Pepperpot e paper 2 05 2017

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farming

is Greenidge’s life ► Page

See inside:

The Ant Edifices of the Rupununi Savanah ► Page VIII

Never too young to give IX ► Page

Serena and Venus may be tennis excellence personified, but don’t forget Richard ► Page

XVI

III

II

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

The animal lady

By Michel Outridge FOR GENEVIEVE Beepat called “Judy” life is simple, so much so that she has dedicated all of her time to care for stray dogs and cats, an act of love and selflessness which she describes as her passion and it feels quite fulfilling.

At present, this animal lover has opened her home at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, to 14 dogs and 19 cats, all of which she rescued from the streets.

In addition, she feeds about a dozen stray dogs on a daily basis and goes door to door to sensitise pet owners about the benefits of spaying and neutering their animals.

Genevieve Beepat called “Judy” with some of her 14 dogs

Posing on the table are some of her 19 cats

She makes much with a few donations here and there and has the yard space to keep the ‘loves of her life’ happy. She has become so attached to them that it is often

We love the camera- these four dogs are saying silently

difficult to give them away to her fellow animal lovers.

Beepat told the Guyana Chronicle that she usually assists pet owners to make use of the spaying and neutering campaigns at

the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) and has been successful in hosting six such outreach programmes at her home.

She related that she started her journey of caring and taking in cats and dogs about five years ago but for the past three years it has been challenging. “It’s quite a task to create awareness when it comes to spaying and neutering of pets” she says.

In Lusignan, Genevieve is called the “Lady who brings cats and dogs back to life” because when they have been abandoned and mistreated she takes them in and nurses The animal lover, Genevieve Beepat and one of her pets them to adopt one instead of buying the fancy back to good health. breed dogs.

This spritely Judy added that many dogs in her village woman said she will would show up at her gate every day to be fed always find a way and she did not mind preparing meals for them. of helping animals She also serves as an advocate for pets. because most people, When the animals are ill she volunteers to take would buy the fanthem to the vet and her advice is to always treat cy dogs and no one animals kindly. wanted the common For Judy, caring and taking care of cats breed ones we usualand dogs is an everyday job which she takes ly call “rice eaters,” seriously. She urges everyone to treat animals which she said were like the average person since they have so the best guard dogs much love to give in return. and made loving pets Genevieve’s home has become a safe as well. haven for the abandoned and unwanted cats She encourages and dogs. She hardly has space for herself all to be like-mined these days…but she says she will never turn when it comes to away an animal from her gate. common breed dogs,

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

farming

is Greenidge’s life

76-year-old Laurie Greenidge stands by his banana plant onn his farm at New Diamond, East Bank Demerara

By Shauna Jemmott A MAN’S AGE does not always determine his ability and even as some young men allow themselves to be enveloped in laziness, complaining of lack of opportunities, a 76-year old man is helping to green Guyana with the creation of a healthy farm around his home at New Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

Decked in shades of the sky and a folded

‘long boots,’ last Tuesday Laurie Greenidge walked Chronicle Pepperpot personnel through his kitchen garden which occupies his entire yard. Pests, popularly known as ‘scratching worms,’ hid themselves while feeding on greener shades of a soursop tree.

A steady portion of soapy water loosens the pests’ hold but stubborn ones are destroyed with a poisonous drug he purchases from Caribbean Chemicals in Georgetown.

One could assume that blue is among his

favourite colors as the green estate provides a perfect nest for the little blue house in which he lives with a partner along a circular drive in 19th Avenue.

He was more active in the field of music in his younger days but was motivated by the benefits of farming and reaping bountifully as he continued to sow seeds into the ground.

Few persons at his stage of life would be strong enough to maintain a healthy garden of several crops of cassava, plantain, banana, coconut, various seasonings and fruits such as soursop, passion fruit, gooseberry and others.

But with all that is going for him, Greenidge says he reaps the crops to share with friends and senior citizens.”

“There are a few times that people come and steal from me and they take that kind of advantage but that don’t really discourage me.”

He explained that there is a joy in tilling the ground that would keep him going and confessed that his farming days would never be over as long as he has strength.

“I find joy out of it. And these days when people are being encouraged to do the same and to supplement their income, I too find courage in the government’s call. He can no longer weed the yard by himself and pays $4,000 monthly to clear the grass. Sometimes the grass-cutters create a breach in the pipeline in his yard while at other times they may cut down a good tamarind tree or so.

He explained that his vision was not as strong as before but despite such odds, he said giving up was no option as he is a glutton for activity. “This keeps me active,” Greenidge said, even as Pepperpot observed him moving slowly among the green banana leaves.

It was William Shakespeare who said, “If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die.”

For Greenidge farming has become a lifestyle but music will always be his food of love and he will surely play on.

III Decades ago, in his younger days he produced music, creating lyrics with his late wife. Now that Guyana is preparing to launch out into the production of oil, he recalls a song which he wrote and sang in the quiet of his home.

“Hills and valleys will form, we reap the nation’s food each day, and rivers with our minerals. We look for treasures on our way.”

Greenidge voiced his pleasure at being alive to see his country getting ready to find treasured oil, the mineral with more potential than gold and diamond which presents expectations of massive economic boost.

“It was done many years ago and I think this day is what we see,” he said with a perky grin.

Another line in the same song reads, “Peace and prosperity each day, to this land so great and free.”

Greenidge on this note said peace and prosperity can be found in the talents one enjoys demonstrating.

Farming brings him much peace, but not as much as he receives in chanting the words of his composed song; “Land of hope and pride”.

Even as he ages, and the art of playing the piano seems to exact much effort he still keeps his gift alive and occasionally does work additional as a Piano tuner.

“Well, I am a pensioner, and being I play the piano, I sometimes would play for church. I don’t do much piano work now.

But I enjoy the garden thing and I like it. I got arthritis but this kind of exercise helps.”

With the prices of corilla and ochro set at $260 per pound, he is able to use more of his pension on other needs.

His advice to younger men is that “they should get involved (in farming), other than stealing.” But he also pointed out that getting young people involved in (National Service) again would be good and we would be able to cut down on unemployment.

The Batavia IV

Handicraft Centre

– Meeting its objective through prudent management THE handicraft centre at Batavia in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) is reportedly meeting its objective of generating an income for women in the village, thanks to the generous offer of $2.798M from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs back in 2015.

With that kind of money in hand and prudent management, the women of the village were able to enclose the bottom flat of the Village Office to house the centre, and to purchase raw

#supportcreativity materials such as nibbi, tibisiri, cufa, feathers and mocuru to make their handicraft.

And, in order to effectively manage their business, the group has set up a management body which oversees the Centre’s day-to-day operations, with the help of two resource persons from the village.

The group has also sought external help, whereby trainers were sourced from all the way in Orealla in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to provide additional training in the various skilled areas.

To date, the women of Batavia have been producing beaded jewellery, using forest products; nibbi and tibisiri hats, vases and ornamental products

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017 such as jewellery boxes, small matapis and cassava sifters.

NEW VENTURE Just recently, the group embarked on an additional venture and began producing traditional wear for both men and women, hand-knitted cotton bags, chains and actual-size matapis and cassava sifters.

These items are being sold to villagers and those of other nearby villages. The Centre is open to the public on Thursdays. Members Management can be contacted on 659-8628 and 673 0316.

Batavia has a population of 432, with Eyon Boyal serving as Village Chief. Said he of the women’s initiative: “This handicraft project from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is greatly benefitting the women of Batavia.

“It is especially of great benefit to single- parent mothers who can now have a source of income.

“I want to thank the ministry for this great initiative, where our women can become self-sufficient while preserving their culture.”

Management Development Officer in the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Ms. Vivette Wellington said: “I’m satisfied with the accomplishments of the women’s group, which has enabled them to become self-sufficient.”

The village is hoping that in 2017, its ICT Hub will become operable, as it will be investing in having Internet service in order to improve communications there.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

Literature

By Subraj Singh

Professor Daizal Samad’s

“The Sour of Tamarind”

#supportcreativity “The Sour of Tamarind” is a short story that I read in the current volume (Vol. 10) of The Arts Journal. Edited by Ameena Gafoor, The Arts Journal is a peer reviewed, critical journal with a heavy focus on the literature, arts and other cultural elements of the Caribbean. Perhaps, the value of such journals can be proven in the way this truly wonderfully written story about a girl and her experiences in New Amsterdam was brought to my attention, and without The Arts Journal being able to publish such works of fiction this would have never happened. What a mighty shame that would have been since, as I have implied before, “The Sour of Tamarind” is a beautiful story that is well-written, and is a wondrous reminder of so many things, many cultural, societal (Prof. Daizal Samad Image and even, strangely, emotional via Stabroek News) aspects of our country that are worth remembering even as ample, observe how some of her resentment we transition to another, more modern peand fear is manifested in this picture of New riod of Guyanese society. There are always Amsterdam: some things worth remembering and some “To the west, the wooden shoulders of things that will always resonate with you, this town raised upward into the forest, its no matter who you are or where (or when) brown sleeve of hut-like houses ripped to you come from. threads as the town jutted its arm into the The story presents us with a young girl green wall of trees and vines. To the east, named Nadira who initially has a strong its other shoulder drooped steeply into the dislike for New Amsterdam because of the murky violence of the Berbice River across presence of her grandmother, her grandwhich plied the ferry, Torani.” mother’s Arabic lessons, and her grandThe imagery in the story, as used in mother’s two tamarind whips. The town the passage above, is heavily visual and is one of the best creations in the whole rich, almost sensuous sometimes, drawing story. Prof. Samad’s New Amsterdam exists the reader and wrapping them in the folds almost like a character in its own right, morof the tale in the same way that Nadira is phing and changing with our protagonist’s wrapped in the smoke of the insecticide mood, shifting and creating a new self even sprayed often by the public works men in as she does the same. Nadira projects her New Amsterdam. Perhaps that last referinner thoughts and feelings on to the town, ence will be lost on those who haven’t read forcing it to become what she feels. For ex-

the story, and perhaps that will be enough motivation to seek out and read the story. If more is needed, then know that “The Sour of Tamarind” contains references to many things that remind the reader of a time gone by, or a time that is slipping by before our eyes and will be lost before we know it.

How many contemporary Guyanese children still go for Hindi or Arabic lessons at a relative’s house? How many youths write actual letters to the people they love? Do they even know what a latrine is? “The Sour of Tamarind”, is also a succinct and accurate representation of rural Guyana in the years gone and yet themes of the story remain strikingly current. Hopefully, now there is even more motivation to find this story.

At its core, “The Sour of Tamarind” is really a love story – while focusing on Nadira’s relationship with her grandmother and the town, it is mostly about how New Amsterdam itself becomes a part of the new relationship she strikes up with a young man at her school, and the relationship itself, where Nadira discovers the nature of love, both the sweet and sour sides of it. This arc within the story is handled with sensitivity, with such delicate craftsmanship that not only does the reader begin to remember what it was like to be seventeen

V and in love, but even the layers of such a love – the heartrending ache for someone, desperation at holding the relationship when it begins to unravel, and even the hollow emptiness, the depression, that comes with the end of something that we put so much into, something we believed in and wanted very much – all of it becomes tenderly [and terrifyingly] real. Nadira herself is an exemplary creation, containing the nuances of all Guyanese children – relaying her dread and hatred for New Amsterdam by rebelling in curious, childlike, ways and then resorting escape from the confines of her grandmother’s strict home through the use of her wide imagination, as when she dances in the smoke put out by the public works men. Even as she grows into a teenager, her development is written in smoothly into the story and both the awkwardness and the deep emotional core of teenagers are sympathetically expressed by Prof. Samad’s writing of the character.

Overall, “The Sour of Tamarind” will resonate will the Guyanese reader. The spellbinding imagery, the emotional crux of the tale and the heartbreaking ending are all elements that come together to make the story one of the best reads I have had for the year so far.

VI

Rape convict saw freed verdicts against him as inconsistent

IN 2000, the Guyana Court of Appeal reacting to rape accused Ally’s allegation that the verdict of the jury was inconsistent in that the jury.

Incomprehensibly convicted him for the offence of rape and acquitted him of the offence of buggery, robbery with violence and attempted murder when the case for the State rested wholly on the evidence of the victim, which related to

one activity on one transaction.

That Appellate Court constituted by Chancellor Cecil Kennard, Justice Lennox Perry and Justice Guya Persaud Held: An Appellant who seeks to obtain the quashing of a conviction on the ground that the verdict against him was inconsistent with his acquittal on another count has the burden cast upon him to show not merely that the verdicts on the two counts were inconsistent but that they were so inconsistent as to call for interference by an Appellate Court.

In the present case, the verdicts were so inconsistent as to call for interference by an Appellate Court. Any reasonable jury which had applied their minds properly to the facts in this case would have arrived at the same conclusion which had been reached in the present case.

Judgment for the State.

Appeal dismissed, conviction and sentence affirmed.

K. Ramjattan for the Appellant.

Y. Cummings, Deputy DPP for the State.

Chancellor Kennard who delivered the judgment said: The Appellant was convicted at the Berbice Assizes on the 5th November, 1996 for the offence of rape allegedly committed on a woman on the 16th September, 1995 at D’Edward Village, West Coast, Berbice.

He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 16 years for the said offence.

He has appealed his conviction to this court on the sole ground that the verdict of the jury was inconsistent in that the jury incomprehensibly convicted him for the offence of rape and acquitted him of the offences of buggery, robbery with violence and attempted murder when the case for the State rested wholly on the evidence of the victim which related to one activity or one transaction.

As can be noted from the ground of appeal, the Appellant was also indicted for the offences of buggery, robbery with violence and attempted murder committed on the victim and in respect of which he was found not guilty by the jury.

Before dealing with the

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

Court Case Files

By George Barclay ground of appeal it is necessary to refer to the evidence on which the State relied for a conviction. The victim lives at D’Edward Village, West Coast, Berbice. On the 16th September, 1995 at about 2.15 p.m. she went to her backyard in order to burn some leaves there. She was then 65 years old. Whilst in her backyard she felt someone holding her from the back.

That person then proceeded to pull her along the ground and as a result her spectacles and dentures fell off. The person then turned her body and as a result she was then lying on her back. She then observed the Appellant, who was about two feet from her on his knees and unbuttoning the fly of his trousers. The Appellant then forcibly had sexual intercourse with her after which dust got into her eyes and she closed them.

She struggled with the Appellant and was shouting during the process. However, despite her best efforts to resist him the Appellant proceeded to rape her. During this episode her head was bleeding as a result of it being held by the Appellant and being struck on the ground. He then removed her wedding ring from her finger. What took place after this is revealed in the evidence of the victim where she stated inter alia: “I heard the voice of a little boy who lives in front of me. I did not open my eyes because of the dust. Then he (Appellant) jumped over me on his knees lifted up my head, put his two hands on my throat and began to choke me. I got breathless. He said you want Mayjee to come and see what happened to you, you got to dead. He placed his two hands on my throat pipe until my tongue came out. I felt a junk of slime coming out of my mouth. Then I opened my eyes widely and I saw the accused. After that I felt as if the place was moving round with me and I did not know anything more. I regain consciousness at the New Amsterdam Hospital the next day.”

The victim was examined by Dr. Raghunauth at the New Amsterdam Hospital at about 9.15 a.m. on the 16th September, 1995. He had testified inter alia: “I found that she had 2 cm sutured wound on the right side of the head. The right temporal region was depressed.

The right side of the face was grossly swollen and had haematome. The eye lids had haematome and both eyes were black and blue. There were crepitus-grating sensation as if one had a fracture haematome to the lower lip. There were multiple abrasions to the anterior chest and there was sub-conjunctival haemorrhage in both eyes i.e. blood shots.

There were extensive bruises in the opening (orifice) of the vagina. The posterior aspect had a tear and this was a sign that there was forceful penetration – fresh blood seen oozing.

The depression to the head means that the bone was depressed. This would be consistent with the victim’s head being hit against a hard object. The injury to the vagina was caused by forceful entry consistent with forceful sex.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

VII

Fainting in the dental office FAINTING also known as syncope is a relatively common occurrence in the dental office. Associated with the ordinary faint are a number of other clinical conditions which can mimic temporary unconsciousness, thereby complicating and confusing the diagnosis and treatment. These may include shock, spells, epileptic attacks, hysteria and coma.

