Pepperpot e paper 2 11 2017

Steelband explosion this week-end ► Page

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A female student of North Ruimveldt Multilateral Steelband for the upcoming Mashramani Steelband Pan-O-Rama

17 large and small school bands vie for honours

See inside:

EBD road slowly creating III capital outside of Georgetown ► Page

‘Y’all get things easy…’ ► Page

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Energy-efficient wood stoves being used in hinterland communities ► Page

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QC Students gearing up for the National Republic Bank Mashramani Pan-O-Rama Competition scheduled for February 18 and 19 (Samuel Maughn Photos)

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

Mark Teixeira has a new job as an analyst at ESPN Former New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is only a few months into his retirement, but he’s already getting antsy. Not content to sit on a beach somewhere with a daiquiri and sunshine and his favorite music blasting through a set of massive earphones, he’s getting right back to work.

According to the New York Times, Teixeira will be joining ESPN as a baseball analyst for the 2017 season. Before he retired, Teixeira spent 14 years in the

majors, starting his career playing for the Texas Rangers and ending it with an eight year stint in the Bronx with the Yankees.

Overall, he hit .268/.360/.509 with 409 career home runs. So he definitely knows more than enough about baseball to take a seat behind the analyst desk.

This isn’t the first time Tex will be in front of the camera. Back in 2014 he hosted a show called “Foul Territory” for the YES Network. It wasn’t a long show, just short YouTube videos of Teixeira interviewing

teammates and doing other weird, endearing things. It was actually kind of perfect.

The best thing about these videos is that Teixeira has a really great sense of humor.

He’s personable, comfortable on camera, and isn’t afraid to make himself the butt of the joke. Teixeira will no doubt bring all

those great qualities (and more) to his new job at ESPN, so best of luck to him. Who knows, maybe ESPN will let him bring back “Foul Territory.”

According to Wikipedia, Mark’s paternal grandfather emigrated from Guyana.

Mark Teixeira celebrates after hitting a 2-run home run during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. (Getty Images)

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

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EBD road slowly creating capital outside of Georgetown

By Zena Henry

GUYANA may be a fairly large country, a lush scenic Amazon gem. But to really admire this South American beauty, one would seriously have to consider spending more time out of the city, away from the automation and speed of things.

Given her magnificence, it is often times mind-boggling as to why the larger percent of the country’s small population prefers to live in the low lying, flood prone coast land. Even the country’s capital Georgetown is located there, where the bulk of the nation’s economic activities occur.

In more recent times, the majority of national services were provided in Georgetown forcing citizens from far-reaching regions to visit the city to transact business that included the acquisition of passports, identification cards and other vital documents. Sometimes persons would have to make numerous trips or even overnight in the city since conducting certain transactions took days to be completed and persons lived too far to return to their homes and make it for another day.

It is nonetheless a mandate by local authorities who say they are eager to decentralize certain services that would make life much easier for persons living outside of Georgetown.

Outside of this, there is a concerted effort to make every region self –sufficient; that is, them having the ability to build their own roads, be

adequately responsible for their environment, policies and residents.

Prior to this being done, several calls had been made for regions to become independent, while some residents, particularly those in Georgetown had called for the relocation of the country’s capital. With changing climates and effects of Global Warming, it was felt that the already flood- prone capital should be relocated, especially since great difficulty exits in maintaining the Dutch- built drainage system, that flood waters continue to wreak havoc on homes and businesses and contributes to the destruction of infrastructure.

Currently, a parking meter system installed to manage the influx of vehicles around core business areas is being used to correct congestion and traffic flow in the city. Persons come from locations all over the country on a daily basis for various reasons, many would like to park closest to their destinations and even shop from their vehicles if they could. Vendors and other commercial operators cram into commercial spaces. Pedestrians and shoppers use that same space adding to the concoction of dwellers.

For some people having to rub shoulders, make room for others to pass and repeatedly ask for an excuse to walk by is an undesirable experience, and if they could avoid it all together they certainly would.

Amrita Bailey of 1035 Herstelling New Scheme East Bank Demerara said that she is

patiently monitoring the development of the East Bank so that she no longer has to face the bustle of Georgetown. The woman said that she has been living on the East Bank for over a year now, and she could not have been happier about her decision.

