, the better we can make global positioning systems (GPS) — as well as improved 3D measurements of the shape of the Earth with more frequent geodetic updates, and more advanced communication networks.

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

‘Pawpaw’ to marry soon

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Love potion sends housewife to early grave AN attempt last weekend by a frustrated housewife in Atumaga Community in Delta State to get her husband to fulfill his conjugal duties backfired after she reportedly ate an egusi (melon) soup laced with a poisonous charm she procured from a native doctor.

Reports are that the housewife, identified only as Egwoli (surname withheld), had complained of abandonment; that her husband had not been making love to her since they got married two years ago.

But sources said the housewife, a petty trader, instead of seeking the family’s intervention, allegedly sought the help of native doctor, who prepared a charm, via the egusi soup, for thee man to have a charge of heart.

It was reliably gathered that the man had been sleeping with other women outside his home after he complained of an odour from his wife.

On her return from the native doctor’s place last Friday evening, she immediately applied the charm, but unfortunately, the man was nowhere to be found. She was said to have mistakenly mixed the charm in her own soup not knowing it was poisonous. She ate it, went to bed, and never woke up.

Speaking to our correspondent, the police PRO in Delta State, DSP Celestina Kalu, said the police were currently investigating the circumstances that led to the woman’s death, adding that reports indicated she was involved in fetish activities.

But the husband, who did not want his name in the print, said: “My wife had threatened to make me impotent when I stopped making love to her, for obvious reasons, and I found some fetish items in her room, including the egusi soup she ate before her death.”

EARS after his Nollywood twin, Chinedu Ikedieze, better known as 'Aki', tied the knot, Osita Iheme, or ‘Pawpaw’ as he is called, is now set to wed his beautiful Ghanaian girlfriend.

Rumour has it that the ‘funny-man’ may be tying the knot anytime soon, and according to one source, wedding plans are well in advance.

‘Pawpaw’ however told another source that he and ‘wifey’ would rather be married in secret.

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Kidnappers take three-year-old in church

By Maryjane Ezeh/Nigeriafilms.com A THREE--year-old girl named Bunmi was reportedly abducted last Sunday in Lagos during church service.

The unfortunate incident was said to have occurred at the Surulere Baptist Church Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Lagos.

It was reported that some strange men walked into the premises and took her away on a motorcycle and escaped through Nathan Street, off Ojuelegba.

Since then, her parents and other worried family members have been combing the whole of Lagos in search of her.

"Please help us, our hearts are broken, we're crying with heavy hearts. We don't know what to do anymore.

“Please if you see this child in anyway, kindly call this numbers 08022289455, 07085678831, 08098230603, or 08023036852...God Bless you,” a message from the family of the kidnapped child reads.

A few weeks ago, three boys were kidnapped for a ransom by a newly employed maid who was employed through Online business platform, OLX. The boys were later rescued by the Lagos State Police Command.

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

New Peace Corps Volunteers arrive in Guyana

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orty-three Peace Corps trainees arrived in Georgetown last week to begin their two years of service to the people of Guyana.

The new trainees make up the 27th group of Peace Corps Volunteers to serve in Guyana, and they will soon begin their pre-service training.

For the next twelve weeks of training, trainees will live with local host families who will teach them the Guyanese way of life as they learn how to cook local food, negotiate in the market place, and participate in community activities. Pre-service training also entails

a technical component within both the health and education sectors where trainees will be engaged in field practicum in local schools and health centers. This enhances their abilities to meet the needs of the communities they will serve. The group is expected to be officially sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers on July 8, 2015.

The Peace Corps was first active in Guyana from 1966-1971. In 1993, Peace Corps was invited to return to Guyana by the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and the first group arrived in 1995. Since its establishment, more

than 700 American Volunteers have served the people of Guyana. The late U.S. President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps in March 1961 to provide human resource and technical assistance to developing countries that have requested such engagement.

The Peace Corps welcomes the opportunity to work with the people of Guyana and extends its gratitude to the Government and people of Guyana for their hospitality and for the possibility they offer the Volunteers in working together to advance Guyana's development aspirations.

it. That’s what I do.

I believe that once you give, you will receive. I always like to help people. Good would always follow you when you do good.”

Kavita’s live call-in programme airs on MTV Channel 65 every Sunday from 4 to 5 pm. And viewers can expect

the best in Indian music as Kavita carefully selects every song. Her love for Indian music all her life reflects in the quality of her entertainment.

KAVITA BAIJNAUTH ► From page XII

says: “I sacrifice myself a lot. I’m contented and I don’t try to hang my hat where my hand can’t reach. I grow up hard so I know the value of things,” she stressed.

Kavita has registered her business under the name Radiance Marketing and Advertising and is planning to expand in the future. She is planning to go radio once she gets everything in place. She wants to ensure that nothing will make her quit once she starts.

She also makes sacrifices for her family and is one of the first to come forward should they need help. Furthermore, she is also busy caring for her children and being a good worker in the home.

Kavita advises fellow young persons: “Everything you want in life, you have to work towards it and not just work on it but make sacrifices. That’s the only way things come in your life. Work towards your goals and never give up.

Sometimes the journey to success is tough, really difficult.

But don’t ever give up. Always tell yourself that you can do Kavita is live with ‘Bollywood Sensation’ every Sunday afternoon on MTV

(Kavita can be contacted on telephone numbers 694-0666 and 614-6676)

With her hubby Rajesh

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

XV

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

FAREWELL 1959; WELCOME 1960 (The Daily Argosy- January 1, 1960)

By Hazrat Ali Like all good things which must end sooner or later, Christmas and 1959 have bid us goodbye and are now no more than happy memories.