Faints can be classified into three broad groups depending on their causes: (1) episodes occurring secondary to decrease in the quantity of blood reaching the brain (2) episodes arising from a change in the quality of blood to the brain, and (3) episodes that occur secondary to disturbances within the brain structure itself.

The cause of the most common type of faint varies but usually it happens in normal health following a strong emotional experience, particularly under conditions that favor vasodilatation (expansion of blood vessels) such as hot, crowded rooms. Persons who are tired, hungry or ill are more prone to faint.

Recent studies indicate that young males less than 35 years of age are at slightly higher risk of fainting. Physical and emotional stress, the receipt of unwelcome news, anxiety, fear, pain, the sight of blood, or minor procedures may precipitate syncope. All can and do occur in the dental office.

The fainting attack usually occurs with the patient in the upright position. It develops

rapidly with unconsciousness and suddenness of an epileptic seizure. The patient typically has a warning of impending faint manifested by a sense of “feeling badly.� This is why falls associated with fainting seldom are injurious.

When unconsciousness is profound with complete lack of awareness or ability to respond, the state should last for a few seconds to several minutes. If the faint persists for more that 8 to 10 minutes, or if complete recovery has not occurred in 15 to 20 minutes, then other mechanisms or disease states must be considered and medical intervention or hospitalization should be initiated.

Sometimes convulsive movements occur after the onset of unconsciousness associated with syncope. These are rarely generalized, but more commonly consist of chronic jerks of the arms and twitching of the face. There is no loss of bowel or bladder control. Pulse is weak or imperceptible, blood pressure is low, and respirations are quite shallow. The alterations in vital signs, along with pallor and unconsciousness, simulate death.

Fainting mostly comes from inadequate blood supply to the brain. Once the patient assumes the horizontal position, either by having fallen or by being reclined with assistance, gravity no longer hinders blood flow to the brain. In addition, the physical or emotional stress which precipitated the faint is relieved by the loss of consciousness. The pulse increas-

es in rate and amplitude, the color returns to the face, and breathing becomes quicker and deeper. Consciousness quickly returns with the patient having a correct perception of events and his surroundings.

Most of the persons who I have seen fainting in dental clinics have done so as a result on not having taken a proper meal prior to attention. Their blood sugar clearly went down too much in conjunction to fear and anxiety.

A combination of leg crossing and muscle tensing may help prevent fainting, providing a simple solution for people prone to fainting during emotional stress or prolonged standing before having an extraction, according to a recent study reported in a recent publication of the Journal of the American Heart Association.

This is the first study of its kind to document the effectiveness of a simple maneuver to prevent or delay loss of consciousness.

The standard approach for preventing

fainting includes educating the patients about the causes of the condition, instructing them how to avoid situations that trigger fainting, and maintaining adequate salt and fluid intake.

If blood flow to the brain is interrupted for three to four seconds fainting results. It becomes readily apparent when reviewing these mechanisms that a person could have irreversible brain damage or even die if supported in an upright position, such as in a dental chair, during syncope. Treatment of fainting thus consists of placing the victim horizontally; loosening tight clothing around the neck and having them inhale ammonia salts.

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

The Ant Edifices of the Rupununi Savannas

By Francis Quamina Farrier It’s been over four years since my last visit to the Rupununi, and I’m not proud to admit such a failing on my part. I also have to admit that I am becoming very worried not being able to analyse the developments which are taking place there from up-dated first hand knowledge. My first visit to the Rupununi was way back in 1963, and I have been there

many, many times since. Every time I am there, I am in awe of those Giant Ant Hills.

How could such tiny creatures construct such magnificent structures! On my first visit to the Rupununi some fifty three years ago, I was part of a group of tourists from Georgetown and beyond.

That trip to the Rupununi was organized by school teacher and Girls Guide Leader, Ms Marge Rockcliffe - a relative of the well-known

solicitor, Leon “Gunn” Rockcliffe. Teacher Margie, was one of Guyana’s first Tour Operators. She did it out of her heart, since she wanted ordinary Guyanese to see their country. Ms Rockcliffe had a simple system which included a little note book, into which she would enter your name and record every deposit her special penny-pinching tourists would make over time, until the full sum for the trip was paid.

My first such trip with her was to the mighty Kaieteur Falls in 1962. It was a one week return trip which took the following course. Day one from Georgetown to Bartica; Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop by the T&HD, MV Queriman ferry boat. From Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika by the West Coast Demerara T&HD train. And from Parika to Bartica by another T&DH ferry boat up the Essequibo river, where the group did an

later, by arrangement, most members of the group met at Ms Rockcliffe’s resident on Middle Street in Georgetown, where we reflected on the highlights of the “trip of a lifetime”, as we exchanged photographs and enjoyed ice cream and cake provided by Ms Rockcliffe. For all of that and the Kaieteur trip , we had paid the mighty sum of SIXTY FIVE GUYANA DOLLARS. So satisfied was I with that Kaieteur trip that I immediately signed up with Ms Marge Rockcliffe for an up-coming week-end trip to the Rupununi, and began to make regular deposits to that end. It was the Easter week-end of 1964.

The party of tourists included both Guyanese and non-Guyanese. We were taken from Georgetown to Atkinson Field (Now the Cheddi Jagan International Air[port) where we flew in one of the British Guiana Airways Dakota planes to Farrier standing beside a giant ant hill in the Rupununi back in 1970

overnight stop-over in that tiny rivering village, referred to as “The Gateway to the Interior”.

Day two; by ‘bush bus’ from Bartica along the 111 miles trail, meandering over hills and mountains, creeks and rivers, which included the “Denham Suspension Bridge” over the “Garraway stream” (which that section of the Potaro river is called) on to Mahdia. The ‘bush bus’ was really a long lorry in which the seats were like hammocks. It was a long and tiring journey which took about ten scenic hours. Back then, some fifty four years ago, that Bartica-Potaro trail was much. much better than it was when I travelled on a section of it just this last Wednesday, February 1, 2017. At present that trail is in a horrible condition.

On Day three, the group travelled up the Potaro river by open boat, skirting two powerful rapids - the Amatuk and the Waratuk. That necessitated everyone getting out of the boat, which was then manually pulled on land to the upper section of the river. There, is was gently pushed back into the river where the onward journey continued. That Day three journey, ended at Tukait, another powerful rapid which is to some degree, at the foot of the Kaieteur Water Falls. There were some comfortable cabins there, where we spent the night. On the fourth day, the party made the arduous journey by foot up the mountain to view the mighty Kaieteur Falls up close and awesome. That is a climb, only for the brave of spirit and the physically strong.

The return journey from the Kaieteur Falls was a reverse of the inward journey. A few days

Lethem.

The group was based at the Lethem Guest House, from where we made trips to neighbouring St. Ignatius Mission as well as to Bon Fim across the Takatu border river in Brazil. At that time Bon Fim was just a very little settlement with a few shops. Most of the shopping which we did there was of wines. The big adventure and the highlight of the weekend tour, was to the Amerindian Mission of Sand Creek which is located a long distance south, around the Kakaku Mountains .

On that my very first trip to the Rupununi in 1964, and all my many other trips to Region Number Nine since then, I have always marvelled at those Giant Ant Hills. Going there some years ago to report on the victims of a very serious flood in the area, I noticed that not a single one of the ant hills was inundated.

Just how could such humble tiny creatures know where to build their homes away from a likely flood? However, with greedy humankind and some negative ‘development’ advancing, I am extremely worried that those Giant Ant Hills are now under serious threat.

It is my hope that very soon a law would be tabled in the Guyana Parliament making it a serious crime to damage or destroy one of those precious Giant Ant Hills which took centuries to construct. Who will table such a bill and how soon, is something to take seriously; VERY SERIOUSLY. Time is running out.

SAVE THE GIANT ANT HILLS in the Rupununi. They contribute to our Tourism drive.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

IX

Never too young to give

– Teenage philanthropic brothers making big charitable strides

By Navendra Seoraj AS THE SAYING goes: “Charity begins at home.” It’s a theory which has indeed been proven to be pragmatic despite age, race, creed or religion. For the sons of David and Samantha Persaud, no barriers held them back from achieving their dream of giving back to a place that might not be their home but one which hold strong ties.

Watching their parents, who are of Guyanese origin but reside in the United States of America, travel to their homeland over the years to give back to impoverished communities and orphanages, 16-year-old Kyle and 13-year-old Brandon wanted to do the same but in a larger way than their parents.

The inspiration to do such a thing arose during the Christmas season of 2009 when the family made a trip to Guyana to distribute

An online photo of Kyle and Brandon making a presentation to a class

some goods and educational items to a local orphanage.

“Kyle and Brandon came along with us to the Orphanage in Gay Park, Berbice and had an opportunity to interact with some of the orphans. However, one child (Jason) shared a story with the boys that changed their lives forever and made them grateful for the fortunes that they have,” said Mrs. Persaud.

After that year, the family started making smaller trips to Guyana and other Caribbean islands, where they made donations of school goods and basic healthcare necessities. And their philanthropic desire continued to grow as they interacted with children from all walks of life.

From left David and Samantha Persaud, Kyle and Brandon along with the other KB Operation Hope ambassadors

KB OPERATION HOPE It was not long before the brothers grew into the habit of giving. In the year 2013, with the guidance of their parents, Kyle and Brandon took a step to actualize their dream Turn to page XI ►►►

X

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

My hair #supportcreativity

I HAVE always wondered about it; about what African hair really is like. But more recently, I have become increasingly befuddled about what is the true texture to look for.

It all goes back to a single photo I saw when a small child, of my grandmother, seated in a rocking-chair, dressed in what must have been lavish contemporary style, and proudly displaying a corn-cob pipe between her thin lips.

Hers were very angular features. Between the light and shadow of what would have been a portrait taken as far back as the late 19th Century was hair, the length of which fell behind her neck and overflowed ont her shoulders.

As if instructed, her identified husband stood erectly

alongside and slightly behind her high-backed chair, in formal apparel, his dark features, like hers, not quite fitting with the puzzling well-combed hair parted on the left side.

When, years later, I was able to have a conversation with her son, my father, he assured me that he grew up hearing them speak mostly ‘an African dialect’. He could not recall the country of origin; nor could he say at what ages was the memory of their elegance captured in

print. What he proclaimed, rather innocently, however, was that his parents had ‘wiry hair’.

Years later, when I had become more observant, I noticed that my dad’s own hair grew short and stiff, perhaps even ‘wiry’.

But to rewind to my own childhood days, there still hangs on my bedroom wall a portrait of me standing on a chair in a uniform-style suit, with my hair stretching behind my head in two unadorned, longish plaits so distinctive that people would keep mistaking my picture for that of a girl.

It wasn’t until I was two years old that my father took me to the barbershop in Regent Street, close to the north-eastern corner with Camp Street, where the barber, Walter Flatts, sheared my plaits. He remained my barber for years after, until he died. Interestingly, however, he kept Turn to page XII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page IX

by launching KB Operation Hope, a Not For Profit organisation registered with the New York Department of State that was established on the firm belief that children are the future, and with proper care, resources, and attention, they ensure a greater tomorrow, a greater world, and a better future for all.

Kyle explained that their organisation provided educational goods and over the counter medical necessities to international poverty stricken children. KB Operation Hope also helps children through times of crisis, such as natural disaster and international disease expansions.

Their mission, he said, is to help provide children with a better life, empowering them as young individuals, giving them knowledge to better themselves, allowing confidence, pride and hope to flourish.

In its initial stages, after gaining donations from businesses, the organisation hosted drives and an impoverished child campaign within schools and communities within the US. However, their vision did not stop there, given that with donations received, KB visits struggling international villages and orphanages giving educational needs such as workbooks, pens, pencils, teaching kits, crayons, textbooks, paper and so forth, allowing the educational prosperity of a child.

Kyle added, “We also spread awareness on the importance of education to the children; motivating them to continue their studies and pursue their dreams... and we contribute volunteer time to sit with the youth, helping them learn new studies. This encourages their willingness to learn.”

They also aim to provide medical welfare for international poverty-stricken children and bring OTC medical necessities to villages, such as gauze, wipes, common medical applicants and medication, bottles, formula, diapers, just to list a few.

Together, the brothers have rallied volunteers from their school, Knox School, St. James, New York, who also spread awareness of the importance of education and try to speak with government officials and give knowledge on how to change the path of poverty throughout their nation.

In their approaches and attempts to do better, given that Brandon is still fairly young, Kyle has stepped to the fore and became the president of his Model United Nations (UN) organisation as well as an active member of his student government for an ongoing three years.

He has been on High Honor Society throughout his duration of school, allowing him to become secretary of his National Honor Society.

Kyle is an active member of his community, who holds a deep passion and drive for helping children locally and internationally. Often times, he said he would question children’s resources, learning about the hardships that they have to face on a daily basis.

The young philanthropist is also a part of a diversity team, which allows more cultural diffusion to take place.

His aim is to make differences that positively affected lifestyles. He has created a Civil Rights Alliance Organisation and UNICEF Club within his school as well. He is also an ambassador for the school and pursues an acting career as a hobby.

Meanwhile, not to be forgotten, along with his brother Kyle, Brandon has also faced poverty from a first-witness standpoint on his adventures to Third World countries and learning the history of his parents’ home country.

Brandon believes in the same motive that children are the future and that by ensuring their proper developmental care and love, they can change the future for better.

MORE FOR GUYANA With that motive in their minds and the desire to give back, the youngsters said that given that Guyana is where their inspiration was fostered, they intend to give back immensely to the youths and less fortunate citizens in any way they can.

Being here for the past few days, some of the members of KB got an opportunity to meet with Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, the US Embassy and other stakeholders who have signaled their intent to help their organisation grow.

The members explained that they visited and made donations to several orphanages such as Children of Promise, Kamal’s International Home and another in Berbice.

“We spoke to the children, house mothers and other leaders to see what can be developed…we were able to discuss

these matters with the minister, so we hope that they can be addressed,” said Kyle.

Some of the plans which have been solidified include a room to teach skills to the children of the Orphanage in Berbice; and to provide education necessities to the Kamal home.

Other issues such as bullying in the orphanages need to be addressed, therefore, they intend to continue their work

XI and return to Guyana as many times as possible.

Additionally, the organisation during the meeting with the embassy, made an arrangement to send goods to Guyana which will be distributed by the Embassy’s officials, to indigenous communities and shelters.

Persons interested in donating towards the organisation’s cause can make contact with the founders or members at kboperationhope.org.

XII ◄◄◄ From page X

his own dark hair groomed, with some sort of treatment that made it ‘wavy’, and parted almost exactly in the middle. It occurred to me later that his might have been an attempt to disguise his legitimate ‘Africaness’.

Out of all this muddle, what I have never been able to comprehend was my father’s keeping my two sheared, non-wiry ‘locks’ locked in a shoe box, where they lasted, intact, for two more years, with little sign of deterioration. Dad seemed to know when to get rid of the package. I could never understand the reason for this attempted preservation, and moreso, account for the timespan that untreated ‘African’ hair lasted.

Since then I have gone through the ‘Vaseline’ phase, then the ‘Pantene’ phase, as well as phases of non-treatment; perhaps, on looking back, reflective on periods of ebbs and flows of uncertainties about my identity.

Today, too many decades after, my barber of more recent years is told to crop what’s left of my grey, receding hair as closely as possible, moving forward towards the forehead, to cover, however partially, the inevitable baldness.

But these reflections are really larger than about me. Rather, they are about the authenticity of identity; of who we are. That is if first we concede our ‘Africaness’.

As I look through my window, daily I see the heads of ‘African’ women adorned with hair too obviously synthetic to reflect their equally obvious ‘blackness’, if you will.

But one understands. They, who are unable to distinguish or discriminate, feel compelled to follow the patters with which they are pervasively bombarded, by local media, moreso by TV images.

For today, in vaunted Afro-American USA, the portrayal is not of one, but of a

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

myriad of hairstyles (if that is the right descriptor) that are irreconcilable with ‘Africaness’ (or is it ‘Afro-ness’?).

Entertainers, housewives, ‘Voice’ judge, all seem to be enmeshed in a contrivance of personalities, away from the substance of an authentic persona. It is they who ‘head’ the confusion of mimicry indulged by those who by-pass my window.

So that when I see these mothers impose this mimicry on the children they send to school, I can only wonder where this profound shallowness will lead, and how it would impact on the adult psyche of the future.