“Georgetown is hectic,” she told the Guyana Chronicle, describing the crowds that she would usually have to go through particularly in market areas. According to Bailey, “the East Bank is developing quite nicely,” and she expects that the areas bordering the main artery between the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the city becomes self –sufficient and does not demand that citizens go to the city for services.

“My insurance company is in town so I have to go there, but if they put a branch up here (on the EBD) or I find another agency then I wouldn’t have to go to town,” Bailey explained. She noted however that there were numerous amenities on the EBD and praised the fact that her transactions could be done not too far from home.

EBD residents can pay their water rates at Peter’s Hall while their light bills can be paid at Grove. Some developing housing schemes are without telephone lines and have to access the internet from a third party provider usually based in the city.

EBD residents are however thrilled about the recently-opened Massy Super Store at Providence. A major gym is located there as well

as a New Thriving Chinese Restaurant which opened its doors some two weeks now. Noting the development of the East Bank, it is the restaurant’s second branch. DSL, another major grocery store, has two branches on the EBD. Several commercial banks continue to take the hint, adding to the development of the East Bank. The Diamond Diagnostic Centre is the largest health facility on the East Bank and provides the lifesaving option of closer medical attention than Georgetown. Security facilities are stretched out as far as the 40km thoroughfare from the Ruimveldt Police Station to the Timehri Police Station.

Princess Hotel provides much entertainment with a fun park, gaming centre and movie theatre. HJ TV’s Water World also provides much entertainment, while the usually eventpacked Providence Stadium is within close proximity of many neighbouring communities.

Home-owners need not look to Georgetown for appliances and materials if building a new home. The construction and machinery companies are endless, while construction of commercial lodging buildings seem to be on the rise.

The once aggravating traffic back-up nightmare is being remedied now that a four-lane road leading from Ruimveldt to Grove has been constructed. With intentions to construct another road from the East Bank to the East Coast, it’s anyone’s guess how long Georgetown will remain the go to place for business.

IV

Federal Supreme Court upturned

Full Court’s decision for unlawful possession of carcass ‘61 THE Federal Supreme Court in its Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction in 1961, allowed an appeal against a Order of the Full Court of British Guiana relative to a conviction of unlawful possession of carcass.

Because of errors and omissions and the admission of inadmissible evidence, appellant Balmookie who was accused of sheep stealing, won the legal battle in the Appellate Court.

The FSC was constituted, by Chief Justice Hallinan and Justices Lewis and Marnan.

Mr. Krishna Prasad appeared for the appellant Balmookie.

Mr. E. A. Romao represented the respondent.

Held: On a charge of unlawful possession of property under s.95 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Ordinance, Cap. 14 [B.G.], the only relevant evidence was of circumstances of suspicion relative to the defendant’s possession and evidence of larceny of property similar to the subject matter of the charge should not be led.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

Court Case Files

Appeal allowed by the FSC. Delivering the judgment Chief Justice Hallinan said: In this case, the appellant was charged under s. 95 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Ordinance, Cap. 14 [B.G.], the marginal note of which reads: “Unlawful possession of animal or part thereof.”

The statement of offence was “unlawful possession of carcass, contrary to section 95 “, and in the particulars he was charged with being found, in circumstances of suspicion, with a quantity of meat.

He was convicted under s. 95, and the conviction merely records that he was found in circumstances of suspicion, with a quantity of meat contrary to s.95.

The evidence was that a man called Reuben Ali missed one of his sheep on June 29 and there was the evidence of two witnesses, Robert Gossai and Dolphin Selall, that two men, the appellant and the man jointly charged with him (Harry) were each seen carrying a bundle containing raw meat and Gossai said that, having seen them, he went to a reef over the railway line and there he saw a sheep’s head and skin which were fresh.

He reported the matter to Reuben Ali and it was reported to the police.

The prosecutor Constable Beaton then executed a search warrant and in the kitchen of the appellant he found some mutton which had been boiled and some animal meat on the floor.

The appellant, before the constable could pick it up, threw it out of the window, where apparently it was consumed by dogs.

The defendants did not make any attempt to satisfy the court that they had come lawfully by this meat , but they relied on certain legal submissions.

The magistrate referred in his reasons, to the evidence of Reuben Ali, who had lost a sheep, and to the evidence of Gossai and Seelall, and of course, the evidence of the prosecutor, Beaton, and found that the charge was proved.

On appeal, the Full Court affirmed that conviction and now it had come before that court.