And Christmas too has left us its usual festive scars here and there.On this the first day of the New Year it is not an idle pre-occupation to look back a bit on the final days of 1959.

Christmas B.G. Style: The weather was superb giving shoppers every opportunity to make their Christmas purchases.

Although the strike affected sales at first, sales brightened up in the later stages and so no one had any complaints to make.

The steel bands tramped and brought terror.

But they also brought joy to the hearts of hundreds of persons who tramped behind them.

The old masquerade bands are gradually dying out but still a few made their appearance and thrilled audiences with their antics and their flutes and pipe drums.

More were the usual Boxing Day parties, dances and house “get togethers” went off with a bang and everyone was happy.

The whole country now is looking forward to a happy and prosperous 1960.

Challenging events and radical changes in many spheres of activity and endeavour lie ahead.

But Guianese have proved their mettle before and it is not too much to hope that they will measure up to the challenge of the times.

Who knows what awaits us in Christmas 1960?

Perhaps we may have to make preparations for a “White Christmas” snow and all.

And some of us may want to spend Christmas in outer space.

This may be a little facetious but my wish for a happy and peaceful 1960 is tinged with sincerity.

KILLER HANGED (Guiana Graphic July 29th 1960)

Edmund Grant, a 27 year-old chauffeur was yesterday executed by hanging at the Georgetown Prison for the murder of his sweetheart.

Grant who had stabbed to death Estelle Sampson, 23, at Islington road Berbice on December 28, 1962, was sentenced to death at the Berbice Assize Court on October 22nd, 1963 when found guilty of murder.

He had twice appealed unsuccessfully against his conviction and death sentence.

Both the Caribbean Court of Appeal and the Privy Council turned down his appeal.

DELINQUENT YOUTH FLOGGED (Guiana Graphic October 17, 1960) A 14-year-old schoolboy was flogged in the presence of a magistrate and his parents at Providence Court yesterday.

Magistrate Horace Mitchell was told that the boy not only cursed his uncle, but smashed the window panes of his home because the uncle scolded him for not going to school.

“This boy deserves a spanking,” said Mr. Mitchell.

“This may be the only thing to help correct his attitude towards the future.”

Mr. Mitchell said he did not particularly like to order strokes for such boys but felt that the problem of youthful delinquency in this community was becoming more acute.

On October 9, Inspector Gooding, prosecuting, said the boy was scolded by his uncle for being reluctant to attend school.

The boy became defiant and used filthy expressions.

After being flogged by his uncle, the boy stoned the West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme apartment, smashing the glass windows.

The boy again abused his uncle when a Policeman arrived on the scene.

After pleading guilty to charges of willfully damaging the panes and using indecent language, he was given six lashes by Constable Robertson, in the presence of his mother, grandmother and Probation Officer Kenrick Williams.

His mother was ordered to pay $5.70 to the Central Housing and Planning Authority as compensation for smashed window panes.

SKULL STOLEN FROM GRAVE (Guiana Graphic December 4, 1960)

Ruimveldt Police yesterday started a hunt for ghouls who dug up a grave and carried away the skull of a woman buried eight years ago at Le Repentir Cemetery.

They are working on the theory that the woman’s skull was removed for purpose of voodoo practices

1960 ‘MISS BERBICE’ CHOSEN (The Daily Argosy - January 1, 1960)

Miss Bernice Ganpatsingh, daughter of Mr. Milton Ganpatsingh of New Amsterdam was declared Miss Berbice for 1960 by the Judges at Teenager’s Christmas Party and Fashion show held in the New Amsterdam Town Hall on Monday evening last.

Miss Glenda French was runner up.

Miss Ann Rose Harris was declared Miss Fashion with Miss Shirley McKenzie as Runner Up. The Judges were Mesdames J.A.Phoenix, T.B. Richmond and A. Beckles.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON LONG TRIAL -operation witnessed by hundreds (The Daily Argosy January 5, 1960)

B.G’s first set of traffic lights which have been installed at the junction of Regent and Camp Street, were put on the first long trial yesterday morning.

The lights were switched on at 10 a.m. by the Acting Traffic Superintendent Mr. Fred Peterkin.

The operation was witnessed by hundreds including quite a large number of primary and secondary school children.

The hour-long operation of these lights was a success.

When the lights went on, traffic policemen at point duty, assisted members of the public on the use of the road.

Sometime later the Policemen were withdrawn and the people were left to get across the road without any help.A few were hesitant but they eventually managed it without any danger.

Mr. Peterkin also warned motorists not to beat the lights, for if they do the lights will beat them and there will certainly be unnecessary accidents.

He emphasized that it was important that they check their brakes horn and signals and position themselves when they arrived at the lights and observe the signals.

Headteachers are requested to send pupils to witness another demonstration this morning at 10.30.

It was very important especially for children who ride bicycles.

Other Officers who witnessed the demonstration were Senior Superintendent Freddie Cannon and Neil Isaacs and members of the Road Safety Association.

FIRE BRIGADE AND FUNERALS The Commissioner of Police Mr. W.R. Weber who was also present when the lights went on was asked about the fire engines and the use of traffic lights.

He said that the Fire Engine MUST STOP if the red light was on.

In the case of funerals, Mr. Weber said that the man on point duty will switch on the lights in favour of the direction where the funeral was proceeding.

(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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English

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THE GOOD LIFE

- Life is not a waiting room where we wait for someone to make our life what it should be - Make the most of every day you have on the planet

A

Dear Wayne & Tamara dozen years ago I wrote you about my impending divorce. You gave me great advice at the time, but now I have a different problem.