Come to think of it, the indiscipline inherent in self begins at the tenderest school age, encouraged by adoring and indiscriminating mothers. Somehow, too, the fathers don’t seem to mind, even about the difference between their own practised baldness

and contrastingly natural beards, and that of their sons’ extended masculine ‘locks’, which, conflictingly enough, are intended to speak genuinely, but again to a mimicked identity.

So, what is it that all this eloquent confusion says? Where do we begin the search for an image that reflects an authentic identity, with our heads in such a chaotic state (or perhaps the sand)? Does the answer lie with the beautician or the barber? But again, how equipped are they to show us any true reflection of our deeper selves?

Right now, the only ‘headmistress’ know is the one who has restored the natural crown of one of my colleagues to its ‘Africaness’.

But, having said that, the heads of tghe women of Dalgety’s African Moods hardly reflect who they really should be. Their hair might straightened, but certainly not ‘wiry’!

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

Life beyond the runway #supportcreativity

LAST WEEK I shared with you a story that proved that anything is possible. If I can do 20 years in the fashion industry you can too. Without faith, passion, drive and perseverance, we could not have done it.

We need to be willing to put in the work and to be decisive. Don't judge your circumstances and the possibilities for the future based on what you are going through now.

Today I will share part of the 10 years journey for Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) which started as a week-end for the first five years. I started thinking about GFW for years because many times I was the only person from Guyana participating in the fashion events throughout the region and beyond.

I know we possess talent in abundance in Guyana but it was almost impossible without sponsorship to showcase our talents. We launched GFW in 2007 by faith and by believing it was possible. Without a loyal team with vision and passion, it would not have been possible and I thank God for them.

I was living in Barbados then and was doing well financially because I had two boutiques. I withdrew some money from my businesses and decided to come back to Guyana to pursue another dream. So many people were saying that Guyana was not ready for such a big event and my response was when are we going to be ready? You need to be great to get started but you have to get started to be great.

We started engaging potential partners for the event in order to be successful and we were very happy with the result of our meeting with the then President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo who saw it fit to support such a venture.

The journey has not been without challenges and overwhelming times but it has surely been very fulfilling. Over the decade we have seen sketches turn into beautiful collections and dreams into realities.

The year 2007 is also special because it felt like the birth of my third child. Stan Gouveia and Mondale Smith were the emcees and we had one of the finalists from America’s Next Top Model along with regional star models and designers from various parts of the Caribbean.

We had a fantastic cast of models and designers of which the Telford Sisters won the most promising designer prize. The event was memorable each year but the construction of a 100ft runway was a huge achievement by any standard.

Over the years we have had coverage from international magazines such as Essence and Sister 2 Sister to She Caribbean and Profile 98 from the region. We had a Reuters’ photographer cover fashion week one year and those images were all over the world. We have had some well-known personalities such as actress Anna Horsford, CEO of Caribbean Fashion week Kingsley Cooper, Tempo star Hector Lincoln, VP Elite Jean Pierre Begon, among others.

GFW acted as a platform in assisting persons to transform their passions into successful careers. Our local designers and models went on to participate in many fashion events around the Caribbean, United States and China. Our young talented designers were finalists on Mission Catwalk in Jamaica.

We utilized the GFW platform in meaningful ways to incorporate messages like

domestic violence, the environment, teenage pregnancy, suicide, cancer awareness, trafficking in persons etc.

I love working with the young talent because they are so hungry and possess talent beyond words but I always make the point that talent is not all you need because if you don’t have the right attitude, things can become disastrous.

Our team always facilitated and sought invariably, to realize the aspirations and ideals of the creative human resource potential of Guyana and the Caribbean. This team was fortunate to have the brilliant artistic direction of Richard Young who is the best in the region, our young energetic project manager Keron Noble, the queen of the catwalk, Melessa Payne who mentors so many young models and Nelsion Nurse who is always finding a way to make things work.

Other committee members who contributed are Donn Thompson, Ronnie Morris, Shiv Dindyal, Rudy Saul, John Quelch, Mariska Jordan and Negla Brandis. Over the years we laughed, cried, agreed and disagreed but always respected each other’s opinions. We recently welcomed Vincent Polak, a very creative young man from Suriname, to our team.

Recently, we had a GFW party and presentation at the Dutch Bottle Restaurant. The GFW team wanted to provide an atmosphere for these young talented people to unwind while enjoying each other’s company and sharing their challenges and triumphs.

We have recognized that the human resource is the most valuable resource, there are these super multi-talented young people who are the future of our nation. So much talent in this small pool is mind-blowing. Although we have managed to impact and inspire these young lives beyond the runway, I know more can be done. People close to me know how frustrated I am because I can't do more for the creative sector presently. The optimist in me tells me that I will in the near future.

The lovely Anasha Dutchin took the initiative to start singing LEAN ON ME and everyone ended up hugging and holding each other’s hands. It felt like a big GFW family.

Thank you to all the persons who partnered with us over the years, the patrons who supported and anyone who would have sent some encouraging words. These people believe in the GFW Vision and we will forever be grateful.

We are not perfect and are still working out the best possible formula. The important thing to note is that we keep moving on and are very determined not to give up. None of us can do it alone, we are stronger together. As they say, team work makes the dream work.

We are the second longest running fashion event in the Caribbean and Guyana ought to be proud of that.

You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination. Ralph Marston Send us your feedback to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com Join me every Sunday here for another BEYOND THE RUNWAY article, weekdays at 7:15 on Radio Guyana and our fb page for past episodes as we continue this beautiful Journey called life Beyond The Runway.

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XIV

‘Mash’ THE Department of Culture, Youth and Sports (DCYS)has decided to extend the route for the February 23 Mashramani float parade, which will still end at the Durban Park, but will now start off at the corner of Church Street and Avenue of the Republic.

The decision follows calls saying

that the previous route, which started at Stabroek Square and proceeded down Brickdam, was too small and would not give companies enough mileage for their investment.

“After further consultations with various stakeholders, the Ministry of Education Department of Culture Youth and Sports

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

parade route extended took a decision to extend the route for the adult costume bands and revelers,” the DCYS has said in a statement.

After starting off, the floats will proceed south on the western carriageway of the Avenue of the Republic, then turn east into

Brickdam, proceeding to the Square of the Revolution and into Durban Park.

However, this route will not apply to the children’s segment of the parade, which will still be commencing from the Stabroek Market Square.

Revellers down the Brickdam route for the Jubilee float parade last year

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

XV

Notes from the Vermont Studio Center Residency

Tying things together #supportcreativity

By Dominique Hunter

trained ourselves to look at and really see a thing (looking and seeing being two very different things in my opinion). What happens when we stop looking at the things around us as items to be removed from sight for a “better” or “cleaner” space,

particularly in a gallery-type set up? Is it possible, instead, to embrace them and somehow work those unwanted things into The end of my time in Vermont is swiftly approaching and the narrative of our work? How would the narrative change if I’ve been earnestly trying to ignore the cloud of anxiety we do? Of course in the end it all comes down to preference. that has been building around me. I didn’t come with The fact is, the work I’ve made here is quite unlike the a plan in the same way some of the other residents did. work that usually comes out of my modest home studio.

Some came to finish a particular series of work while They are a far cry from the flat 18x24 inches paper collages others came to build something they could document I was working on as recently as last year. I’ve noticed that for future proposals. Despite the varying points of enevery time I’m removed from my personal space, the work try, the general consensus was that we would work as is usually transformed into something sculptural. And I long and hard as our bodies would allow us. think this speaks volumes about my indecisive nature and While I had no idea what I was going to produce, I impulse to do a little bit of everything. Two and three-diknew that (like everyone else) I wanted to make the most mensional works provide relief for me in very different of my time here. That meant equal amounts of experiways and alternating between them is a good way silence mentation and uncertainty. And there was most definitely the noise in my head. Here in Vermont I had the freedom a lot of uncertainty. Being transplanted into a completely to make anything. Unfortunately, my brain interpreted that new environment (if only for a short time), for me, usually as, “Let’s make everything!” After good sense prevailed, signals a distinct shift in my work. I’m never quite the I moved myself out of the way and let intuition take over. same person anymore and so the way I think about my I have no idea if and how the work I made here fits into work changes. The parameters I’ve boxed myself into are my “usual” body of work or if that even matters. But my constantly being pushed further outward and, in many time here was definitely, among other things, a rigorous exways, I can only begin to make sense of everything once ercise in discipline. Prior to this, I would’ve spent the hour I’ve returned to the place I was transplanted from (that is, or two in between activities like dinner from 6-7pm and home). This has been the general trend of my residency readings at 8pm, “killing time” as Guyanese would say. I experiences thus far. never thought myself to be the kind of person who could They have become more about allowing myself to shed break concentration, shift gears and fall back into rhythm those anxieties about my own techniques, use of materials easily. But I was pleasantly surprised at how much you and “cohesiveness” of the final works. What this space could get a lot done in the short time between two activities represented for me was the opportunity to embrace new (if you are disciplined enough). Even if all you manage to ways of seeing and thinking about the process of making do is drive yourself crazy trying to resolve a problem in things. It also represented a safe space for the type of your work. I cringed at the thought of how often I “killed open-ended questions that threatened to trigger a kind of time” back home and how much further along my projects existential crisis. What is necessary to make a work of art? could’ve been by now.

Why is one thing considered art and not the other? How In September of last year I was nominated for did I even get here? It’s usually just further down the rabbit a Vermont Studio Center residency fellowship and hole from there. sponsored by the Reed Foundation. Notes from the At the very core, art is ultimately about problem Vermont Studio Center Residency is intended to be a solving and decision-making. Usually there are multiple “If you miss me. Thirty-four pairs. Two hundred days and series of articles chronicling my experiences at the U.S. ways to solve any given problem but we rely on (among change.” A collection of sanitary napkin wrappers was other things) intuition to lead us to the right decision each sandwiched together in pairs using ink and glue. Each pair was residency starting from the issuance of the fellowship award until the conclusion of the month-long program time. How well equipped we are to navigate between the then photographed, printed and installed with a chair. Viewers in February, 2017. two lies squarely in how well we’ve been trained and/or were later invited to sit on the chair

“The Serendipitous Swing.” A work inspired by the 1927 flood in Vermont, USA and altered by one of VSC’s founders, Jon Gregg. The sequence reenacts the moment Jon “accidentally” (purposefully) knocked over one of the sawhorses that was suspended from a bar in the ceiling. I decided to leave it and re-create the swinging motion it made

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

Serena and Venus may be tennis excellence personified, don't but forget

Richard

The sisters are the most accomplished sports siblings in history thanks in large part to the courage and fire of their father

By LZ Granderson

SERENA WILLIAMS was gathering her things to walk off the court after her 6-2, 6-3 victory over Johanna Konta on January 25 when Rennae Stubbs, who conducted the post-match interview, said something to the crowd that just didn’t sound right.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the world’s No. 2, Serena Williams.”

It was odd hearing the greatest to ever do it be referred to as second best. And one could infer from the manner in which Williams’ once toothy smile slowly evaporated that she wasn’t particularly fond of the characterization either. Nonetheless, since Angelique Kerber won the U.S. Open in September 2016 that had been the reality: Williams was not No. 1. The index finger she normally raised high in the air after a victory, a tad hollow.

It was in that moment that I knew she was going to win the Australian Open.

Some people are masters at hiding how they really feel. Williams — like former first lady Michelle Obama — never struck me as someone who bothered playing that game.

Yet as the accolades continue to pour in celebrating her achievements as well as those

of her ageless sister Venus Williams, there is one name that should not be forgotten.

Richard Williams never flinched in telling a predominantly white tennis world exactly what his two black daughters from Compton, California, were going to do. After Venus made the U.S. Open Final in her very first appearance, Richard confidently told the world that Serena was better. And when his daughters were slighted in the media, in the crowds or by other players, he had no problem going John Q on their behalf. Yeah,

Serena Williams (right) embraces her father Richard Williams (center) as her sister Venus looks on, after she defeated Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland to win the women’s final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England, on July 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

he talked a lot of smack early on — like holding a sign that read “I told you so” or telling World No. 2 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario “I hope you win,” before facing a then 14-year old Venus — but time has shown he was able to back it up (though Venus did lose that match). A shock to most, but when you overcome life as a sharecropper in the segregated South — with the constant threat of the Ku Klux Klan shadowing your every move — you become accustomed to doing the impossible.

“I wanted to go to Chicago so bad,” Richard said of his early days during an interview to promote his 2014 memoir, Life in Black and White: The Way I See It. “I was so tired of being called names, jumped on, and having to run so fast, sometimes getting killed almost and house set on fire … I said, if I go to Chicago, it would be different.

“My mom said, ‘Son, I don’t care where you go, it’s gonna be the same for you.

You have to learn to expect things from yourself. Not what people are going to do to you.’ She taught me that I had to be rough, I had to be tough and I had to be strong.”

Richard’s mother also taught him that family was the world’s greatest institution.

The love displayed between Venus and Serena after their matches is not merely the behavior of two sisters, but the physical manifestation of lessons passed from ancestors to ancestors in order to survive. If you appreciate how much the two care for one another, then you must have room to appreciate the man, the father who taught them the importance of doing so — regardless of what others expected them to do.

Age and reports of health issues have kept him out of the player box for a number of years now, but know this: Each time Serena twirls around holding up that index finger, Richard is there.

When Venus talks about overcoming the debilitating Sjögren’s syndrome, she is drawing part of her strength from a man who grew up picking cotton in the unforgiving Louisiana heat.

Yeah, when he was on the tour he was a bit odd.

But 62 combined major titles, eight combined gold medals, and 321 combined weeks at No. 1 is not exactly normal.

So when the International Tennis Hall of Fame finally opens its doors to the Williams family, my hope is that they make room for three. No coach in the past 20 years has had as big of an impact on the game as Richard. And when you factor in him teaching himself how to play, buying used tennis balls for 10 cents, putting rackets on layaway, and regularly getting into fistfights with gang members in order to use the tennis courts, leaving him out in the hall would only serve to show how little voters truly understand the best sports story in history.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

XVII

The culture of alcohol

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

This week I’m continuing to write about habits that my readers have asked me to help them break. Not surprisingly I’ve had many requests to talk about alcohol- its harms and how to lower it.

I was a bit sceptical about this one because an alcohol- dependent person will not be able to read this and simply stop drinking alcohol.

Someone who is truly alcohol dependent, needs to go to their nearest health centre as alcohol withdrawal is severe and in some cases fatal. This means, the treatment plan would involve not only counselling but prescription medication as well.

However, if you are a casual drinker and feel like you would like to learn more about alcohol, its harms and how to lower use, this piece would more pertain to you.

The column’s title explains the actuality in Guyana. Alcohol has become a culture in the sense that it is a normally practised, accepted and even encouraged part of most of our lives.

I have been fortunate enough to live in many different countries for long periods of time and no groups of people drink like we can. The worst part is that we (myself included in the past) are proud of this.

This is explained by many reasons – its commonality, accessibility, and affordability are just a few factors. I cannot remember the last time I went to anyone’s house or even out to lunch/dinner and was not offered an alcoholic beverage.

To first fix something, we must accept it.

Repeat after me – We as a Guyanese community and society drink too much alcohol. Say it again!

Once we have accepted it, we need to educate ourselves on it. No one will ever stop unless they know (in detail) the harms associated with alcohol. Of course I cannot go into too much detail here but I will definitely cover the basics.

The first and most important FACT to remember is that alcohol is a drug. People tend to forget this because of its legal status- but it is as it has a physiological effect- meaning it alters our mood, thoughts and behaviour.

Now, the first and most important QUESTION, why do people drink alcohol? Before reading further, answer that question. If you do drink, why do you drink?

Working in this direct field for almost two years in Guyana has given me great insight as to why the average person drinks. ► To relieve stress ► Boredom/ Curiosity ► Accessibility – it would take the same amount of effort to buy alcohol vs a loaf of bread ► Peer pressure ► Family influences ► History of abuse/ trauma

Your reasons may be different. Why do you drink?

I want to make it clear that you do not need to drink every day in order to have a problem with alcohol nor do you necessarily have a problem with alcohol if you drink every day.

For example, if someone has a glass of wine with dinner every night, that is not an issue. On the other hand, if someone does not drink for months at a time, but drinks heavily for the period of which they have started back, they have a problem with alcohol. If you are consuming more than 3-4 drinks per day for long periods of time, I would recommend that you do go to your nearest health centre to discuss it further.