Many grounds of appeal have been argued but it is only necessary to consider two. The first is that there are obvious defects both in the charge and in the conviction.

The property, the subject of the charge, has not been so described as to bring it within s.95, because under that section, the animal must be of a kind mentioned in Title 7 of Cap. 14 and it is not sufficient to refer to that property merely as a carcass or as a quantity of meat.

Moreover, in the conviction it should have been stated that the appellant had not

By George Barclay satisfied the court that he came lawfully by the part of the sheep found in his possession, so that a very drastic amendment would have to be made both to the charge and to the conviction if this conviction is to be upheld.

That might be done under s. 24 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Appeals) Ordinance, Cap. 17 [B.G.], and under the powers vested in that particular court by s. 33 of the Federal Supreme Court (Appeals) Ordinance, No. 19 of 1958.

However the difficulties of the respondent did not end there. In the court’s view, where there is a charge of unlawful possession under s. 95, evidence of a larceny of similar property to that like the subject of the charge should not be led.

The only relevant evidence on a charge under section 95 is evidence of circumstances of suspicion relative to the defendant’s possession. Counsel for the respondent has referred to s. 41 (4) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Procedure) Ordinance , Cap. 15 [B.G.}, and that read as follows: “ Where unlawful possession under s.

94 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Ordinance is charged and the evidence establishes the commission of the offence of larceny of any kind , or of receiving stolen property and shall be punished accordingly.”

Subsection (7) of the same section then provides that if the magistrate does decide to proceed on a charge of larceny or receiving he must commence the proceedings de novo.

This section constitutes a very novel and drastic departure from legislation in pari materid and, in our view, it should be strictly construed. We do not think that its application should be extended beyond s.

94 of the Summary Jurisdiction Ordinance to which it refers.

We consider that this ground of appeal is one of substance. The evidence of the owner of the lost sheep, Reuben Ali, should not have been admitted, and in the circumstances, both having regard to this piece of inadmissible evidence and to the errors and omissions in the charge and conviction, this appeal should be allowed and the conviction and the sentence set aside.

Appeal allowed.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

Film

By Subraj Singh

M. Night Shyamalan’s Split M. Night Shyamalan is one of the few horror directors of the century to be nominated for a Best Director Academy Award.

He was nominated for his 1999 film, The Sixth Sense, which has now become worthy of future consideration for classic status.

It is one of those films that everyone has seen and everyone likes. Despite the Oscar nomination, however, Shyamalan’s output of films has, over the years, fluctuated in terms of quality. He did direct the disaster that was The Last Airbender, after all, and perhaps it is no surprise that in recent years, moviegoers have all but forgotten Shyamalan’s Academy Award nominations, and the fact that he once made good films, and of the talent that he does possess. For a long time, people who were fans of Shyamalan’s asked for the director to make a comeback, to make a return to form, and with the director’s most recent film, the massive box-office hit, Split, it has become highly probable that their wishes are being granted. To be fair, signs of Shyamalan’s return to greatness began to manifest themselves when he directed The Visit a few years back, but Split is the movie that cements his return to the beautiful mayhem of the modern horror movie.

Split stars James McAvoy as a man suffering from multiple personality disorder, with twenty three personalities existing in his body. These personalities either live in fear of, or worship, a twenty fourth personality who is referred to as the “Beast.” One of the personalities assumes control of Kevin’s body and kidnaps three teenage girls, including Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), hoping to use them as offerings to the Beast. Of course, many of the expected happenings do occur. There are multiple attempts at escape from the girls, multiple escape attempts foiled by Kevin’s personalities, the emergence of Casey (the socially awkward loner who is different from the other two girls in captivity) as the heroine in the way she tries to outwit rather than attack the various personae in Kevin. However,

(Universal Pictures, 2016)

for the most part, Shyamalan manages to make the film seem fresh and interesting even when it bounces through familiar loops. Also, it should be noted that while there are familiar elements in it, Split also offers a lot of divergences from typical horror movie tropes. For example, the use of humour in the film is a strange and beautiful thing that mixes with the horror and the suspense to create a heady mixture of cinema to expose the audience to.

Then there’s the theme of “being different” represented in both Kevin, on account of his multiple personalities, and Casey, on account of her being different from the other two girls and also in another way that you should wait to see in the film. The idea of “difference” of being an outsider is something that the director has explored in many of his other movies (The Sixth Sense, The Lady in the Water, The Village) and yet, the way it is presented in this particular movie gives off a sense of “difference” being both a source of power and strength versus a source of darkness, as presented through Casey and Kevin.