I've been everywhere locally, to all the dating sites and even overseas searching for nice women to date. I am told on the first or sometimes second date, there is no chance for romance. I am told we don't click.

Some women offer to introduce me to friends. I understand they are trying to be helpful, but I feel insulted because my interest is in the person I asked out, not her friends.

I am polite and well-mannered. I have a professional career and am moderately successful. I clean up well. I have all my teeth and most of my hair. I was overweight a while after my marriage, but have trimmed up in the past year.

I only date women my age (within 6 or 7 years), but rarely get past a first date before being sent to the "friends only" category. I was married six years to the wrong person.

Some painters didn't begin to paint until late in life.

No person is guaranteed a relationship. You may not find your one for a while. It may not be fated for you. It wasn't fated for Grandma Moses to start painting early. It wasn't in her stars.

If we told you this person will not show up for seven or eight or 10 years, what would you do now?

Life is not a waiting room where we wait for someone to make our life what it should be. We have a friend like that. Good-looking, smart, savvy.

And hopelessly in love with a woman who doesn't love him.

A woman he will never have. He's waiting for his life to begin and it never will with her.

You have to breathe life to the fullest. Travel, scuba dive,

kayak, learn to cook. Join Toastmasters. Change careers.

Dive in and start doing it. Be fearless. If you feel defeated, you won't show enough to be attractive.

We need passions in life. Sitting around and waiting for someone to show up is not an attractive quality. The more you focus on what you don't have, the more you can't see you are pumping out despair.

What did you tell us? You want something from them.

Attractiveness. They will judge you, too. Since there is nothing wrong with your wallet or your looks, it must be your appetite for life, your awareness of life, your activities in life.

The woman you are interested in won't be bought, she has to be won. Even if we are wrong about you, how could improving your life not make you more attractive to a woman.

If there weren't more to this than looks and money, any two people could pair up. There has to be something inside both people that brings them together.

Let out the human being within you.

Make the most of every day you have on the planet.

Don't pick up a magazine in the waiting room of life.

When that person comes along, she will be an enhancement to what you already have.

WAYNE & TAMARA

Even though I loved her I was not the right man for her.

Once I paid off her credit card debt and student loans, she divorced me.

I admit to being misguided at times, like looking for women overseas. To be honest, I am an introvert, but I have no problem with socializing one-on-one or in small groups.

From friends and acquaintances I often hear, "You're such a great guy, why don't you have anyone?"

**** Dear Trevor

Y

TREVOR

ou strike us as the quintessential nice guy. There's nothing wrong with you, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. What is the you plus something? A passion, an interest, a hobby, a quest. Something you can share.

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CHAMPAGNE - An enchanting fairytale village in the Mahaicony backlands

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By Alex Wayne

Y basic intention this week was to scrutinise, investigate and uncover the secret behind the quaint, enchanting, and very serene aura enveloping the small village of Champagne, located in the fertile backlands of Mahaicony, some 38 miles from the city of Georgetown.

Situated between the Calcutta Backdam and the great expanses of verdant pasture with their wild foliage that extend to the National Rice Research Institute (NARI) rice testing and experimenting entity, Champagne can be found a few minutes’ walk from the now almost desolate settlement of Burma.

At a first glance, one would be tempted to think that Champagne Village is just a haphazard cluster of houses with occupants devoid of the refinement that accompany modernisation. But like they say,

‘never judge a book by its cover’, and we certainly turned the pages of that very exciting novel to discover the glorious mysteries of Champagne Village.

What we discovered was, in some cases, quite appealing, and in other cases very disturbing.

WHAT CHAMPAGNE? The journey to this almost mystique location was certainly not a pleasant experience. We rattled, skittled and bumped along the deplorable Burma Access Road, yelping in pain sometimes as the old, groaning taxi dropped frequently in and out of huge craters. Finally, with huge sighs of relief, taxi driver ‘Junior Abel’ and I disembarked at the first canal dam that beckoned our entry into Champagne Village.

It was afternoon, and we were greeted with the gleeful laughter of a few young girls playing hop-scotch on the main dam leading to the cluster

of houses just a short distance ahead. Somewhat surprised at our entrance, the little ladies looked up sharply, sweeping us up and down, their eyes locked onto my pen, writing pad, camera and media identification card.

This, I believe, prompted the soft, pleasant greetings of “Good afternoon sir”, before they resumed playing their games; but they observed our actions every now and then in childish curiosity.

Stopping to chat with residents at the first house, a few males raised questioning eyebrows, but the two females there swinging in hammocks were all welcoming smiles. One, who appeared to be a grandmother, mouthed a toothless grin.

“Good afternoon uncle… wha wrang? How awe can help yuh?”

My soul was instantly at ease, and with reciprocal warmth, I went into detailed explanation of the reason for my visit. What I said apparently excited the males, and two of them readily offered to give us a grand tour of the small village, smoothing their shirts and fixing their apparel in anticipation of our acceptance of their offer.

IS THIS CHAMPAGNE?

This section of Champagne Village greets a visitor upon arrival

Well, I had actually thought that the cluster of houses before our eyes was all that comprised the village, but I was greatly in error, since this village seemed to stretch for miles into the backdam area, where more houses, rice fields, and several farms and kitchen gardens became visible.

The scenery was so breath-taking that it had me wondering why someone hadn’t discovered the fairytale spectacle that was this very beautiful, pristine and quaint village. How I marvelled at the ‘spic and span’ appearance of the apparently white-washed surfaces under the houses; but investigations revealed that, to avoid cracking, the earth beneath the houses had actually been daubed with a mixture of cow dung, water, and a special type of mud. When that mixture dries, it gives the earth such an inviting appear► Continued on page XX

CHAMPAGNE

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► From page XIX

ance that one cannot help feeling inclined to lie down and curl up on that surface.