I would need this whole newspaper if I was to list all the issues and illnesses associated with alcohol. Alcohol affects us physically, mentally, socially and economically.

Physically, alcohol weakens our entire immune system, making flus, infections and diseases easier to obtain and harder to rid. Simple intoxication can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches and numerous accidents/ injuries. They cause black-outs and memory loss which over time can lead to permanent brain damage.

Heavy use increases our blood pressure, stomach ulcers and our chances of strokes. It results in serious and sometimes fatal diseases of the heart and liver. It is responsible for numerous types of cancer such as liver, mouth, throat or breast.

Heavy alcohol consumption can also cause impotence and infertility in men and women respectively.

Pregnant women who consume alcohol expose the unborn child to multiple issues such fetal alcohol syndrome, addiction and pre-mature death. For the ones who overly care about weight, alcohol contains as many calories as fat does and is therefore poses a high risk of weight gain.

The mental effects of alcohol consumption are just as many and as serious as the physical ones. Alcohol is classified as a depressant drug which means, just as it sounds, that it physically depresses our nervous system. This ‘physical depression’ causes many people to believe that alcohol eases stress and anxiety

when in the long run, it does just the opposite.

Heavy alcohol use can worsen and even cause mental health issues. Alcohol flows through many pathways in the brain which results in disruptions and impairments in thought, behaviour, communication, judgement, coordination, concentration and memory- just to name a few.

Heavy use causes psychosis, which is identified by both audio and visual hallucinations. Drinking alcohol lowers level of serotonin in the brain- the chemical responsible for regulating our mood. This is what highly increases the chances of depression in alcohol dependent people. This is also the explanation as to why suicide is highly correlated with alcohol use. An individual is about 5 times more likely to attempt suicide if they are heavy alcohol users.

Even though alcohol is a social drug, it does ironically have many negative social impairments.

Alcohol drastically affects one’s personality – we all claim to either be a ‘good/ h a p p y drunk’ or a ‘bad/sad drunk.’

No matter the mood, these change s neg-

atively affect our relationships. High school drop-out and low productivity as well as crimes such as robberies and sexual assault are all social issues mostly caused by alcohol use within our community.

The economic effects can be seen just by re-reading the above. Heavy alcohol use causes medical bills, lack of productivity, loss of money within the family etc.

People think that it’s funny when their friend does something silly because of alcohol. This could be anything from calling an ex- partner to falling down. It seems funny at the time but there isn’t anything funny about impaired judgement. There isn’t anything

funny about not being able to control what we do or say. Impaired judgement is what causes aggression, which lead to physical fights, resulting not only in personal injury but also injury to innocent bystanders. In cases of domestic violence, alcohol is more often than not a casual factor. Impaired judgement is what leads to drunk driving with additional impaired coordination. Impaired judgement leads to the contraction of HIV, STD’s as well as unwanted pregnancy.

People think it’s funny when they cannot remember anything the next day and they need to call their friends to remind them. When drinking alcohol, your regular brain processes slow down and therefore stops recording into the ‘memory bank’. This is short term and doesn’t necessarily damage any brain cells but long term use can have permanent effects. It isn’t that funny when you really think about it.

HOW DO WE CUT DOWN OUR ALCOHOL USE? I’m not going to lie, it is incredibly difficult to stop drinking alcohol. It is physically and mentally easier to come off of crack cocaine than it is to come off of alcohol.

Let that sink in. This is true for many reasonsalcohol is socially acceptable, easier to obtain, has a longer withdrawal period and so many other reasons.

Even with all my research, I have never realised how hard it was to stop until I tried. One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to only drink alcohol on special occasions. I have been successful so far but if I’m honest, it has been surprisingly difficult. It is hard for me not to drink when everyone else around me is drinking – I become anxious and a bit irritated and I have never had a problem with alcohol consumption. I urge everyone to do this. Challenge yourself, even if for a week, to stop drinking alcohol and see for yourself how tough it is. How dangerously close most of us are to addiction.

The harsh reality is that even though we may be educated on all the harms stated above, it is not enough to push us to stop drinking. That’s how powerful alcohol is- but it doesn’t have to be.

If you need the extra push, here are some tips that will help lower alcohol use.

The first thing you need to do is keep track of your alcohol consumption. Count how many drinks you have per week, how you feel before you drink and how you feel after. For example, did you feel stressed or sad before consumption? Did you feel that way after?

It’s important to know these things in order to determine why you drink or what would be a good substitute.

When you know your exact drinking patTurn to page XVIII ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

AN APPRENTICE WILL TRUMP THE LOT Written by Hubert Williams months before the November 2016 elections BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, West Indies -- The United States of America is heading into critical elections next year that, from these early days, bids fair to being the most unusual campaign, the most contentious, the most controversial, the most unprecedented in the history of Presidential politics – all because a self-made tycoon has decided that, as Ronald Reagan showed, America’s delirium over Hollywood and television superstars can propel them into the Presidency.

D o n a l d Trump, who had said as a teenager he intended to become the most powerful real estate magnate in New York City, seems set to take America by storm and swagger his way into the White House. He is supremely confident that he can… and I think he will; though much is yet to unfold in the 14 months to November 8, 2016.

If Arnold Schwarzenegger hadn’t been born elsewhere, he too would have had the clout to aspire to the White House. This power-packed Hollywood action hero managed to follow the Reagan trail up to the governorship of California, even marrying into the Kennedy Clan; but he could not entertain any White House hopes, having been born in Austria.

Donald Trumps’ entry as a potential standard bearer for the Republican Party will pose a challenge that the now governing Democratic Party has not seen for quite some time, with the first non-White President, Barack Hussein Obama (non-Black too), having been securely ensconced in the Oval Office seven years now. (I try to avoid referencing him as the first “Black”, uncertain as I am as to which half should prominence be ascribed; thus still waddling in the infuriating thesis of the ink and milk). He’s half of each. If White has purity, so has Black, thus a mixture is neither; but the Globe’s demographers know not yet how to deal with that conundrum. Thus, over

the years in America, a person living almost his/her entire life as White is traced to have 2% Black blood and re-classified as Black.

Racism, wealth, corporate power, American hegemony, its role as the world’s sole superpower (with which designation I contend) and the power of Wall Street against High Street can be expected to soar as never before in these coming elections, with Donald Trump drawing battle lines against all and sundry.

The formal announcement of his candidacy has galvanized the campaign trail in a manner that 2008 and 2012 Republican Party limelighters like Senator John Mc Cain & Governor Sarah Palin (2008), and Governor Mitt Romney and Senator Paul Ryan (2012) never could have.

This fast-talking political amateur, moneyed more than most, whose remarkable success is based on business and the science of deals, is bent on taking on the establishment of both major political parties, bull-dozing a path to the White House, all the while screaming that “We need somebody that literally will take this country and make it great again. We can do that…”

“We have people that aren’t working. We have people that have no incentive to work. But they’re going to have incentive to work, because the greatest social programme is a job. And they’ll be proud, and they’ll love it, and they’ll make much more than they would’ve ever made, and they’ll be — they’ll be doing so well, and we’re going to be thriving as a country… thriving. It can happen. I will be the greatest jobs President that God ever created. I tell you that.

◄◄◄ From page XVII

on alcohol aside. Buy something nice for yourself (not alcohol!)

Finally, let your friends and family know of your hope and attempt to lower alcohol consumption. If they are good influences, they will support your decision and even make it easier for you.

I would like to say again that if your drinking is severe, please go in to see a professional to form a proper and healthy quitting plan.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings Mondays 4:15 Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:15 Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

terns, you can decrease use from there.

Make a pros and cons list. On one side, list the personal benefits of alcohol and the harms on the other. I guarantee the harms will be much longer. Keep this list in a place where you can re-read it every day.

Do not keep any alcohol in the home- or any place that you frequent. Accessibility is a major reason for use or relapse.

Always eat before you drink. This automatically reduces the intake as well as prevent intoxication.

Switch to a beverage with a smaller alcohol content. For example, switch from vodka to beer. If you absolutely cannot do this, you need to decrease the current amount of your desired drink by half.

Have a tall glass of water or juice between every 2 drinks.

Avoid triggers- what makes you want to drink. This could be certain places or people.

Do activities that do not usually include alcohol. Example- gym or movies.

Put all the money that you save (weekly)

“I’ll bring back our jobs from China, from Mexico, from Japan, from so many places.

I’ll bring back our jobs, and I’ll bring back our money.

“Right now, think of this: We owe China $1.3 trillion. We owe Japan more than that.

So they come in, they take our jobs, they take our money, and then they loan us back the money, and we pay them interest, and then the dollar goes up so their deal is even better.”

From my own assessment of the two parties’ main candidates, Trump will eventually line up against Hillary Rodham Clinton, for

whom it seems the Democrats’ nomination is a done deal, with the party merely going through the motion at this point in time.

But I will give my own assessment of where I see the two campaigns heading, and eliminating candidates one by one as I proceed. I’ll start by load-shedding for Donald Trump, with the least likely party nominees (in my estimation) going out the window first: Bobby Jindal… whose main claim to fame in his older days is likely to be how many times he ran for President of the United States of America. I first “wrote him off” and his national profile dimmed following what I had considered his inept response for the Republicans to President Obama’s first State of the Union Address in 2009.

Rand Paul… a likeable person, but following politically in his father’s footsteps, and as Ron Paul had done in his quest of White House glory, so will his son this time – into the campaign, and out.

Jeb Bush… like the Kennedys, part of a dynasty; and it has always been my view that was why Robert “Bobby” Kennedy was killed in 1968 – someone just didn’t want another Kennedy in the White House. In the case of Jeb, former Governor of Florida, it was the American voters who decided that the presidency was not to be treated like a Bush Family heirloom – to be passed from George

H. “Dubya”… to George “Dubya”… to Jeb. In an early debate, Trump slipped up, shook Bush’s hands and conceded when he said his brother had “kept America safe”, forgetting that 9/11, the greatest terrorist assault on the United States had occurred under his brother’s watch.

Ben Carson… the least likely politician among the lot, and sole Black. A likeable candidate, softspoken, non-aggressive, without insults, seeming on the surface the most honest and trustworthy. I’ve been a fan of his since publication of “Gifted Hands”, chronicling his struggles, discipline and achievements as a surgeon – which helped to inspire my daughter to become the outstanding surgeon she now is in the USA. Likeable as he is, honest and trustworthy as he comes through, with growing support in the campaign, Carson is still, in my view, the candidate least likely for success: a Black succeeding a Black in the White House… no way ! White America would rise up in anger, wondering: what is this… some kind of take-over?

Mike Huckabee… nice guy, Christian, features regularly on TV and is not unknown to presidential campaigns, who finds humour an asset on the hustings… a likeable and honest candidate, but will be rejected against the likes of Donald Trump. He campaigns because he enjoys it.

Chris Christie… A bright Republican prospect; high profile following sterling work as Governor of New Jersey battling widespread devastation

by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Subsequently, in the public’s view, there were two strikes against him (1) a scandal over closure of a major New Jersey bridge in which there was never any clarity about his role; and the seeming lack of discipline to bring his girth down to presidential proportions. As with Carson, so Christie, places are likely to be reserved in a Trump Administration for both.

Rick Perry… Governor of Texas, a powerful man but still his public profile not presidential, and will opt out without distinguishing himself this time.

Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio… part of the creeping Cuban disapora presence in American politics… Rubio particularly impressive in his debates; but for Cuban émigrés and immediate descendants their pathway to the White House is yet to be paved.

Carley Fiorina… a woman with sharp features and a tongue to match… indeed about the only candidate whom Donald Trump decided not to mess with during these debates.

However, for a lone woman among the Republicans it would clearly be a tough call, and her decline in popularity and eventual exit predictable.

John Kasich… a powerful hold on his home constituency as governor of Ohio State, and will have promising showing in primaries, then expected to fade in the homestretch to the Republican Convention where it is expected that Trump will present as the party’s only option.

Jim Gilmore, Scott Walker, George Pataki, Rick Santorum and Lindsey Graham… of these hopefuls, always trailing in popularity, the less said the better.

The Democratic Party’s path to the Turn to page XXVIII ►►►

folklore

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

WATA MUMA’S PROMISE

By Neil Primus

DON’T ASK ME how a Wata Muma child get pon land. Don’t ask me how somebody so stupid they agree to care for it until age eight, jus because there was a promise of plenty money. Yo see money and riches, they always get greedy people in plenty hot pickle.

It all started when William found the beautiful comb on the nearby beach one full moon night. Knowing exactly what it was he sped home and hid his find. That night he dreamt that a gorgeous woman was pleading with him to return the comb. Before he could respond he awoke.

Realizing that this creature could also speak to his wife, he took the comb and hid it on his person. He was so desperate to keep it that he cut his foot and hid the comb in the wound so that when it healed the comb would be cleverly concealed.

Then he sewed it up.

This meant the Wata Muma could not reach it.

As he suspected, his wife began having strange dreams about a woman and her missing comb. Whenever his spouse questioned him he replied in the negative. One morning his wife walked in with the prettiest little girl he had ever set eyes on. This was the child of the Wata Muma and she had been promised plenty of riches if the couple took care of the child until age eight. He was too shocked to respond. The strange child stayed.

Money and riches came their way and soon they had more than they had ever dreamt of. The child grew and they became one big happy family. Both of them fell in love with their foster daughter. Things went very well for the couple until the eight birthday of the child.

Over the past years they had completely forgotten about the Wata Muma’s Promise.

But on the night of the child’s eight birthday, they both had the same dream. It was time to hand over the child. She must be taken to the sea on the next full moon. Both of them knew deep in their hearts that they could not possibly give up this little girl that they had grown to love. They agreed

that the child would stay and they would all stop going anywhere near water.

The dreams persisted becoming more a demand than a request. Soon they became a torment. You see the Wata Muma had kept her promise of riches if the child was cared for. They never suspected that the child had a secret mission: locate the comb. She was such a charming daughter that William had divulged his secret to her.

One week after, he awoke to an empty house. Both his wife and daughter were out. When they did not return that evening he became very worried. That night he got a most extraordinary dream. His wife and daughter were playing on the seashore.

They were running and laughing. Both of them turned and beckoned to him smiling in glee. He ran towards them calling their names. When he was about to embrace them he awoke.

William rushed outside and into the beauty of a full moon night. He headed for the beach and sure enough both of them were there. He ran quickly towards them.

As he drew nearer they both started moving towards the water. By the time he drew nearer they were knee deep. Throwing caution aside he waded in to the tide. By now they were chest deep. Then he got the shock of his life. He held his wife and turned her to face him. The person he was holding was the woman in his dream. Before he could even scream she had dragged him under.

XIX

By Neil Primus

The next day pandemonium broke out in the small fishing village of Barracuda.

Two bodies were discovered on the beach; William and his wife. Both were dead due to drowning. One strange feature about William’s body shocked villagers. There

was a large gash on his foot big enough to house a comb.

Some say that every full moon night the voice of a playing child could be heard coming from the abandoned house where William and his wife once lived.

XX

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

When Trains Graced Our Coast-Line For those of you who were born after 1972 you will know nothing of the ‘Giant Green Caterpillar` that raced east to west on the railroad tracks…..trains.

THAT WHISTLE BLOW IN A HURRY I lived through the era of the mass transit.

At 5:55 am, you hear her shrill whistle as she thunders out of the bushes. In a minute or so she grinds to a halt at the station. She is not pleased to stop. As the passengers embark and disembark, she belches black smoke and hisses loudly. The operator, all

for trains. You see broken carriages, stalled locomotives, stray wheels and workmen everywhere. Hammering, sawing, welding. A cacophony of sounds. My parent hustled me to the ferry boat.

ON HER DECK That was the first time (1954) I stood on the deck of the Queriman.

The most elegant ship at the time.

The ferry queen. It was crowded. Barely room to stand. I kept staring at the massive ships at ancher. These were foreign cargo vessels.

messy in soot, has his hands on the throttle.

As soon as the conductor waves the green flag, she goes off ‘choo-choo.’

CRUCIAL RUN This is 6 o`clock train - the busiest. She must reach her terminal by 7 am so that passengers can board the 7.15 ferry. No time to idle. On this ‘Iron Horse’ are city workers, business people and students - all eager to be

in the city by 8 am. Losing this ‘first train’ will put you off your programme for the day.