James McAvoy gives a truly stunning performance as Kevin and all the other personalities. He is chameleon-like, shifting ef-

fortlessly, disturbingly, between the different personalities. It is no easy task to play Kevin, confused and afraid of himself, and then switch to Dennis, strong and deranged, then turn into manipulative Miss Patricia, and then to Hedwig, a personality who is a 9 year old child. Yet, McAvoy does it all impeccably, ensuring that the lines between all his personalities are clearly drawn and distinct and even when they need to infringe on each other in the space that is Kevin’s body, McAvoy ensures that they do so in a way that ensures the developments are still crystal clear to the audience. The actor’s performance as the Beast, also, is a treat that needs to be seen in order to be really appreciated.

Anya Taylor-Joy is becoming one of my favourite younger actresses. Last year she delivered a masterful and subtle turn in The Witch and her performance in Split shows that she does indeed have an excellent knowledge of the craft and that she is an ac-

V tress to keep an eye on. Taylor-Joy matches McAvoy every step of the way, which is no easy feat considering that he has the showier role and because, well, he is James McAvoy.

Nevertheless, her performance is so stunning that there are scenes where the two actors are playing off each other and Taylor-Joy’s acting is so good, so believable, her eyes wide with fear and yet never losing sight of her aim to stay alive, that you can almost feel with each passing moment, her future stardom breaking itself out into the world.

Overall, Shyamalan’s film is tightly directed. There are no unnecessary lapses in tension or in suspense. The atmosphere is perfectly dark. The main characters are perfectly drawn. The final scenes are truly scary and are worth the wait. One can only hope that this movie does indeed signal a return to form for M. Night Shyamalan.

We can only wait and hope that whatever he chooses to do next is just as good.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

Emergency toothache WHEN Dr. Leslie Ramsammy was the Minister of Health (now called Public Health) I attended a forum at which he said that there was a time when we dentists literally extracted buckets of teeth over a relatively short period of time and were proud of that achievement. As I recall, it was not so much an exaggeration. Statistical information coming from the public dental service reveals that most persons visit the dentist because of toothache. To have the tooth filled, the patient usually gets an appointment date weeks afterwards. Obviously, the offending tooth would have long gone past reparation stage and therefore an extraction might remain the only practical option.

Patients naturally expect that a painful tooth will be extracted. But just because you have had a bad toothache does not mean the tooth will have to be extracted. Root canal therapy can save an abscessed tooth or one with a damaged pulp (packet of nerves and blood vessels in the core) and should be a preferred procedure over extraction.

Incidentally, we need to remember even if a pain appearing anywhere in the mouth should go away by itself, it should not be ignored. Some times it could point to a serious condition.

For example, heart problems may first manifest itself as pain in the lower jaw and teeth.

You may justifiably ask, “If I suddenly get a toothache what can I do about it other than going immediately to see a dentist (which is almost always unlikely)? You may want to try any one of these as a temporary measure for alleviation.

First, take a double dose of the analgesic you normally would take for an ordinary headache. I usually recommend for immediate relief 600mgs of Ibuprofen (Motrin).

Second, a tiny cotton ball soaked in clove oil and placed in the cavity invariably mitigates the pain right away. If you cannot get clove oil, pulverize a few cloves in a drop of olive oil and use that instead.

Third, apply a cold compress to the affected areas especially if the corresponding cheek had recently begun to swell. Cold is the only physical agent known which is capable of subduing inflammation, of which the symptoms include pain and swelling. Occasionally, it may help if cold water is held in the mouth. But one should be

careful when using cold or heat with aching teeth.

Fourth, an increase of the blood pressure can cause tooth ache. Clearly, the pulp chamber cannot distend to accommodate the changes in pressure because it is located in the centre of the tooth. The augmented pressure therefore compresses the nerves which results in the pain. Elevation of the head can decrease the pressure. This method may be found to be useful when the toothache attacks during the hours of slumber. However, even if relief is achieved, the pain wakes you up at night. It is serious for the tooth.

Fifth, tooth pain after eating sweet means the acid produced from the converted sugar is acting on the exposed nerve endings in the cavity.