And believe me, readers: when that mixture dries, it has a strangely alluring scent that seemingly infects one’s senses with what I can only describe as ‘a cozy magic’.

There is no village signboard to indicate one’s arrival in Champagne Village; and, strangely, none of the residents could give information on the history of this village. The village also could not be located on the Internet, but vegetable farmer Jagdeo Persaud, aka ‘Uncle Sonny’, shared the little he knew about the location, having resided in Champagne Village for over forty years.

Uncle Sonny indicated that what is now the quaint little village used to be sprawling pastures, dense bush and stubborn foliage in times past. Like many other countryside villages, he said, Champagne was discovered by curious farmers who found out that the land was rich for farming, and began to target the land firstly for small-scale rice cultivation, which eventually evolved into the very extensive rice fields that are

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

now present.

Uncle Sonny said persons soon began purchasing plots of land in the area, and gradually the village evolved into what it is today. He said that, as far as he knows, the village was named by one of the very early settlers who had many plots of land there and felt that his surname was most suited for the intended village.

eggs and meat for consumption; while a few thrived on the rearing and sale of sturdy and very healthy cattle. Strangely, there is not even one shop or grocery store in the village, and residents mentioned that they would normally journey to the nearby village of Calcutta, or travel five miles away to Central Mahaicony, to obtain what groceries and household supplies they need.

LIVELIHOOD

CONSTRAINTS

Champagne Village is primarily populated by pleasant and jovial East Indians who live in perfect harmony. Villagers depend almost entirely on rice farming and vegetable cultivation for their existence. This almost total dependence on agricultural activities is evident from the many farms that stretch into the backlands, and the kitchen gardens that proliferate in almost every homestead.

Even as we drove around the village, our tummies rumbled in reaction to the appetizing aromas of either deep fried or stewed fresh vegetables that wafted to us from bubbling stewpots set on stoves or ‘cackling firesides’.

Some persons reared poultry, which provided

This irrigation pump and tractor truly reflects the village’s high dependency on agricultural produce for existence

Some earn an honest dollar from the sale of fresh fish and shrimp

Grannies customarily spend the day relaxing in hammocks with their grandchildren as they enjoy the pure ‘country breeze’

I would have to concede that, of all the villages I have visited, Champagne appealed most to me with its fairytale quaintness and serene simplicity.

For most of the day, the village is engulfed in dust from vehicles traversing the unpaved streets, and the large trucks using the badly damaged Burma Access Road which is situated on the windward side just a few rods in front of the village.

Housewives and mothers were seen busily flipping roti on their ‘tawahs’ or readying sweet smelling stews for lunch.

Husbands devouring ‘float bakes’ or ‘sada roti’ and fried salted fish lamented that children attending school suffer the most, since mini-buses or cars hardly traverse the Burma Road because of its condition. Students from

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One of the many rice fields that surround the quaint, little village of Champagne

Vegetable farmer Jagdeo Persaud, aka ‘Uncle Sonny’, tends to his squash vines in the broiling midday sun

Champagne Village travel to either the Novar Secondary (three miles away) or the Mahaicony Secondary, which is some five miles from their location; and they use the Burma Access Road.

With transportation allegedly lacking almost every day, students inevitably arrive late to school almost every day, thus hampering their academic accomplishments.

Speaking for a group of young men liming in the streets, 19-year-old Salim Razack noted that “there is no scope” for academically qualified youths in the village. He said several individuals would normally excel at the CSEC examinations, but they remain in the village being unemployed, or are forced to engage in farming like their parents and grand-parents.

Villagers are also crying out for the providence of a proper bus shed within which to await transportation, since the makeshift structure erected by some young men in the village does not shelter users from either the scorching sun or torrential downpours.

The complaining voices of young men in the streets tugged at my heart strings as they voiced the need for recreational opportunities in the village.

Some mothers referred to their village as ‘the land that is forgotten’, amidst peals of girlish laughter.

There are no nightclubs or discos in this village, and villagers depend on occasional weddings and birthday parties at which the forty-plus households can “twitch their hips and roll their bellies in dancing abandon”.

RICE WOES

All ethnicities live ‘as one’ in this village

Rice farmers in Champagne are complaining of facing difficulties in obtaining an adequate supply of water for their rice crops. Rice farmer Vijay Vishnu noted that, for years, farmers were plagued with improper drainage and irrigation, and it has resulted in major losses not only on their rice farms, but on vegetable plots as well.

While he is thankful that the Mahaicony NDC has recently dug the main canal in the village, to increase water flow, he however notes that, because of the dry weather, the water level in this canal is still inadequate to supply water to rice fields, which keep expanding rapidly. As such, he said, farmers are forced to rent irrigation ► Continued on page XXII

CHAMPAGNE

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Qualified youths feel there should be some scope for employment in their village

The sale of harvested rice rakes in a fast dollar for some residents ► From page XIX pumps for exorbitant fees, to ensure that their harvests are not completely lost or damaged.

Rice farmers are also forced to solicit milling services miles away, because the Mancott Rice Milling Complex, located at the back of the village, has been seized by a commercial bank for one reason or the other, and actually never went into operation.

Villagers said the large, state-of-the-art rice complex would have greatly offset freight costs at harvest time; but what remains now is almost a shell of the complex, since, although there was security at the complex, a large quantity of expensive heavy duty equipment has been stolen by outsiders.