THE EAST WEST RUN The trains traverse tracks beginning from Parika to Vreed-en-hoop on the West Coast Demerarra, and Georgetown to Rosignol on the East Coast corridor. On the way they are stations and platforms. Some trains do Express runs - no stoppings.

I was lucky to live 1\4 mile from the biggest station. This stop caters for water to the stream engines and sidings. It is always busy and I spent most of my free time watching the boilers and locomotives stop and go.

Sometimes I would hang onto the end carriage and take a short ride. The station masters always warned me of this dangerous practices but I always ignored their warning until one day I slipped and busted up my knees.

DANGEROUS HIDE AND SEEK Not too far away is a giant culvert. I loved to hide between the massive steel girders and ‘feel trains’ go by just four feet away. Those iron wheels deafen you and the wind blasts sting you. It was scary but it was fun.

Sometimes I place nails and when the trains run over them, they become so thin you can use them as knives. Also metal corks which makes for good spinners.

My first experience of a train ride came when I was 10. It was the week before Christmas. My parent decided to take me to the city for their Christmas shopping. All night I prepared for the trip. At 4:30am I got up and dressed. At 5:15, we walked to the station.

We were just in time to see the giant train pull in with a roar.

There was a rush to get on board. This is a crowded train normally. It is worse now –Christmas time. Few people use the roadways. Trains were the work horses moving Guyana. My parents got no seat but a kind passenger gave me his by a window. All eyes were on the outside. As the train took off I was astonished to see the trees and houses racing past. So quickly those telegraph posts appeared and disappeared. People were babbling all around.

TICKET HASSEL Then came the conductor. My parent showed their ticket. He clipped them He then turned to me. I had none. My father tried to explain that I was under 12. I needed no ticket. The officer didn’t buy that. An argument took place. The passengers tried to convince the collector that I needed no ticket. He stood his ground. But at the next stop my dad had to get me a ticket. Boy oh boy!

DARK AND NOISY TERMINUS Well, the train pulled into the final stop.

This was Vreed-en-hoop. It was so noisy and dark. This was the terminus and workshop

PLANE GOING DOWN Then I turned my eyes right I saw a plane plunge into the river. I held my father’s pants and blurted, “Papa, papa, a plane gone down in the water. All dem people drown. He laughed and said, “Watch and wait!” I felt so sad that the plane had gone to the bottom. But a few second later it surfaced.

“Papa, it come back!”

My father explained that it was a water plane that could land on water and on land. I felt better.

THE REAL STUFF Ten years later I would be in one of those amphibious aircraft landing in the Kurupung River.

I was on an official visit. the plane plunged deep and the coco brown water ran past my window.

I was alone in the passenger cabin. It was dark. I was scared. But that’s the experiences in water landing.

POPING TRAINS Many times I ‘poped’ the trains, travelling without a ticket. I was just naughty. It was fun dodging the conductor from carriage to carriage.

The conductor’s own son loved to do this, only to end up under the wheels of the train.

TRAGEDY Yes, tragedies do occur… mostly on the tracks. Animals got killed and trains derailed. One of my friends, minding his cows, slept across the train line. He was crushed to death.

DERAILMENT And I did witness a derailment not far from our residence. The locomotive ended in a ditch.

The carriages scattered like match boxes. All mangled. Blood everywhere many casualties. It was horrifying but experienced salvage crews cleared the tracks quick so that trains could keep on schedule.

People depended on reliable transport. And trains were the vital link to the ferries that plied the waterways. The first class with cabins and cushioned seats led to many a romantic escapade and later marriages.

GOOD FOR ALL The trains were cheap, on time and dependable. The system was clean and smooth. Trains and ferries were almost always on schedule. In later years I served on the deck of the Modern ferry-the MV Malali. One of my friends got married and the wedding reception was kept aboard the train.

And I began my romance on the train in the first class cabin. That first kiss led to marriage-thanks to Transport and Harbours Department BLUNDER Overall trains were safe. A boon to the country folks. It was a blunder born out of political insanity to scrap this mass transit.

While countries improved on their railroads we scrapped ours…STUPID.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

XXI

Coconut seedlings planting system The selection of the appropriate planting system for coconut seedlings is influenced by varieties, type of farming system (monocrop or intercrop), climatic and soil conditions. The Tall varieties may be planted 9m between trees (160 plants per ha), Hybrids (D x T) 8m between trees (180 plants per ha) and, Dwarfs 7m between trees (235 plants per ha).

The coconut palm grows symmetrically and maximum light availability is obtained by planting palm trees in an equilateral triangle, such that each row of trees is staggered by half the planting distance in relation to the trees in the rows on either side. Each tree is thus equidistant from the six nearest trees.

Fields should be lined according to the planting arrangements and plant spacing. In the various planting arrangements, rows should be aligned North–South to allow maximum sunlight to each plant. The task of lining up consists of using stakes 1.2 – 1.5 m long to mark the rows so as to obtain the required planting density. Some string and a measuring tape can be used in small areas; for larger areas, precision instruments such as a sighting telescope or theodolite can be used.

Planting should be done at the beginning of the rainy season. Hence, timing of the nursery should be planned in accordance with the seasonal changes. Seedlings should be 8 - 10 months of age for better growth and development. They should be planted immediately or at least 3 days after removal from the nursery to avoid mortality.

For each planting hole, an area of soil 1m in circumference is cleared of all vegetation and leveled. In fertile soils, holes should be dug 30 x 30 x 30 cm and in marginal soils, holes 90 x 90 x 90 cm are recommended. The planting holes can be dug at least one month before planting and filled with a mixture of topsoil, coconut husks, wood ash and well-decomposed manure then allowed to settle.

Seedlings are transported to the planting site by tractor and trailer or truck. The seedling is then placed in the hole and backfilled with topsoil mixed with 30g NPK (12-24-12).

Handle the seedling carefully so that the sprout is not damaged. The nut is covered with soil mix which is gently pressed

into place so that the central bud and the collar of the shoot are above the soil level.

The soil surrounding the seedling is raked and the seed-

lings are irrigated adequately. Irrigation is recommended immediately after planting. As the plant grows, soil is backfilled to the surrounding soil level.

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

I'm losing my son

Dear Uncle Henry, I need your advice on how to trust teenagers. But first I need another kind of advice.

I am a single mother with a 15-year-old

son. This boy has stopped studying and is liming with friends.

He is hardly at home. When I talk to him he grumbles and walks away.

He is always saying he is going to live

with his grandmother. I don’t want to lose him.

I want him to change his ways. He is so stubborn.

Please tell me what to do. I’m so worried.

I’m scared and afraid he will run away and take to the road.

Looking out for your reply.

Mabel Skeete Dear Mabel, Thank you for your letter. Your problem with your teenager boy is a common one. Teenage life poses great challenges to parents, especially single ones.

Do not panic. It’s a passing phase. Teens are victims of their unsettled emotions. Most times they act on impulse. It is a very sensitive time. They tend to rebel and seek comfort in their friends. Never lose control and say, ‘’ Boy ah fed up, go find your father.’’ You must try hard to fill the gap of an absentee dad.

Try to avoid conflicts and confrontations.

Develop patience and tolerance. Time is of essence. Force a smile. Ignore the rants and rages. Relate on a one-to-one basis but do not

compromise your status as a parent.

Maintain discipline.

Try to be strong. But flex at times. After all you’re dealing with an agitated human.

Let your home be his castle. Let him know he is the ‘man’ of the home and you depend on his service and protection.

Reward him whenever possible. His welfare comes first. You owe him that. Have discussions.

Help him to pursue his career. Guide him on the dangers and risks of a wayward life. Be his friend and confidant. Keep him within the bosom of your love but practice ‘tough love.‘ Be a role model. Be his hero. Work as a team. Above all maintain morality and righteousness. Do understand he is ‘green’ in life. Help to mould his attitude for life. Be inspirational. Do not compare him or strive for perfection. Recognise his values and self-determination. Over time a better life will emerge. Smile, ignore but never give up. Be a good mom but do not ‘spoil’ him.

UNCLE HENRY

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

XXIII

Six years on…

Wanted female murder suspect still on the run SIX years after her murder, relatives of 31-year-old Stabroek Market vendor, Latisha ‘Samantha’ Rodrigues are still convinced that her killer can be caught.

Rodrigues, of Breda Street, Georgetown, was reportedly stabbed once in the chest on the night of September 26, 2010.

It is alleged that on the night of the incident, a female, who is a suspect in the matter, sent a male friend to distract Rodrigues by starting an argument with her.

It was while Rodrigues’ attention was focused on the argument with the man that the woman allegedly launched her attack, stabbing her once in the chest.

Two years after the incident, the police issued a wanted bulletin for Lexie Abiola Abigail Richardson, saying that the then 26-year-old, whose last known address was 64 Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown was wanted for questioning in relation to the September 26, 2010 murder of ‘Samantha’ Rodrigues.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Rodrigues’ sister, Anastacia, said their family is still depending on the police

to apprehend the suspect who allegedly killed her sister.

“I’m losing fate in the police investigations, because my brother was also recently killed and there is a possibility that we may not get justice with his death also,” she said.

On January 20, 2017, her brother, Rawle Rodrigues, 40, a mason and carpenter of Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown was stabbed with a knife in the region of the heart and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Police have since apprehended a 28-year-

Dead: Latisha ‘Samantha’ Rodrigues

old suspect in connection with the stabbing, but he was later released pending investigation.

Inquiries disclosed that Rawle Rodrigues and two males had an altercation, when he was allegedly stabbed once to his chest by one of the men with an object on Croal Street, in the vicinity of Demico House.

Anastacia said that her brother was not a trouble maker, and there was no reason for anyone to stab him after robbing him of his Turn to page XXIV ►►►

XXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

Fish With Four Eyes

By James Sydney

ONE OF THE interesting things about the water near the Atlantic in Guyana is a fish with large bulbous eyes. Everybody calls them “four-eye.” They attract attention as they swim in large numbers near the surface of the water because they are so obviously oddities of the fish world. But do they really have four eyes?

. . . And a lot more

The short answer is yes. Four-eyed fish do really have four eyes. Those protruding eyes at the top of their heads stick part in and part out of water allowing them to see four images, two above and two under water.

The eyes are divided into aerial (above water) and aquatic (under water) parts. Lenses are egg-shaped, rather than round. When the fish looks at objects under the water, light passes through the full length of the lens, making the four-eyed fish just as nearsighted as other fish. When it looks above water into the air, light rays pass through the shorter width of the lens, allowing the fish to see farther away and to spot predators lurking above the water.

Four-eyed fish live in South and Central America in the brackish waters of the estuaries of rivers, and in shallow, muddy streams and on the Atlantic Coast. Its scientific name is Anableps anableps. In Trinidad, as in Guyana, it is called Four-eye, but also Stargazer.

It has a long, cylindrical body, and a flat head from which the eyes protrude. The back, which is flat, has been described as “olive to gray” and the flanks “gray-yellow to white with a violet to white iridescence under some lights.”

Four eyes might reach 12 inches in length.

The fish move in schools, feeding on insects and other small

creatures living on the mud, and also on other small fishes. They can remain on mud bottom exposed to air during low tide. They can also be seen vigorously jumping about on the mud flats.

The four eyes are not the only unusual things about this fish. Four-eyed fish bear their young live. There are no fish eggs to get from them. In fact, they were the first species of live bearing fish discovered.

Male four-eyed fish also have a gonopodium, which is an anal fin modified to serve as a sex organ used in the transferal of sperm to female. The gonopodium of males is twisted either to the right or left. The genital opening of the female is also right or left. Because of this, right-sided males can only mate with left-sided females, and vice versa.

As we can see, there’s a lot more to four-eyed fish than four eyes.

◄◄◄ From page XXIII

cell-phone.

The Major Crimes Unit of the Guyana Police Force has reopened and solved several cold murder cases last year.

Some of the notable “cold” cases police have solved are: The murder of Babita Sarjou, whose body was found buried in her estranged husband’s backyard six years after she went missing; Professor Perry Mars, a remigrant who was found murdered in his house; the Black Bush Polder triple-murder; and the murder of a visiting British teen in addition to the murder of David Ramcharran, a little over 17 years ago at Seven Miles, Mahdia.

Thirty-eight-year-old Philbert Edwards, a miner, confessed to murdering Ramcharran on May 03, 1999 reportedly over cigarettes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of wanted murder suspect Lexie Abiola Abigail Richardson is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers: 226-1326, 225-2227, 225-8196, 226-

Wanted: Lexie Abiola Abigail Richardson

7065, 225-6411, 911 or the nearest police station.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

Tarik Black How

balanced basketball and books to earn his master’s degree Tarik Black is an imposing 6-foot-9, 250-pound young black man with so many tattoos from his neck down that he lost count. As an NBA player, the Memphis, Tennessee, native might fit the stereotype. But knowing he is usually judged at first sight, the eccentric Los Angeles Lakers big man loves to spark conversation with a nervous woman clutching her purse or a fan who sees him as just a jock.

“You walk into an elevator or room and they say, ‘It’s a basketball player,’ and that’s automatic. And I know I fit the description,” Black told The Undefeated. “I’m tall. I have the stature. I have tattoos. But, it’s another thing when you actually continue the conversation, because I’m personable, I love talking to people, I love socializing, I love communicating. I just get to know people.

He was a consensus Top 50 recruit in 2010 and ranked 54th in his class by ESPN.com. As a senior, the 2010 Tennessee All-State selection averaged 16.2 points and 12.6 rebounds. He also turned down offers from several top programs to play in his beloved hometown for the University of Memphis.

“It meant more to me to stay home in front of my family,” Black said. “And when I say family, I mean the people of Memphis and not just my parents and siblings. That decision was bigger than a basketball decision. That decision stemmed from my heart for my city.”

One of Black’s close advisers in high school was Willie Gregory, senior director of global community impact for Nike Inc. Gregory told Black that he had NBA potential but needed to think beyond that, and that it would benefit him to earn his bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible.

Black heeded that advice and he started the process by taking summer school classes upon arrival at the University of Memphis.

“He said, ‘I want you to go in and challenge yourself to finish in three years,’ Black said Gregory told him. “I was like Top 50 and there were some talks about NBA, but I wasn’t like a superstar or anything …

“He said, ‘If you do it three years, now you’ve graduated and you don’t have to go back to school.’ And so we got my mom on board. My mom said, ‘Mr. Gregory has a great idea and you should definitely do it.’ ” Black’s college basketball career opened strongly as he was a starter for most of his freshman year at the University of Memphis. He averaged 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game as a sophomore. His career with the Tigers

took a step backward, however. As a junior, he only started a mere five games averaging 8.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in 20.8 minutes. Black didn’t see eye to eye with Memphis coach Josh Pastner and even walked out of one of his practices.

XXV Black now takes responsibility for his struggles.

“My junior year it ended up going south, and I really fell off,” Black said. “I ended up not being a starter. I averaged like 10 less minutes than the year before. And there was just some stuff. I can’t just blame the coach or myself. I was young and immature and didn’t understand how to handle everything. And we didn’t get along as well in my junior year.”

Black’s academic life was a different story. He was named to the Tiger Academic 30 during the 2013 spring semester for having the team’s highest grade-point average. Living up to Gregory’s challenge, he graduated from Memphis with a degree in organizational leadership after his junior year. With a degree in hand, Black actually became eligible to transfer to another university for his final year of eligibility as a graduate student.

“The situation at the University of Memphis had run its course. I was done with it,” Black said. “Breaking up with my hometown and my hometown team was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

During a news conference at his home in April 2013, Black announced that he would be transferring to another university for his final year of eligibility and graduate school. He wanted a “unique situation to gain a new perspective.” He also called Turn to page XXX ►►►

XXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

Still no change in Frien

By Shauna Jemmott THE BUXTON/Friendship community for some years has been spoiled and soiled by a season of death and bloodshed. It was during a time of criminal uprising, and even as individuals and organizations attempt to take back the community’s stolen pride, the road seems desolate and rocky for some to traverse.

Some residents at Friendship Backdam – a good distance from the former Train Line – say they are still in much pain, so much so that there is a burning desire for someone to even visit and say something to assure them that their names are still inked on the plan of

‘the good life’.

With the bulldozed pride of the Buxton Spice in an attempt to flush out criminals, some of the residents told the Guyana Chronicle that while the backdam gardens are taking quite some time to flourish the same way again, farmers are trying their hands at pigeon peas and a few other temporary crops. But they yearn for a replanting of the sweetest and most desired mango grown in Guyana.