The way to resist this is to neutralize the acid. A home remedy is rinsing the mouth in the morning with a solution of baking soda. Baking powder has some sodium bicarbonate in it and this can also be utilized.

The sixth and final recommendation to achieve emergency relief from a toothache is to clean out the cavity (the direct application of alcohol in the cavity usually numbs it for a short while), and then plug it completely with sugarless chewing gum.

It must be emphasized that these are only some temporary measures to get relief from a toothache. In every case of tooth pain, professional assistance should be sought for a permanent cure.

Chronicle Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

VII

From the

archives

Clarise Cumberbatch Want to Go Home

By Joan Cambridge - June 21, 1987 CLARISE Cumberbatch finds herself in America, in New York City, an immigrant from Guyana in search of her wayward husband, Harold. In this, her first novel, Guyanese writer Joan Cambridge takes the reader through a complex oral history of one immigrant woman, telling us of her longing for "home," her experience of the strangeness of a new and completely foreign land, and her loneliness, a constant throughout the novel, even when Clarise is among friends.

The novel is written in the dialect of Guyana, modified to a certain extent. Not unlike the voice of Celie in "The Color Purple," the voice of Clarise Cumberbatch is informed with emotion and passion, wit and a tone of sadness. Clarise's voice is acute--whether she is observing the habits of individuals, comparing the descent into the New York subway to a descent into hell, turning back a pimp, or describing her search for livelihood in the mythic land of promise. With no green card, and Guyanese currency no bank will exchange, she is stranded, scrambling for opportunity, finding little available.

Clarise's situation is poignant, and Cambridge describes it very well indeed, refusing mere victimization for her character, allowing her struggle and growth.

The novel spans a year in Clarise's life, her year in America. She spends the year alternately looking for her husband and for work, and yearning for the "bush" of her native land, its waterfalls and lush growth, its promise of gold to the intrepid and daring individual.

One of the most moving passages in the novel concerns the search for gold and Clarise's dream of this: "Is a rake.

Is a shovel!

Is a prospecting-knife and a batelle.

Is a file.

Eh-eh . . .

'Is gold, Mavis! These is de things you need to work gold. Next week? When I get pay?

I going to buy a surkha-sieve. Is gold, Mavis, it better than de American dollar.' " Clarise's dream-search for gold connects her to her homeland and signals her realization that she is at sea in America. Her body

But these are really quibbles. Cambridge has given us the story of one immigrant black woman, told for the most

and her soul need the connection with land and place represented by home.

Clarise's relationships with others during her year in America--save with her dearest friend, Mavis--are glancing. There are the people she meets on the streets and subways; into some hands she presses the likeness of her husband, Harold, in the hopes these new acquaintances will help her find him. She encounters other immigrants, living in terror of chicken hawks, informers for the INS, rooms full of people scrambling for the jobs available to undocumented workers.

In a particularly vivid scene, a party at Mavis' house, Clarise is surrounded by expatriates from Guyana, who discuss South Africa, the Third World, the economic exploitation of their people, the loss of progressive vision. Some of the party guests have sought education in America, but their polished, Westernized style is no match for Clarise, the uneducated country woman.

She, meeting a woman from Afghanistan one day in the park, is able to recall the invasion of Grenada as a parallel to the invasion of the woman's own country.

Where the novel falls short is in drawing characters other than Clarise. We do not understand enough about Mavis, for example, and her sudden declaration of passion for Clarise feels as if it comes out of nowhere.

Similarly, the last chapter has an unrealistic feel to it, as if the author wanted to finish with her character. Clarise's escape from a life-threatening situation is unconvincing.

part from her viewpoint and in her words, allowing us to experience a woman of passion, longing and intelligence.

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Guyana in

By the WWF Guianas Staff

Recent worldwide events show how civil society has played a critical role in effecting environmental change and conservation both at the international and national levels.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

Civil Society’s role in catalyzing environmental change and conservation – the case of the Shared Resources, Joint Solutions Programme

Through its work, WWF has been fostering civil society engagement at various levels, and in Guyana, civil society organizations even though still a small group, have shown continuous growth and expansion. Over the years there has been a shift from the traditional reactive nature of civil society organizations on issues to more proactive planning and

coordination among like-minded groups, mobilizing around common themes and issues.

This often started with the purpose of creating awareness on topical issues, but soon become an effective way to address and demand policy level changes by central government, especially in the environment and conservation arena.