The village is also in dire need of maintenance in many areas, as was evident by the dense vegetation surrounding many homes and farm lands.

The access roads in Champagne Village can do with some asphalt covering

CONCLUSION With its vast, majestic pastures; lush rice fields; numerous fish ponds, and sandy streets, Champagne Village takes on the enchanting appearance of a ‘yesteryear paradise’ dying to be remembered and resuscitated.

It surely can become yet another ‘tourist masterpiece’ if the correct masterminds are made to discover its ‘hidden beauty and boundless potential’.

Some villagers travel as far as Dundee village to obtain leisure time entertainment

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‘Auntie Bootie’

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A simple woman who’s at peace with God and Man…

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By Alex Wayne

HE villages I have visited thus far are mostly characterised by their infrastructural beauty, vibrant commerce, robust citizenry and sporting or recreational popularity; or they may be oases of serene ambience and tourism potential.

Each village has some distinct characteristic that sets it apart from the rest.

But there is a village which radiates with extra exuberance, occasioned by a lone personality who just simply lights up the life of everyone with whom she comes into contact.

To meet such an individual is a rare treat, but I was especially lucky to have my first such experience recently; and I must say that, after my interaction with this sweet elderly woman, I have learnt to love, appreciate, and be kinder and more considerate to my fellow men in my every deed.

When I parted company with the 66-year-old Dhanandei Ramrattan, aka ‘Auntie Bootie’, of Unity Village, East Coast Demerara, all I could think of with relish was the natural warmth, palpable love for humanity, and comforting solace that oozed from her person.

If there were more sweet personalities like hers, Guyana would be a positively different place and one that is much improved from what obtains today.

A radiant beam of Heavenly light brightens up Unity village on a daily basis, and even I was taken aback and had to marvel at its intensity. Folks, I am talking of the endearing, contented, mirthful and peaceful soul named Dhanandei Ramrattan, but called ‘Auntie Bootie’, who is loved by villagers young and old.

When I bumped into her selling confectionery, egg balls, polouri and lemonade outside the Gibson Primary School, I liked her deeply on sight. When I told her my business in the village, she girlishly insisted that I first sat down and sample some of her delicious polouri.

She begged me for a lengthy period to put my money back into my pocket, and accepted payment only when I hugged her and informed her that I am aware of her struggles to make a living.

The moment you meet her, you would recognise her as a bubbly bundle of joy and a beacon of hope for those in need.

She has no reservation in sharing her sisterly love and natural affection with any and all members of the human race. Her blessed love knows no boundaries, and is not influenced by race or creed.

After meeting her, I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I shamelessly shed a few tears because of the raw emotion her sisterly love had evoked in me.

When one pauses to think of the majority of people who are so engulfed in the flood tide of ethnic differences, hatreds, malice and unkindness, one recognises this woman as a stark reminder that the Creator placed us here to love each other unconditionally, and of course to live as one, as He would have it be.

We had never previously met, but I could feel her sis-

is a beacon of love for an entire nation

and sample some of the snack items she sold to make a living daily outside the Gibson Primary School.

We were soon chatting merrily like old chums, and joking about hard times, the high cost of living, and ways and means to make an honest living. The demeanour of this woman really melted my heart and stirred up the very depths of my soul.

She has taught me to live everyday as if it were my last, and to make room in my busy life to ponder on the makings of people who had suffered immensely but still could muster the strength and courage to come up with honest means of survival.

‘Aunty Bootie’ is all smiles and merriment as she tends to the needs of the little ones at Gibson Primary School

terly love and concern for my wellbeing deep down in the recesses of my soul. The experience was like magic to me.

I, in reciprocation, was forcefully drawn to her personality. I liked the way her innocent eyes danced with a strange merry light when I approached her. I was soon lost in her smiles and girlish giggles as she moved her many bags to allow me to sit

‘Aunty Bootie’ is like a Heavenly being come to Earth to teach others to live contentedly in love and harmony

‘Auntie Bootie’ was one simple and contented soul, at peace with God and Man despite the hardships she had faced in life. Her humble existence is a lesson well taught to me, and it’s one I will never forget.

Villagers swarmed her makeshift stall from far and near to savour her items, and her channa was the best I had ever tasted. The school children hugged her and flocked her like she was an angel, and many of them succeeded in getting ‘freebees’ from her, much to their childish delight. And grown men and women were all smiles when they gathered at her stall. I simply had to marvel at the warmth and pure love she exuded.

This sixty-six-year-old woman has been making a living by selling snack items in the village for the past forty-seven years. Her ailing husband is a pensioner with impaired vision.

However he ensures she gets up at 01:30 am every day to prepare her items for sale, which she said is most times gruelling.

She sells to put food on the table and to pay her husband’s medical bills.

At about 05:00 hrs, she bathes and prepares her husband’s breakfast, before heading out to the school compound at 07:00 hrs.

HUMANITARIAN APPEAL Aunty Bootie is appealing for someone to build her a proper structure to sell in, since strong gusts of wind would blow apart sections of the crazy makeshift contraption of old wood, mesh and pieces of rusted zinc sheets she uses as her selling point.

My sincerest wish is that someone with a little money to spare would kindly heed the language of love and rush down to the Gibson Primary School to give Aunty Bootie the help she so richly deserves.

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Dharmic Sabha plans countrywide celebrations

- to mark 177th anniversary of Indian arrivals in Guyana

I

n addition, there will be exhibitions at the various venues depicting aspects o f i n d e n t u re s h i p a n d traditional food stalls.

Admission to all events is free and no alcohol will be allowed.

The Sabha would like to thank Digicel for supporting these events.