“From since they come and grade down we things behind deh, nothing really big ain’t going on because you know mango tree is 10 and 15 years for them to grow fuh geh back how they went when dem bulldoze it,” one resident explained.

Even after calls have been made for help, the resident say they still haven’t seen any. And while they have no properly fixed avenue for income, recreational facilities are not really available. A makeshift playground was created out of empty house lots, one on which Maude Hatton was slayed by a drug addicted mass-murderer ( Baby Arthur) who went berserk and butchered his mother Hyacinth Headly and five other persons along with a dog, on December 9, 1994. Headley was shot dead by police minutes later.

The yard-space playground, even with haunting memories, provides a place of sport to adults and children alike, but there is no fear of a resurrection of such times

even as the heat is on in a different way. Youths said they are looking to head in a positive direction, and while some do not want to leave their families, others have travelled to the hinterland with the hope of making it.

A woman who had lost two of her sons in the upheaval, said the Buxton/Friendship community, especially in the area most affected, had become depressed and drained of motivation.

“This community now deh in such stress and poverty that the people really ain’t making no push. They don’t really push nothing up here,” she told the Chronicle.

A young male resident said further, “Right now nothing ain’t going on at the back here because the government ain’t get no time wid we.

The minute we tell we self we need a change … It ain’t mek no sense, like we bring exchange, no change! We ain’t getting work and we get children fuh mine,” he said.

Some residents of Buxton/Friendship had long complained that their Buxton addresses had become the point of disqualification for jobs whenever they sought

employment, so many of them are left unemployed. Even after calls have been made for help, some young residents say nothing has changed and they were now feeling more convinced that they were the rejected ones.

Crime was excessively high in the East Coast Demerara com-

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XXVII

ndship Buxton backdam creating an environment of bloodshed and unrest.

As Ritchie Spice sang ‘Earth a run red’, so did the community of Buxton/Friendship run red with blood day by day after five Camp Street jail convicts, armed and dangerous, escaped from the Georgetown penitentiary on Mash Day in 2003.

It was also believed that another wanted man Rondell Rawlins called ‘Fineman’ dwelled within the community from time to time, creating havoc there and in other parts of the country. Rawlins emerged the most notorious criminal and was fingered in both the Lusignan and Bartica massacres which left over 22 persons - including children and police officers - dead. He was later killed in a police operation.

Many who traverse the East Coast Demerara roadways dreaded passing the community and some

about the age of 59.

He explained: “Nah like I freelancing, just spending that time fuh mek life more better. But I can’t depend on the government fuh mek it more better for me because I trying… we vote for (change) and we ain’t see nothing happening fuh we that we geh a job… we ain’t see nothing happening we still gah fight fuh we self. We cyan heights pon nobody we gah heights fuh we self because nobody ain’t coming and seh well boy wha yuh want we do fuh y’all... like bring two excavator or something or two bulldozer and seh y’all gon clear up a nice place and y’all farm or something.”

Journalist Ronald Waddell, who was assassinated outside his home in Georgetown was the only person who attempted to help make their lives better with motivational communication, and encouraged them to invest in backland farmlands to

hang-out spot early Sunday night with nothing much left to do.

Though none of their immediate families were victims of the killing spree, they have experienced the scare without a word of counsel.

“The shooting stop because them ain’t shooting nobody but the harassment ain’t stop. We still deh in hey and see three, four (police) vehicle coming down hey and you scared you ain’t itating fuh sit down deh no more because the harassment with them yuh itating fuh run, and when yuh run now sometime yuh run into them hand.”

While police boast good relationships with many communities countrywide, he said the way the lawmen approach and communicate with the people aback Buxton/Friendship does not accommodate for residents having a friendly relationship nor trusting the police force again.

residents were tormented - some mercilessly gunned down - by both criminals and police. The young men who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle, all in their twenties, were teenagers during the times of the violent uproar, which motivated an almost full-time presence of police and the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) in the area.

Now they have grown and feel the effects of the destruction. A 28-year-old man said he does not see it possible to have a happy family in such a situation and has decided to postpone marriage until

survive. Now that he is gone, they are crying for the help of others “We like fuh see somebody real big at least we could talk and see something wha could happening fuh we. Most obviously we would like to see somebody like that. We don’t see them face duh,” a young man said.

He complained of police harassment, pointing out that though patrols are not as frequent as before, jeeploads of the lawmen visiting resurrect past fears and usually result in residents running helter-skelter. Several of the men gather at a

“The force how they coming to people ain’t must scared.

When yuh look up the road three vehicle with bout twenty man pon one, who ain’t gon frighten as a one man or a two man? You ain’t know wha dem comin for really, wha really gyin on wid them so people run when they see dem because remember now we done live in duh already because when we see them they only brutalizing, brutalizing people. So when we see dem we running,” he explained.

munity for years at a time when Guyana’s crime rate had skyrocketed – 2003 and beyond - and it was publicly known that the area had become a haven for criminals.

But Buxtonians maintained that criminal elements were imported into the area through a deliberate plan to demonize the community,

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

Still going after ‘his’ prize

By Alumnus Former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Oliver Hinckson is thinking of resuming efforts to have restored to him the US $10,000 prize money and a prestigious award from the Cuban literary house, Casa de las Americas.

In his early 30’s, Hinckson won the first prize for literature in the organisation’s international literary competition from a field of 760 entries from 23 countries in 1978 with an unpublished book, Enemy Within.

Shortly after the results of the competition were announced the prize was withdrawn from Hinckson who was then on the run from the Guyana police. The Cubans said he had breached the rules of the competition by using a non-de-plume and by not disclosing that he was in trouble with the law.

Hinckson acknowledged that he wrote under a pen name – that of his son Kacey Hinckson. But he claimed that the Cubans knew that he had used his son’s name on the manuscript and that they had told his relatives that they were not concerned with the troubles he had been having with the police.

Hinckson could not pursue the matter for some time, because just around then he decided to give himself up after over two years on the run, and accompanied by his lawyer, he reported to the police in September 1978 to begin serving a sentence imposed two years before.

He wrote Casa de Las Americas through the Cuban Embassy asking that the prize be reinstated.

Hinckson said he quit the GDF having been a paratrooper and intelligence officer who was trained in Britain at the prestigious Mons Officer Cadet School.

His troubles with the local police began in 1973 when, according to him, he was charged with being in possession of a house-breaking implement – a hammer. ◄◄◄ From page XVIII

Convention and Candidate is even clearer, with all credible opinion favouring Hillary Clinton. It’s going to be a battle royal for her.

Even if she doesn’t win the White House, her candidacy will be historic: Never before has a woman been selected candidate for the presidency by one of the major US political parties. But there are a number of factors that strew her path with thorns… which high heels will not counteract.

The dynasty is one of the principal ones.

We have already had William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton’s two drama-filled terms in the White House. Why now must his wife be President? And given the extent to which “Bill” has had his own way in the White House previously, he might well seek to run the show from the shadows this time.

Another salient feature – and historic – is the fact that should Hillary win, there would be two Presidents Clinton in the White House at the same time; because under the country’s strange practice both

After a court battle, he was sentence in 1976 to two years and nine months imprisonment, but made a daring escape from custody. It was during that period when he was in hiding, mostly in Guyana, that he wrote Enemy Within.

It took him two months.

He was faced with a series of other police charges, pleaded guilty, and had sentences of nine months imposed on him, to run concurrently with the one he had been serving.

The manuscript blends fact and fiction. The plot centers on the fact that a flocculent formula was discovered locally for the Guyana bauxite industry. Hinckson wove around it a fictional plot in which foreign agents connected with bauxite multi-nationals attempting to steal the formula.

The first-time author has had the book published in the USA and admits that it sold very well there and back home. “I have just one copy left and I have hidden it, even from myself.”

The drafts of two other books – The Marionette and By Trial, By Terror –have been put aside for years as the double St. Stanislaus College scholarship winner moved on

to get his BSc in International Relations and Master's in Global Studies.

The Doctorate in Foreign Policy still eludes him but he is determined to get it this year along with the coveted Cuban prize after 37 years.

It must be the letter that Hinckson received from the famous Guyanese novelist

and poet Jan Carew in 1978 that fuels his determination. One paragraph says it all: “You showed a mastery of narrative form, of characterization and of pacing a fairly long work of this genre. You definitely should continue with your craft of writing, and you should do so with the knowledge that writing is a life-long vocation.”

husband and wife will have the title President Clinton. Imagine a situation where Kim Jun Un is perceived as ready to launch a missile towards the California coast and a call comes to the White House seeking approval for rapid preventive action, but the White House recipient wastes valuable time in seeking to clarify “which President Clinton do you wish to speak with ?”

Yes… under its strange practice regarding the armed services and politics, America now has five living Presidents: Barack Obama, George Bush Jr., William Clinton, George Bush Sr., and Jimmy Carter… and third world countries are following the style, retaining their military rank into private lives while adding political titles to the lot.

Was Bill not already styled “President”, the White House would have faced the dilemma of “what do we call him?” In all times past, the wife of the President has been styled “First Lady”. If Bill wasn’t already President, would he have been styled the first “First Husband”?

Returning to the prospect of a first woman president in American history, I am not so certain as the Democrats. It is rare in American political history that one of the leading parties has won the White House three times in succession. And whereas some analysts disregard the significance of mid-term elections as a barometer of national sentiment, it matters to me that the Republicans now control both the House of Representatives and the Senate – the latter seized last time from the Democrats.

Another factor worthy of consideration is that America is still largely a chauvinist society, with women’s battle for significant roles outside the home still ongoing. The polls have really not yet come forward with numbers that I can crunch; but I would expect that some men will take a position against Hillary Clinton not merely because of gender, but moreso because she is visibly an elderly woman; and so will some women. There is only so much that the facial make-up experts can achieve.

And those voters in the lower echelon,

socially and economically, for whom American politicians hardly speak, only Bernie Sanders seemed to voice their concern – like an echo in the wilderness. But Bernie, clever as he is, would know that socialism has few adherents in the modern world, and that in the not too distant future both the Castro brothers will be off the political scene in Cuba.

In the ultimate, the campaign will come down to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump… and as ridiculous as it seems, I think Trump will amaze the world by triumphing in November 2016… crawling muddied but fighting from any pitfalls his brashness has created.

In 2007/2008 when I examined the candidacies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Party, I had written a slightly critical piece entitled “Hillary Clinton’s Slip is Showing.”

In November 2016 if the winds of the Trump tornado blow her slip off screen, “The Donald” wouldn’t care less, as he seeks an historic victory.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

XXIX

OUR PROTECTED MAMMALS

Most of you can easily name at least five mammals that are native to our country after all you live here! But can you just as easily name five mammals that are protected by law? Some of the mammals that live in the wild, that is, in the forests, savannahs and rivers are protected by international agreement, local law, or both. Guyana has signed on to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species in Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), this is an agreement between countries to control the trade in wild species.

CITES also prohibits trade in some species, and among them are some mammals found living in the wild in Guyana. Protected species

– mammals, other classes of vertebrates and plants, are those considered to be endangered – meaning that they are prime targets for capture and trade which results in a rapid decline in their numbers in the wild. If trade in such species were allowed to continue, then they risk disappearing from the wild.

BENEFITS OF WILDLIFE PROTECTION By declaring endangered species as being protected, Guyana will be fulfilling its responsibility under CITES. Also, protected species will be allowed to revive their populations and there will be a higher possibility of them being seen by visitors and tourists. This will boost ecotourism and bring economic benefits to the country. Further, protected species may possess the ability to make chemical compounds which may be critical to new treatments for diseases.

Nature has designed all pieces of the natural food chain and ecosystems – forests, savannah, rivers, etc. - to fit into a whole that functions well. As such, all pieces of the “puzzle” are needed for there to be enough, water, habitats, food etc. for living things including people. Endangered species are a critical pieces of the puzzle and thus

it is important to protect them to maintain the delicate balance of nature.

Some species of wildlife are indicators of the quality of our environment. The presence or absence of indicator species in an ecosystem can signal a change in conditions there; this could help to diagnose the health of the particular ecosystem. For example, plants or lichens sensitive to heavy metals or acids in rain may be indicators of air pollution. Some species, whether a plant or animal play a unique and crucial role in the way an ecosystem functions and are known as keystone species.

Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.

Our country has taken big steps to ensure the legal protection of its rich biodiversity, including the dedication of some 371,000 hectares of forests in 1989, to develop a model of true sustainability, under the name the Iwokrama International Center for Rainforest Conservation and Development. The passage of key pieces of legislation including the Protected Areas Act in 2011, and the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations 2013, and the recent Wildlife Act, speak volumes of the importance being placed on our national

patrimony.

PROTECTED MAMMALS It is quite likely, that on your list of five mammals of Guyana, there is at least one that is legally protected.

Some of our protected mammals are well known perhaps because of their distinct characteristics. Unfortunately the very reasons that make wildlife attractive is what leads to them being overhunted for

trade. Here are some facts about a few mammals that are under legal protection in Guyana.

GIANT RIVER OTTER (Pteronurabrasiliensis) COMMON NAME: ‘THE RIVER WOLF’ Belongs to the Mustelidae family – same as the weasel but is the largest member can reach up to 6 feet (1.8m) in length.

Every otter has a different pattern on its chest - as unique as a fingerprint.

Has a carnivorous diet consisting of fish, consuming up to 3-4 kg of food per day.

Has been hunted extensively for its pelt (skin) and are among the rarest in the world.

Today, is threatened in some parts of the world by loss of its habitat due to human activities.

THE OCELOT (Leopardusparadalis) COMMON NAME - ‘DWARF LEOPARD’ OR ‘PAINTED LEOPARD’ Like the otter, each pattern on the ocelot’s fur is unique.

Ocelots are twice the size Turn to page XXXI ►►►

XXX ◄◄◄ From page XXV

it “a brief intermission” from his beloved hometown of Memphis where his “heart and soul will always be.”

He immediately got interests from such college powers as Kansas and Duke. His mom’s phone actually began going crazy with text messages and calls as her son announced the news.

Black eventually ended up accepting a major offer to transfer to Kansas. He joined two five-star recruits named Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid, now two of the NBA’s young rising stars.

Due to his late decision to transfer, Black only had one opportunity to pass the GRE General Test to qualify for business school. He mistakenly thought he had two chances and didn’t think he studied well enough the first time. His fear came true as he was three points shy of passing the GRE, leaving him ineligible for admittance to business school at Kansas for the 2013-14 season.

Instead, he chose African-American studies.

Although he still kicks himself about his GRE error, he believes a master’s in African-American studies is more meaningful to his hope to aid underprivileged and struggling inner-city communities in Memphis in the future.

“My dream and passion actually is doing nonprofit work in a city with so much history when it comes to civil rights leaders or slavery,” said Black, whose mother used to be a tour guide at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. “And the Underground Railroad, Memphis was the main stop in it. So, being from a city like that, understanding the background and wanting to go back and work with inner-city youth, which is my true passion, it actually ended up being a blessing.”

Black was named the Big 12 Conference Preseason Newcomer of the Year and initially fell victim to all the hype. He struggled during the regular season, averaging 5.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 13.5 minutes per game. After Embiid was sidelined, Black averaged 15 points per

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

game during the NCAA tournament.

With Embiid out, Kansas’ season ended when it lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament to Stanford without him.

“It just led me to be unselfish. In being unselfishness, I flourished. And by tournament time, wow, you see me in the tournament averaging 15.”

Wiggins was the top pick in the NBA draft while Embiid was selected third overall. As for Black, 60 picks went by without his name being called. He was initially depressed as the second round unfolded without him.

Black’s agent, Michael Lelchitski, however, told his client that not being drafted in the second round was a great thing since he could choose a team that best fit him. After getting interest from several teams, Black agreed to sign as a free agent with the Houston Rockets shortly after the draft concluded.

After Black delivered a strong summer league performance, the Rockets signed him to a nonguaranteed contract in August 2014. He went on to make the Rockets’ opening night roster.

“I’m always a big advocate of betting on myself,” Black said. “I agreed to a deal draft night like every other player in the draft, which is crazy. So, the only thing I really missed out draft night was hearing my name called.”

Black’s first NBA game was on Oct. 28, 2014, when new Rockets center Dwight Howard returned to Los Angeles to play the Lakers.

Black had two points in 20 minutes in the Rockets’ 108-90 blowout, which was highlighted by a yelling match between Howard and Lakers star Kobe Bryant and Lakers rookie forward Julius Randle breaking his leg.

“My first game I was scared out my mind,

period. Staples Center? I’m at the Staples Center?” Black said. “First official NBA game against the Lakers. I came to L.A. as a rookie who didn’t know anything.”

On Christmas Eve that year, Black was told the Rockets were waiving him to make room on the roster for free-agent forward-center Josh Smith. Four days later, however, Black signed with the Lakers on a waiver claim.

Black averaged 9.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game on 60.5 percent shooting with the Lakers after being reinserted into the starting lineup at center and finished his rookie season.

He returned during the 2015-16 season, which would also be the 20th and final season for future Hall of Famer Bryant.

While many Lakers and NBA players asked Bryant for signed memorabilia and pictures, Black asked for private one-on-one time.

“I wasn’t just going to let him leave without just transferring what he knew,” Black said. “A lot of people didn’t take advantage of it. They’ll just let a legend like him go and be like, ‘It was awesome seeing him play.’ I’d text him and say, ‘Every trip I need to sit down with you at least once. Have dinner on the plane, anything, with you telling me something. It doesn’t have to be basketball-related, you just have to tell me something.’

“We sat on the plane one time and just talked about family and how they ask for money.

We talked about how to set my family up for success. We talked about business. We talked about investments. He opened my eyes to investments and handling money. He said on the plane one time he was like, ‘Tell me about your Turn to page XXXI ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXX

bank accounts.’ You know he doesn’t beat around the bush. He was like, ‘You need to learn about this stuff.’ I read. He got me some books that I read all the time. He was like, ‘You need to start reading books, learning.’ ” While Black quietly learned from one of the NBA’s greatest players, he also earned his master’s degree from Kansas.

Black took a heavy load of classes the summer before his rookie NBA season. He took more classes during the summer of 2015. He completed and turned in his thesis during the 2015-2016 season. Black’s academic adviser gave him the final word via a phone call. Kansas paid for it all and offered a great academic supporting cast.

“It took people helping me through it,” Black said. “People were there for me and my backbone, and carried me through it, locking me into getting it done. It feels wonderful to have that paperwork, especially in today’s world. A bachelor’s doesn’t mean much. It’s basically like a high school diploma. So, having a master’s, it means so much, especially to have the accolade as 24-year-old black man and to me personally.

“The thing that just gets me is that it’s so appealing and almost tiptoeing into appalling that an African-American getting a master’s [is big news], because it should be normal. I’m not the brightest of them. I’ve met plenty of people who have very brilliant minds. Brilliant minds. They just need opportunities.”

Los Angeles certainly has all the trappings for any rich young man in his early 20s. The city’s club scene may be second only to Las Vegas. Doors to the newest, latest and hottest of everything are always open to any player from the 16-time NBA champion team. Black, however, has put his energy into meeting some of the movers and shakers of the L.A. business world rather than moving and shaking on the dance floor.

“Everyone thinks that being on the scene is the place to be,” Black said. “But they don’t understand that the people that are on the scene work for the people that run the scene.

The people who run the scene are also in L.A., but they’re not in the clubs, the popular spots or where the paparazzi are taking pictures. They run the scene behind the scene.

Black is making $6.1 million in the final year of his contract this season with the Lakers and is expected to continue his NBA career. He has put in the paperwork to start the Tarik Black Foundation with a mission “to provide inner-city youth with an opportunity and perspective to level the playing field” primarily back home in Memphis. He plans to buy his first house this year in Los Angeles. He has also invested in the OjO Electric Scooter, a company that makes e-scooters with a patented ergonomic design for comfort, style and agility.

Black knows there is a lot more to this book than just the cover. And at his young age, there are lots of chapters still to come, including hope to one day run for mayor of Memphis.

“I live life to be the role model that I always wanted,” Black said. “And if anybody can learn anything from my story, it is to take what you need, because I’ve experienced a lot. I’ve seen a lot and I won’t be bold enough to say I’ve seen everything. So I won’t ever sit and say that I don’t want anybody to ever mimic me, because a lot of people mimic people.

“You should do it your own way. But take what you need from my story that relates to you.” ◄◄◄ From page XXIX

of the average housecat, and measures up to 73-100 cm, weighing 7-15.5 kg (males) and 6.6-11.3 kg (females).

Their diet usually includes frogs, iguanas, crabs, opossums, and rabbits.

Ocelots are extremely adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats including tropical rainforests, grasslands, marshes, and as far as the Andes Mountains.

Ocelots are hunted for their beautiful coat and also as exotic pets.

THE WEST INDIAN MANATEE (Trichechusmanatus) COMMON NAME: AKA ‘SEA COW’ ● Has no hind limbs. ● While swimming, manatees take in air every 3-4 minutes and when resting, can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes. ● Has no natural enemies and lives up to 60 – 70 years. ● A manatee consumes up to 0.5 kg (1lb) of food daily. ● Manatees are hunted for their meat, fat and hide.

Now that you know a bit more about these three protected mammals, try to find out about other protected mammals in Guyana. Challenge yourself to learn about protected plants, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Get to know your wildlife!

For a complete list of protected species in Guyana, have a look at the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations that can be found on the Agency’s website at www. epaguyana.org. http://lntreasures.com/guyana.html https://www.fws.gov/midwest/lawenforcement/protectwildlife.htm http://eol.org/info/465

XXXI

XXXII

THE overwhelming majority of the Committee of the Guyana Consumers Association as well as many members of the public with whom the Association related were entirely against the very idea of parking meters for the City of Georgetown. A large number of reasons were proffered covering legal, social, economic and cultural aspects but we will not recount these reasons simply because this article would then become an anti-parking meter harangue. A much smaller percentage of the Committee including a few of the Executive felt

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

CAN THE PARKING METER SCHEME WIN ACCEPTABILITY?

that ways of making the parking meter scheme fully acceptable to the public and to particular interests should be explored. It should be mentioned that it was emphasized that the Scheme should be allowed to function without the much talked of threat of vandalism of the meters. Such threat of vandalism is illegal and must be eschewed.

In making the Scheme work and being acceptable, the following ideas surfaced:Hospitals. It was felt that the vicinity of the George-

town Public Hospital should be exempt from such meters.

Family cars or taxis go the hospital to convey sick persons or to receive them to take them home. People who do not own cars or have relatives who do, depend on taxis which ply their trade outside the hospital. These taxis provide an invaluable service to lower-income people.

Schools. Teachers may have to park on the roads outside the school for most of the day and parking expense would absorb a good percentage of their salaries.

This would result in a great deal of stress which would negatively affect their performance, thus affecting their charges. If they were to use public transport many would get to school late through no fault of theirs and may be even tired before they begin the day's work. We understand the Parking Meter authorities are in discussion with the teachers' union and hopefully a satisfactory formula would be arrived at. Just before going to press, we learnt that an agreement was arrived at whereby there would be no parking meters outside government schools. We think that such meters should be removed from all recognized private schools as well.

Law Courts. Lawyers, Court employees and litigants go the Courts because of duty and to uphold an essential pillar of Society. The vicinity of the Law Courts should be free of parking meters.

There are usually no traffic jams or disorderly parking outside the hospitals, law courts or schools and those who park there move away as quickly as they can. The raison d'etre of parking meters therefore does not obtain in the vicinity of these institutions and paying to park would be regarded as exploitative. The parking spaces around these institutions are a very tiny percentage of the total number of parking spaces and exempting them would not affect the profitability of the Scheme and will temper a great deal of the resentment and hostility to the scheme.

Lower Parking Rates. Though we have not done a statistical survey of what rates the market would bear, speaking with consumers, the impression we got was that the maximum the market could bear would be $15 for 15 minutes. It was felt that if that rate was used, the project would take off without the present resentment, hostility and bitterness. If that rate were used, we think the Smart Choice company would still make a reasonable profit.

Consumer people reasoned it this way: The main investments and inputs to the Parking Meter Scheme were (a) the road system (b) the parking meters (c) staff (mostly enforcement). The Guyana side would be providing the roads which are worth billions of dollars and the enforcer staff in the person of the City Constabulary and the Company's main investment would be the parking meters which could be the left-overs from the many countries in which the Company operates or would have been bought at special wholesale rates. The Company's investment would therefore be infinitesimal as compared to the cost of the roads. On this basis, a lower profit margin may be very possible.

At a rate of $15 for 15 minutes, it would not encourage private persons to accommodate cars to be parked on their bridges or in yards or owners of empty lots to allow parking in such lots. If private persons accommodated cars, the project may face competition. A fair market rate would eliminate competition.

If the things which are suggested are done, the public relations section of the company would be more successful in convincing the population to accept the project. So far, attempts at public relations have not been very successful and resentment has grown in an increasing crescendo.

To strengthen the public relations campaign, the Feasibility Study of the Project must be published since omission to do so has led to an aura of corruption enveloping the project. If this is done, it will exorcise a great deal of the criticism of the project and make impossible any risk of failure.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

'El Chapo' lawyers say jail conditions are too strict in NYC

NEW YORK (AP) — He's locked up 23 hours a day. His wife can't visit him. He can't call anyone, except his lawyers. He even was denied water, his lawyers say.

The strict jail conditions for notorious Mexican drug lord and escape artist Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman were outlined on Friday by defense attorneys in a failed bid to get a judge to loosen them.

Guzman smiled at his common-law wife, Emma Coronel, as he was led into the Brooklyn courtroom under heavy guard by deputy U.S. marshals at his second court appearance since being brought to the United States on Jan. 19.

"This was so far the only way she has been able to see him," defense attorney Michelle Gelernt said afterward with a silent Coronel at her side.

Guzman, 59, has pleaded not guilty to charges of running a massive drug trafficking operation that laundered billions of dollars and oversaw murders and kidnappings. He's being held at a high-security federal jail in Manhattan, with U.S. officials mindful of how he twice escaped from prison in Mexico, the second time via a mile-long tunnel dug from the shower in his cell.

Defense lawyers complained to U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan on Friday that the restrictions make it difficult for him to make decisions with them about how to fight the charges.

They claimed his jailers are so zealous, they denied him water during a recent meeting with the defense team.

"I don't think there's any thought that if I have the guards give him a glass of water during a three-hour meeting that somehow that's going to effectuate his escape," Gelernt told reporters outside court.

But Cogan, after alluding to having secret correspondence with the government about the risks of guarding Guzman, told the defense he wouldn't weigh in on the jail conditions.

"Based on what I know about this case, there are grounds for extra security measures," the judge said, with Guzman listening through a Spanish interpreter.

Guzman is due back in court on May 5.

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#supportcreativity

Age ain't nothing but a number!

How to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Newsflash: now, you've heard it before on several advertisements splattered across TV screens, on social media,

in magazines, and in the newspaper "this product will reduce the signs of aging" the ridiculousness is real. I've

heard many clients complain that their expensive bottles of fancy advanced skincare anti-wrinkle creams. They say "this product does not work" or in typical Guyanese fashion "I ain't able with that."

It's imperative that you understand, the reason why companies can't claim "this product will remove your sorrows and wrinkles quickly and efficiently" is because it can't. Wrinkles are not going anywhere, pores cannot disappear into thin air, your skin won't magically be smooth youthful and perfect by simply massaging expensive products in an upward circular motion.

The best time to start an anti-aging skin care regime is actually at a young age...13!

However, it's never too late…the good news is: you're older, wiser, discipline, and developed the right attitude and character to maintain and manage a good skincare regime.

Assessing the ingredients and deciphering the instructions on product labels, is frustrating at times, but patience is a necessary characteristic to possess.

SKIN PREP First off, your skincare routine should include a generous amount of moisturizer. After you've cleansed and exfoliated, it's easier to disguise discoloration, aged spots, and broken capillaries.

It's always best to be gentle and pat lightly when applying cosmetics to your face. Keeping skin supple and smooth is essential for mature skin. Moisturizer hydrates skin, plumps it up to make fine lines and wrinkles appear less prominent.

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Moisturizer also sets the tone for the makeup being applied. And can act as the perfect primer for foundation.

Avoid using any foundation primers. Foundation primers will minimize pores, which is helpful but causes a matte look that will appear too cakey making the skin look deh, cracked and older in appearance. Instead, allow an emollient moisturizer to do the work, and give the skin a dewy fresh and youthful appearance.

or stick foundations, ensure that you blend it well. To do so, warm it up using your fingers deposit product into the palm of your hands and mix product to a more fluid viscosity.

Using damp sponge gently blend product into skin with stippling motion, dabbing, bouncing and lightly pressing the sponge onto skin.

Pro Tip: Makeup sponges should always be used wet.

Latex sponges, the ones typically found in drugstores like the wedge sponges, isn't as porous as he non-latex ones.

There's a new line of non porous sponges called the silicone sponge, that too should be avoided. The entire purpose of the sponge is to absorb excess makeup, which is why a more permeable texture is conducive for blending, giving the sponge and the makeup alike, a smoother, softer, youthful appearance.

POWDERS As we grow older our skin loses elasticity. When using powders on thin skin, it's always best to do the complete

FOUNDATION Anything that's dry and cake-like in appearance should be avoided by all means necessary for aged skin. The best way to avoid looking older is to use shimmering light, mousse textured products and liquid makeup.

For foundations, try mousse textured foundations, or it's always best to use liquid foundations. If you choose cream

XXXV opposite of the foundation process. Whether it be, setting powders, compact powders, or loose powders a brush is your best friend. Apply powders with a fluffy, soft, synthetic powder brush, natural haired brushes, are also good for powders, but nano technology allows for microfibers and synthetic hairs to be thinner and softer. This allows for too many product to be applied, thus achieving a smooth natural look.

HIGHLIGHTERS Highlighters are coming in any hue, there are rainbow highlighters, et al. Shimmer is one of the best ways to disguise fine lines, since it deflects light. And highlighters have just the right balance of both matte tones and light-reflecting shimmer to rejuvenate the skin's appearance. It's best to place shimmery highlighters under the eyes and above the cheek bones.

For more tips: visit my Facebook page Eye Like Makeup By Kerry.

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What’s in a name?

– The behavior of some communities may be determined by their names

By M Margaret Burke ONE of Shakespeare’s most famous quotes is taken from the well-known love story of Romeo and Juliet: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

Imagine a person without a name; a nameless event; a nameless village, town or country; anything without a name is almost non-existent. There is power and value in a name and so some may advise one to be careful how names are named.

The question then could be: Could a name give power to, or sway a person’s character; a village, ward, town or country that is named after it; a partic-

A visitor with some of the local children in the Victory Valley section of Linden

ular situation or event that is called by it?

YOM KIPPUR Valley of Tears, which is the name given to an area in the Golan Heights, after an intense battle, known as the 1973 Yom Kippur War or the Ramadan War or the October War. This was a war that was fought by the Arab States, led by Egypt and Syria against Israel.

However, right here in Guyana there is a place which was known as the ‘Valley of Tears’ – a familiar name ‎known to most Guyanese – it was a name given to a place in One Mile Wismar, Linden, but this name has since been changed to ‘Victory Valley’.

The then Valley of Tears, though a normal area in Wismar where people live, was known for its fair share of crime and shedding of tears and so it was for this reason that a decision was made, among some of the people living in the community to change the name to Victory Valley.

However, this did not stop criminal activities immediately.

As a matter of fact, even today there is still some amount of crime – like in other parts of Guyana. But, the feeling was, and quite rightly so, that by just calling the place Valley of Tears was in a way affirming a fact… a certain way of life for the people who lived there.

THE NACETT GANG The Valley of Tears had seen some terrible days. It was in the days of the ‘Nacett gang’, where men like the so-called Beckles brothers and a man called ‘Poison’, among others went on a rampage around the valley raping women, while some said that even some men were also raped, even as they also raped couples. These men slashed their victims with the Nacett razor blade in ‘hurtful places’, which they carried out as their main attack weapon.

This situation was so influential that even years afterwards, when a young lady, who had gone missing and was eventually found tied up in a black jute bag in a clump of bushes not far from her home, some folks of the community expressed their disgust openly, saying that although the name of the community had changed some things had not yet stopped. That young lady was found to have been raped and gagged too.

It is believed that all those who operated the ‘Nacett gang’ are now deceased. Crime, however, is now being seen as at a much lower level in the community.

Now, let’s move some miles away from the community of Wismar, Linden to another communty down in Georgetown.