On Sunday May 3rd, the M a h i l a M a n d a l e e , w o m e n ’s section of the Sabha, will be hosting a traditional brunch at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar from 10:30am including hot sada rotis, chokhas, pakoras and baturas. Tickets cost $1000 and proceeds will be used towards the Mandalee’s literacy programme. Students from the Mandalee’s cookery class will receive certificates for completing their Levels 1 and 2 vegetarian cookery courses and will showcase the dishes that they have learnt and vie for prizes based on best taste and presentation. Patrons will have a chance to sample the dishes prepared by the students.

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‘JULIUS CAESAR’ SHOWS FOR SCHOOLS ON APRIL 30; MAY 02

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UYANESE audiences young and old would have the opportunity to experience the great Shakespearean play ‘Julius Caesar’, written in 1599 but not published until after the death of the great playwright in 1616.

Julius Caesar is considered to be Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy when compared to King Lear, Othello and Macbeth. The play, very relevant today, is being studied in the classroom for English B exam (Literature).

‘Julius Caesar’ will be staged at the National Cultural Centre on Thursday, April 30, at 10.00 hours, and on May 2nd at 10.00 hours. Tickets are being sold at $500. The play will again be staged at the same venue on May 4th at 20.00 hours, and this time it will be for all audiences. Adult tickets (reserved) will be sold at $2500, and those for children below 16 years of age (unreserved) will be sold at $1000.

All students are invited to experience this presentation of GEMS Theatre Productions and the NationaI School of Theatre Arts and Drama.

The play, directed by Derek Gomes and produced by Gem Madhoo, features Ajay Baksh, Mark Luke-Edwards, Sean Thompson, Michael Ignatius, Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett, Nirmala Narine, Paul Budnah, Max Massiah, Kirk Jardine, Chris Gopaul, John Fraser, Luigi Ferreira, Gibran Azeez, Patrick Chanderban, Stephen Asif Mohamed, Delon Sancho, Alex Rodrigues, Masud Lewis, students of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, and the Sacred Heart Youth Group.

All tickets are available at the National Cultural Centre.

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(Source: http://viralshares.info)

1. Brazil

B

4.India

A

multiracial land filled with many cultures, India has produced quite a number of the prettiest female individuals in the entire world. Their dusky complexion and radiant skin are regarded as very beautiful by many experts. What makes them even more charming is their femininity and modest etiquette explicitly shown in their ways and movements.

XXVII

Countries With World’s Most Beautiful Women

razil, home to the greatest number of fitness models within the Latin region, is a place where you’ll find women who rank among the most beautiful on the planet. Both blonde and brunette Brazilian girls are well known for their sexy, sporty and very attractive bodies which greatly complements their ravishing looks. Most famed women from Brazil have medium complexion with glowing skin.

2. Russia

R

ussian Women are extensively appreciated all over the world for their alluring blue eyes, flawless fair skin, great figure added onto a good height. Most of them have gorgeous and proportional bodies.

3. Venezuela

H

ome of many Miss Universe and Miss World beauty pageant winners, Venezuela is certainly one vast piece of land gifted and flourishing with beautiful faces. A typical woman from Venezuela would have a long, slim body matched with an appealing face which makes them nothing else but smoking hot!

6. Serbia

5. Argentina

L

adies from Argentina are popular as beauty conscious people, giving their skin and hair utmost care and attention, always seeking to look their best.

They are also updated with the latest fashion trends. Wearing this along with dusky, shiny skin makes them look hot and bold.

S

lavic and Mediterranean heredity are the main features of Serbia girls.

Almost all of them, around 99 percent have a tall and eye-catchy curvy figure dressed in stylish clothes, accentuated with their expressive and appealing eyes, which makes women including celebrities envious of their beauty. â–ş Continued on page XXVIII

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Countries With World’s Most Beautiful Women ► From page XXVII

7. South Korea The women of South Korea look young with their innocent, girly cute faces that match their bubbly and very likable personality. They have fair and clear skin that glows am idst their glossy black hair and has bodily curves built within a good, medium height.

8. France French Women are famous for their outgoing personality and attitude, energetic vibes and strong fashion sense. They are blonde with a very romantic nature and sophisticated appeal. ► Continued on page XXIX

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015 â–ş From page XXVIII

9. Italy Italian beauty is defined by extremely pretty Mediterranean women who have olive tanned skin, brown hair with a nice aura and character which makes them truly gorgeous.

10. Ukraine Some of the rare, pretty and bold women in this world come from Ukraine. They are simple yet hot and captivating, resembling Russian ladies with their attitude and looks.

Their femininity is of high value for each of them and takes great care of themselves, and also love to wear clothing which enhances their fine attributes even more.

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Countries With World’s Most Beautiful Women

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MISS WORLD GUYANA 2015 PAGEANT

CANCELLED

T

HE Board of Directors of the Miss World Guyana 2015 pageant has, with much regret, informed that, after much consideration, it has decided to cancel the 2015 Miss World Guyana pageant and select a representative from the list of current applicants to represent Guyana at the Miss World 2015 pageant.

The decision to cancel the Miss World Guyana 2015 pageant rests with poor response from in-country applicants, which may be linked to National Elections being a priority at this time.

On the contrary, the 2015 application process saw a greater response from overseas-based Guyanese.

The Miss World Guyana Franchise is currently interviewing qualified applicants who applied on or before the March 20, 2015 deadline. The Miss World Guyana 2015 Representative will be selected and revealed at a special event in June, at which Rafieya Husain, Miss World Guyana 2014, will be presenting her crown to the new Miss World Guyana.

The date and venue of the ceremony will be announced. Franchise Holder Natasha Martindale has said that while there will not be a pageant this year, she is confident that Guyana will be represented well. In the meantime, she added, “The Miss World Guyana Organization would like to take this opportunity to have an early start on preparations for the 2016 pageant, and focus on finalizing plans for a homecoming fundraiser event for Miss World Guyana 2014 –Continental Queen of Caribbean, Rafieya Husain, as she concludes her reign.”

Miss World Guyana wishes to apologize to all its devoted supporters and the applicants for the cancellation, but saw this as the best alternative given the current challenges.

The Franchise hopes that, in 2016, the Miss World Guyana Pageant will be a grand success as it will be the 50th Independence anniversary of our beautiful country, Guyana

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ENIGMA DANCE COMPANY:

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Taking fitness and fashion to the next level

e have heard about the Classique Dance Company, the Crystallite, Dance Fanatics and the many others around Guyana. And yes, they are all very talented and gifted dancers.

But, in many cases, we fail to acknowledge the likes of some very secluded but vibrant groups that are also chalking up notable points on the chalkboard for esteemed dancers.

One such group is the Enigma Dance Company, headed by the pretty and versatile Lyn Ann Medford, who is actually a former dancer of the Crystallite Dance Company.

Today, under the leadership of Miss Medford, the Enigma Dancers are poised to take dance, fitness, and even fashion to the next level.

Just recently, the Enigma Dance Company began brand new dance and choreography sessions for children, beginners, and adults; and offering private sessions to the entire public.

In the area of fitness, these folks are promoting Yoga, Zumba and Aerobics’ sessions.

Interested persons are invited to call phone number 6040457 for registration, or visit the Enigma Dance Company at 166 Regent Street, Georgetown (above the old C & F Meat Centre).

That aside, folks can message the company on its Facebook page, Enigma Dance Company...

This elite dance group will be launching the first ever Dance Fashion Line at the Guyana Fashion Week in November 2015, and will also be showcasing in London in December.

The group is currently raising funds for its upcoming trip to St. Kitts to execute workshops there.

In 2009, Medford, who was doing wonders for the Crystallite Group, decided she wanted to go solo; and she has been doing wonderfully since she made that decision.

Starting with a very small group of very eager potential dancers, Medford has, over the years, moved her numbers up to thirty riveting dancers, who never fail to impress at every performance.

The Enigma Dance Company, as her group is called, took the arena by storm. And of course it provoked green envy and malice amongst some of the already established elites, who felt threatened by the group’s versatility. There was indeed a spectacular treat when the group performed at the Westside Dance Mania in 2010 at the Aracari Resort, and the group was amongst the most energetic groups at the annual Mashramani celebrations.

In 2011, the group represented the BK International Inc.

At the Mashramani festivities, and led that company to place second with its creative performances.

In 2012, the group tramped down the road for Banks DIH, and members fuelled their energies to push the company to a first place position.

While the group has performed at several locations around Guyana, it has also represented Guyana at the Liverpool Carnival in 2012.

In a brief interview, Ms. Medford noted that the name ‘Enigma’ was chosen because of the diversity and uniqueness of the group’s dance style. She added that her group performs in the genres of Cultural: Indian, Afro-Caribbean, Latin, hip-hop, contemporary, modern, ballroom, and a few other disciplines. She said the group’s ultimate goal is to showcase the rich rhythms of the Caribbean, fused with new original dance moves.

Consisting of about thirty members, the group is always welcoming new talent.

The Enigma Dance School (Guyana) is now accepting membership applications from persons aged seven and over. Adult classes and ‘one-on-one sessions’ are also available, according to Ms Medford.

Members of the Enigma Edutainment Group

Lyn Ann Medford is founder of the Enigma Dance Company

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Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

Fireman

Felix, my husband, was playing golf with our town’s fire chief when he hit a ball into the rough. As Felix headed for the brush to find his ball, the chief warned him, “Be careful, the rattlesnakes are out.”

The chief explained that calls had been coming in all week requesting assistance with removing the snakes.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” Felix replied in astonishment. “People actually call the fire department to help them with rattlesnakes? What do you say to them?”

“Well,” said the chief, “the first thing I ask is, ‘Is it on fire?’”

Butcher Shop A lady goes into the butcher shop and as she is walking around the store, she spies a beef tongue in the butcher’s counter. The lady asks, “What in the world is that?”

“Beef tongue,” replies the butcher!

The lady gives a little involuntary shudder, “No way would I put anything in my mouth that came out of an animal’s mouth!”

The butcher nods sympathetically while peeking into the woman’s shopping cart, “I see you’re buying a dozen eggs!”

To Do List

When I returned home from college for a break, I noticed a paper posted on the refrigerator. It listed some goals my dad had set for himself: Help wife more; lose weight; be more productive at work.

I promptly added: “Send Michelle money every month.”

A few days later my brother wrote: “Make payments on car for Jason.”

Then my boyfriend joined in with: “Buy Tom a Jeep.”

Finally my father added a new goal to his amended list: “Wean kids.”

Chronicle Pepperpot April 26, 2015

Bubba and Bobby Joe Bubba and Bobby Joe rented a boat and fished in a lake every day. One day they caught 30 fish. Bubba said to Bobby Joe, “Mark this here spot so that we can come back right here again tomorrow.”

The next day, when they were driving to rent the boat, the Bubba asked Bobby Joe, “Bobby Joe, did you mark that there spot like ah toleya?”

His friend replied, “Shore nuff, I put a big ole ‘X’ on the bottom of the boat.”

“You stupid fool! Now, what we gonna do if we don’t get that same boat today?!”