WARLOCK, EAST RUIMVELDT Some of the more recent reports of the community reads: Warlock drive-by shooting leaves one dead and another injured; footballer gunned down in East Ruimveldt; Warlock execution-style killing; man shot dead in Warlock; …shooting in Warlock has left one man dead and another in critical condition at a city hospital; 19 year old of East Ruimveldt, shot and killed during an argument with two men at Warlock; executed in East Ruimveldt. brazzos striking back one by one by one ... scores of 'party fanatics' during a street jam at Warlock, East Ruimveldt and it continues.

TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVE Since mid-September, 2014 an East Ruimveldt transformational project was ventured into by some of the community leaders. These leaders sought and acquired funding from the EU; they also got the Ministry of Local Government’s involvement to help them set the project in motion.

The project was named the ‘East Ruimveldt Cooperating for Community Transformation Project’, and stated that its intention is to seek to bring about positive change and improvements in the lives of the people living there, especially the young people.

This project, it was reported, had been implemented by residents of the East Ruimveldt community, through collaboration with four churches of the community. These churches were East Ruimveldt Brethren Church; Church of God of Prophecy; Restoration Ministries and the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre.

Pastor Simon Harris of Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre, who had delivered the feature address declared: “I am happy about what is being berthed here today… In my estimation the future can only look good.”

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At Snap, cost of hosting sets high bar for revenue growth Snap Inc’s initial public offering filing seemed to show a company with a basic math problem: the company's cost of revenue for 2016 - the amount it had to spend just to keep the messaging service running - was $47 million higher than its $405 million in sales.

The high cost of revenue, which in Snap's case consists mainly of payments to Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google for hosting the service, means that, on an annual basis, Snap lost money on every one of its 158 million users in 2016, even before accounting for salaries, office rents or anything else.

Snap revealed in its IPO prospectus, filed with securities regulators on Thursday, that it will pay Google at least $2 billion over the next five years.

But the cost side of the problem may not be as serious as it seems. The company's hosting costs are broadly in line with other social media companies. Its cost of revenue per active daily user was 97 cents in the last quarter of 2016, not much higher than the 85 cents that Facebook Inc (FB.O) paid for each of its 1.23 billion daily users in the final quarter of 2016.

Further, while Snap’s cost of revenue was higher than sales on a yearly basis in 2016, the company drastically tightened up hosting costs over the course of the year. While costs were nearly double revenues at the start of the year, by the fourth quarter, when Snap hit 158 million users, the company eked out a small gross margin.

Snap’s bigger math problem is how much revenue it generates per user. The $1.05 per user for the last quarter of 2016 was a massive increase from the 31 cents per user it drew in the same period in 2015. In its IPO filing, Snap said it hopes to increase its revenue per user by focusing on more lucrative advertising markets, like North America, where its revenue per user was $2.15 at the end of 2016, nearly double the global rate.

But even those higher rates for Snap pale in comparison to the $7.16 in revenue per user that Facebook brought in in the fourth quarter.

“Snap’s issue is not cost, but user growth and revenue per user,” said Ethan Kurzweil, a venture investor with Bessemer Venture Partners who backed startups such as Twitch and Periscope but has not backed Snap. “If they can get revenue per user into the kind of territory they think is possible, the cost of hosting will be a hit to gross margin but it’s not going to be an issue.”

Facebook provides the example. Even though its cost per user rose 7.4 percent between the last quarter of 2016 versus a year earlier, its revenue per user grew at a much faster 27.5 percent, a difference that helped drive its $10.2 billion in profits for the full year.

All of that does, however, mean that Snap has little leeway in delivering dramatic revenue growth in light of the high underlying cost of delivering all those pictures and videos.

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Harris had commended the European Union for bringing on board that component so necessary for the transformation of the community – the funding, adding that by doing so, they have demonstrated that they do care about the community’s transformation. That component, he said, will cause the people to see possibilities and imagine great things.

Pastor Harris emphasised then that the church, working together with the families of the community, becomes crucial in the scheme of things. “Our nation needs people with a moral base, and that comes from the family institution,” he stated. This is a clear indication, he said that with the ‘East Ruimveldt Co-operating for Community Transformation Project’, there is hope. “Despite negatives, I see this area as having a lot of potential,” he concluded.

Clearly, much effort is being made to bring change to this community – the people there, including their community leaders are taking the challenges head-on.

Yet still, is there still a need to revisit the name that this community name ‘Warlock’? What do you think?

Contact: mercilinburke2017@gmail.com

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Google sells satellite imaging business Terra Bella to Planet Labs

Alphabet Inc's Google said on Friday it would sell its satellite imaging business, Terra Bella, to Planet Labs, a San Francisco-based private satellite operator founded by former NASA scientists.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

As part of the deal, Planet Labs will acquire the Terra Bella business including the SkySat constellation of satellites, Alphabet said. bit.ly/2kqmTfL Google will enter into a multi-year contract to purchase Earth-imaging data from Planet Labs after the deal closes.

Google had acquired Terra Bella, originally known as Skybox Imaging, for $500 million in 2014.

The deal will help Planet Labs broaden its available data and add new customers.

Planet Labs is one of several startups aiming to harness technology allowing satellites to become smaller and less expensive, making it easier to deploy large networks of satellites at less risk and lower cost than previously.

Uber CEO quits Trump's business advisory group Uber Technologies Inc Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick quit President Donald Trump's business advisory group on Thursday amid mounting pressure from activists and employees who oppose the administration's immigration policies.

Critics included Uber drivers, many of whom are immigrants themselves.

"Joining the group was not meant to be an endorsement of the president or his agenda but unfortunately it has been misinterpreted to be exactly that," Kalanick, who had planned to attend a meeting of the group on Friday, said in an email to staff that was seen by Reuters.

Uber spokeswoman Chelsea Kohler later confirmed that he had left the group.

Social media campaigns had targeted Uber, urging users to delete accounts and opt for rival Lyft Inc. Uber has been emailing users who deleted their accounts to say it shares their concerns and will compensate drivers affected by the ban.

Kalanick said he spoke briefly to Trump about the immigration order "and its issues for our community" and told the president he would not join the economic council.

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English 2017-01-29

Chronicle Pepperpot February 5, 2017

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.

OSCAR WILDE (1854-1900), The Picture of Dorian Gray, (1891), ch. 1.

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Students, The guiding purpose in composition writing should often be stated in the first paragraph or somewhere near the beginning of the composition. Be tactful in the coining of it.

Put it there as a guide to a conscious determination, and to make every part of your writing move in one direction, and so conform to one clear intention. Put it there on guard to guide or help you when you are straying or mind-wandering.

The guiding purpose can even be consulted on bothersome issues such as where to begin and where to conclude, if the need arises. Be wise.

Love you

mountains, but seldom perceived among men. (from Aldo Leopard’s composition, “Thinking Like Mountain”)

COMPOSITION Thinking like a Mountain A deep chesty bawl echoes from rimrock to rimrock, rolls down the mountain, and fades into the far blackness of the night. It is an outburst of wild defiant sorrow, and of contempt for all the adversities of the world.

Every living thing (and perhaps many a dead thing as well) pays heed to that call. To the deer it is a reminder of the way of all flesh, to the pine of forecast of midnight scuffles and blood on the snow, to the coyote a promise of gleanings to come, to the cowman a threat of red ink at the bank, to the hunter a challenge of fang against bullet. Yet behind these obvious and immediate hopes and fears there lies a deeper meaning, known only to the mountain itself. Only the mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf.

Those unable to decipher the hidden meaning know nevertheless that it is there, for it is felt in all wolf country, and distinguishes that country from all other land….. Only the ineducable tyro can fail to sense the presence or absence of wolves, or the fact that mountains have a secret opinion about them.

My own conviction on this score dates from the day I saw a wolf die…..

In those days we had never heard f passing up a chance to kill a wolf…..

We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes…..

Since then we have lived to see state after state extirpate its wolves…..

I now suspect that just as a deer herd lives in mortal fear of its wolves, so does a mountain live in mortal fear of its deer…..

We all strive for safety, prosperity, comfort, long life and dullness. The deer strives with his supple legs, the cowman with trap and poison, the statesman with pen, the most of us with machines, votes, and dollars, but it all comes to the same thing: peace in our time. A measure of success in this is all well enough, and perhaps is a requisite to objective thinking, but too much safety seems to yield only danger in the long run. Perhaps this is behind Thoreau’s dictum: In wildness is the salvation of the world. Perhaps this is the hidden meaning in the howl of the wolf, long known among

What to Do Consider the following questions: 1) What is the meaning of the title, “Thinking Like a Mountain”? Before the composition reading experience, have you ever thought that a mountain could think?

2) What generalisations can be made in the light of descriptive and narrative details presented?

3) Try presenting a composition entitled: “Thinking Like a Cooking Champion” to your group of study partners.

Listen to the comments and make changes if neces-

About the Passage You have read chosen snippets from a composition written by Aldo Leopard on the topic Thinking Like a Mountain.

See how he has treated his object. See how he was able to avoid all spurious ideas and so kept his object in view.

He has written about his object by referring to it itself, by comparing it with others of the same kind. This helps his writing to be clear, definite, reliable and systematic. He has kept to his singleness of purpose which is to discuss an idea

sary.

Comprehension Poetry - Drought Heat, all pervading, crinkles up the soil; A deathly silence numbs the molten air; On beds of rivers, islands scorched and bare, Warm scavengers of wind heap up the spoil; And wide-eyed oxen, gaunt and spent with toil, Huddle together near some shrunken pool – Pant for the shade of trees and pastures cool; Lashing their tails at flies they cannot foil.

Whilst overhead, the sun-god drives his way Through halting hours of blinding, blazing light, Until his shining steeds a moment stay And disappear behind the gates of night.

And still no rain. A cloudless, starlit sky Watches the veldt, and all things droop and die.

(Denys Le febure) Something to Do 1. Explain the meaning of the following quoted phrases: “Heat, all pervading”; “a deathly silence”; “gaunt and spent with toil”; “through halting hours”; “a cloudless, starlit sky”.

2. Describe the image given by the lines: “Whilst overhead, the sun-god drives his way Through halting hours of blinding, blazing light.”

3. What name would you give to a poem of fourteen lines, each being ten syllables long?

4. Suppose you have to depict the poem in picture, what objects should you not fail to included?

THE PARAGRAPH Dust from living things may fill the air and harm us. Pollen from flowers is spread into the air during summer and autumn by the wind. This yellowish powder is not usually noticed, but certain kinds of pollen may cause hay fever. Another kind of dust consists of tiny specks of living material that are the seed of mould. When they settle on bread they feed on it and grow over the surface of the bread.

Other living things that float through the air as dust are bacteria. Most of them are harmless to people but some may be very injurious.

1. Choose the key or topic sentence from the list below. a) Most of them are harmless to people but some are very injurious. b) Dust from living things fill the air and harm us. c) Another kind of dust consists of tiny specks of living material that are the seed of mould.

2. Pick out one sentence that does not give a detail. a) Another kind of dust consists of tiny specks of living material that are the seed of mould. b) Dust from living things fill the air and harm us. c) Pollen from flowers spread into the air during summer and autumn by the winds.

Amazing Facts

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Entertainment

Expect "Fifty Shades Darker" to go even further, says Jamie Dornan "Fifty Shades of Grey" star Jamie Dornan said fans of the erotic box office hit could look forward to more action when the sequel, "Fifty Shades Darker", reaches theaters next week.

The Northern Irish actor and co-star Dakota Johnson reprise their sadomasochist relationship in the follow up to the 2015 hit, which made $571 million worldwide.

"We pull out all the stops," Dornan said at the world premiere of "Fifty Shades Darker" in Los Angeles on Thursday.

"If you're making a sequel to anything, I think there has to be some kind of advancement on the first, you have to go a bit bigger in a lot of areas, and I don't think this film is any

Angelina Jolie slams Trump travel ban, calls for 'compassionate America' Actress and human rights advocate Angelina Jolie on Thursday said U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order barring travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries hurts vulnerable refugees and could fuel extremism.

Without directly naming Trump, Jolie, who has served as a special envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said in a New York Times opinion piece that discriminating based on religion was "playing with fire."

The Oscar-winning

actress added that as the mother of six children, "all born in foreign lands and ... proud American citizens," she believed in the need for the nation's safety, but said decisions should be "based on facts, not fear."

"I also want to know that refugee children who qualify for asylum will always have a chance to plead their case to a compassionate America. And that we can manage our security without writing off citizens of entire countries — even babies — as unsafe to visit our country by virtue of geography or religion," she wrote.

different."

"Fifty Shades Darker", based on the second book in

the trilogy of novels by E.L. James, begins its global roll out from Feb. 8.

Entertainment

Beyonce bares all in pregnancy photo shoot Pop superstar Beyonce on Thursday released a slew of photos of herself posing pregnant and nude, a day after announcing she was expecting twins with her husband, rapper Jay-Z. The photos, posted on the 35-year-old singer's website, beyonce.com, included a black-andwhite nude photo, several topless shots and others in which she wears lingerie. Many were set in a floral background and showed her caressing a large baby bump.

The caption on the photos is "I have three hearts."

The pictures, including some with the couple's 5-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, were accom- Pop superstar Beyonce poses pregnant in a photo released panied by poems about February 2, 2017 after announcing she was expecting twins motherhood. They were with her husband, rapper Jay-Z. (Courtesy of Beyonce.com/ released a day after her Handout via REUTERS) surprise pregnancy antracted 500,000 Tweets in just 45 minutes on nouncement broke social media records.

The "Halo" singer's announcement on Wednesday.

Beyonce offered no comments other than Instagram got more than 8 million "likes" her initial statement saying that she and Jay-Z to become the "most-liked" Instagram ever, "have been blessed two times over. We are the social media company said. It also atincredibly grateful that our family will be

Will be true to my beliefs during Super Bowl show, says Gaga Lady Gaga revealed few details on Thursday of what viewers can expect from her much anticipated Super Bowl halftime show, but the outspoken singer assured she would remain true to her beliefs and passions.

An advocate for lesbian, gay and transgender rights and a champion for inclusion, Lady Gaga's 13-minute concert on Sunday has generated speculation over whether she might use the spotlight to rebut U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial appointments and policies, including travel restrictions

targeting seven Muslim-majority nations.

"The only statements I will be making during the halftime show are the ones I have been consistently making throughout my career," Gaga told a standing room only press conference.

"I believe in passion for inclusion, I believe in the spirit of equality and the spirit of this country -- one of love, compassion and kindness.

"So my performance will uphold those philosophies."

growing by two."

On Thursday, the photos included a poem

by Somali-British poet Warsan Shire.“Venus has flooded me, second planet from the sun, I wake up on her foamy shore. she wants to take me to meet my children. I've done this before I'm still nervous,” the poem read.

Beyonce has not said when the twins are due, nor given any details about the preg-

nancy.

It was not clear how her pregnancy would affect plans for the Grammy Awards on Feb. 12, where Beyonce has a leading nine nominations, mostly for "Lemonade," and would be expected to perform.

She also is scheduled to headline a concert at the Coachella music festival in Southern California in April.

Bunjal Chicken Heart and Giblets Ingredients

• • • • • • • • • • •

2 lbs giblets 1 small lime/lemon 4 tbsp of vegetable oil 2 tbsp minced/chopped garlic 1 small onion chopped 1 small pepper chopped (optional) 1 tbsp of complete seasoning 1 tbsp tomato paste 4 tbsp Curry powder 2 tbsp masala 1.5 tbsp salt

Method Cut giblets and heart into small pieces, and wash with water and juice of lime/lemon Add 4 tbsp vegetable oil in pressure cooker, let hot for about 2 minutes Add minced/chopped garlic, onion, pepper

and tomato paste to hot oil, and let cook for 1 minute Add curry powder and masala and let cook for about 2 minute with constant turning If needed, add 4 to 8 tbsp water to loosen up mixture, and cook/turn for about another 4 minutes Add chicken giblets and heart, and salt then mix well, now leave to cook for about another 20 minutes with occasional checking and turning Now Add 1 cup of water and cover to pressure for about 15 to 20 minutes using electric power cooker, now if you are not using a power cooker cook until meat is to your liking which usually takes a lot long.

Finally, after cooking in pressure cooker, take off lid and let cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until liquid had evaporated.

Now serve with Dhal and Rice or Roti.