A Young Ventriloquist A young ventriloquist is touring the clubs and one night he’s doing a show in a small club in a small town in Arkansas. With his dummy on his knee, he’s going through his usual dumb blonde jokes when a blonde woman in the fourth row stands on her chair and starts shouting. ”I’ve heard enough of your stupid blonde jokes. What makes you think you can stereotype women that way? What does the color of a person’s hair have to do with her worth as a human being?

It’s guys like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and in the community and from reaching our full potential as a person, because you and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against, not only blondes, but women in general… and all in the name of humor!”

The ventriloquist is embarrassed and begins to apologize, when the blonde yells, ”You stay out of this, mister! I’m talking to that little idiot on your knee!”

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Bridal make-up specialist

The finished, excellent and professional work is seen in her clients

Romona Gajraj is among Guyana’s best

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By Shivanie Sugrim and Raveena Mangal MONG the top Make-Up Artists in Guyana, Romona Gajraj has a forte for bridal make-up. With just over a year in the makeup industry, Romona has matured as an artist, and has managed to fascinate women, especially brides, all across Guyana with her unique

touches.

In such a short time-span, this beautiful personality, in her mid-twenties, discovered her profound appreciation for not just the art of make-up, but many other art-forms, especially photography.

Another creative outlet and passion of hers is dancing.

Romona had no intention of joining the make-up industry. As a teenager, she used to apply make-up for her dance performances, and had been practising to improve her makeup techniques thereafter. As she got better, she was encouraged by her close friends to pursue the art of make-up as a job; she said they believed in her abilities even when she didn’t.

“So, eventually, I decided to go for it; and as it turns out, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made,” said Gajraj in high spirits.

A Facebook page was then developed, titled “Makeup By Mona G”, in which she began displaying her work. Many who were impressed by her flawless work contacted her to apply their make-up.

After applying make-up for special events such as weddings and proms, Gajraj discovered her love for bridal make-up. “It’s my absolute favourite type of look to do, and I’ve had mostly bridal clients throughout the past year,” said a beaming Gajraj.

Gajraj feels that it is very rewarding, and is mostly a privilege to do a bride’s make-up. But aside from the bridal forte, plans are on the agenda for her to participate in exhibitions and trade shows to display her talent next year.

“My favourite thing about make-up would be the way it makes people feel. When a woman gets her make-up done, she looks and, more importantly, feels beautiful; and it boosts her self-esteem and makes her genuinely happy. When a woman feels beautiful and confident, she is invincible,” shared Gajraj.

Strangely enough, this make-up artist does not fetch make-up in her purse on a daily basis! She disclosed that she finds it a tad harassing to be “touching up” her make-up during the day. To avoid this, she usually takes all the necessary steps when applying hers as well as clients’ make-up, to ensure that it is extremely long-wearing.

She believes that her attention to detail is what sets her apart from other make-up artists, and she takes great pride in her work and can turn into quite the perfectionist when it comes to make-up. “Every brush stroke must be on point, and every eyebrow hair must be in place. I think my signature look would be something sophisticated yet pretty, flawless yet weightless, and subtle yet transforming,” acclaimed Gajraj.

Inspired by several make-up artists, like Jaclyn Hill and Mario Dedivanovic (Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist), Gajraj aims to one day have her own make-up and photography studio, since photography has found a way into her heart in aiding to show the world what she has to offer in the make-up arena.

She hopes to one day bring Guyana to the pinnacle of recognition in the make-up industry. And though her hopes and achievements are high, Romona has highlighted that she faces quite a challenge in acquiring the tools for her trade.

“The biggest challenge for me as a make-up artist would definitely be acquiring my make-up products and tools. Almost everything I use has to be bought online and shipped to Guyana. In addition to the already high cost of most make-up products, the added shipping costs are pretty steep, and can really leave a dent in one's pocket,” she disclosed.

She nonetheless combats this challenge by ensuring the longevity of her brushes and sponges by cleaning and disinfecting them before using them on any client. While it is a tedious task, she notes, it is one of utmost importance, so it is never skipped.

Romona envisions, in the near future for the make-up industry in Guyana, more stores selling a multitude of quality make-up products at affordable prices.

“It would be wonderful if there could be an entire store (or stores) selling only make-up and beauty products, armed with knowledge-

Applying professional make-up to client brides

The stunning Romona Gajraj able and trained sales representatives to assist customers in finding products that are right for their needs,” she opined.

The quality of her work is imperative to the artist, and her brands of choice are not limited. Depending on the finish she requires, she utilizes a number of superior products. A rummage in her make-up kit would reveal that her favourite brands include Make-up Forever, Make-up Geek, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Smashbox, MAC, L'Oreal and Urban Decay.

As any excellent make-up artist would, Romona has noticed the common beauty mistakes women in Guyana may often make.

Neglecting your skincare, she says, is regularly done, but it is the most important step in a beauty routine; because if you don't start with a good base, nothing you put on top of it would look flattering.

She also mentions choosing the wrong shade of powder or foundation, leaving eyeshadow unblended, forgetting mascara, not using a lip-liner, and failing to remove all of your makeup before bedtime.

Romona advises women to never be afraid to experiment and try new things, as one may never know what they may end up liking.

“The most valuable piece of beauty advice I can give women would be to do what makes you feel beautiful. That's the ultimate goal: to feel good about yourself”, she said.

It is not often one encounters a witty and charming entrepreneur like Gajraj, who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in the field of Development Studies, and intends to have a career in the local public sector one day, to help to further develop this beautiful country of ours.

With a dash of smile, she noted that she would definitely continue contributing to the make-up industry.