In recent times, strong advocacy, mobilization and active participation of civil society groups, working together with the Government and the private sector, have been pivotal in processes related to the design and implementation of the Green Agenda.

These include the Guyana Norway Agreement (GNA), Guyana’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy.

Civil society also played a key role leading to the establishment and strengthening of the National Protected Areas System (NPAS) and the management planning process for national protected areas such as Kanakus Mountain Protected Area and Shell Beach Protected Area.

What emerges clearly through these domestic experiences, is that civil society organizations are able to lead and stimulate environmental changes and promote conservation mainly along the lines of information collection, analysis and dissemination; agenda-setting and policy development processes; direct project implementation allowing for model-building, capacity-building and exchanges of lessons and experiences; environmental monitoring and evaluation and advocacy.

These groups have greater interest – since all outcomes largely and directly impact them - to lobby for change and to be successful because of the nature of the institutions themselves, that is, these organizations tend to have space and flexibility to collaborate with diverse actors; wide network; raise funds to support its efforts and the capacity to implement specific demonstration projects/programmes.

Moreover their experience can also function as a testing opportunity to devise solutions and assess impacts in decision and policy making.

It is in this light that WWF has commenced the implementation of a new programme that revolves especially towards the empowerment and broader involvement of civil societies in decision making practices: the Shared Resources Joint Solutions (SRJS) programme in Guyana and Suriname for the Guiana Shield Eco-Region.

SRJS is a global programme implemented in sixteen (16) countries (low and lower middle income) across nine (9) eco-regions. It aims to safeguard the ecosystem-based International Public Goods (IPG) climate resilience, food and water security through the implementation of innovative, practical and workable joint solutions in collaboration with civil society groups undertaking a landscape management approach to safeguard and to sustainably manage critical landscapes that provide the most essential ecosystems services on which local communities and broader economic development depends.

The programme aims to strengthening and build capacity of civil society organizations at the local, regional and national scale to influence laws, policies, social norms and Turn to page XIV ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

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XIII

‘Y’all get things easy…’

– elderly folks bemoan the struggle of making a call in the past

By Navendra Seoraj

phone was limited because in the olden days, not everyOLD people might one was privileged often tell their to have a phone in grandchildren their house. And as or even children, explained by Ann, “Y’all get things in most cases it was easy.” But indeed, only the “rich” ones the youngsters of who had that privtoday do not truly ilege. know and appreHowever, the ciate the value of frustration of having what they have acto come home to a cess to. long line of persons So in order to on your stairway was touch the tip of the unbearable at times, iceberg as to how said one individual fortunate the youths One of the antique phones used in the past who was fortunate to of today really are, have a phone. an elderly woman, Ann, sought to explain the He explained that, sometimes every afstruggle of walking miles, not to get food or ternoon he would come home from school water but, to make a call to a loved one abroad and would have to wait for at least one hour or even locally. before he could enter his house.

“Back in my days I would have to walk So in order to regulate the system and or sometimes ride my bicycle from Vreed- “free up” his stairway, his family decided that en-hoop where I live to my friend’s house at persons were only allowed to make calls on Huston just to get a call,” said Ann. Sunday at his home.

Just to hear the voice of a brother, sister, But, seeing the happiness in the eyes of mother or father, a person in the early 1950- those who were speaking to a loved one, 1990’s would have to walk or travel miles just whom in some cases they did not hear from to have a few minutes on a phone owned by in years, was like watching a young child get a total stranger in some cases. ice cream, said the elderly man.

“Don’t believe that the minutes came free, “Seeing their happiness while talking to a we had to pay lots of money to make a call loved one after years was priceless but do not and much less if it was to an overseas number, go thinking for a second that the signal was oh gosh, you would have to spend the little of high quality and the phones were fancy… raveling you saved up for weeks,” said an no we had to settle for what was called rotary elderly woman. dial phones,” said the man.

Some persons who had a neighbour with a According to Google, a rotary dial is a phone were fortunate, because in most cases component of a telephone or a telephone the neighbour would not have attached a price switchboard that implements a signaling techto the use their phones. nology in telecommunications known as pulse The possibility of a neighbour having a dialing. It is used when initiating a telephone

Some of the new technological advices available today

call to transmit the destination telephone number to a telephone exchange.

On the rotary dial, the digits are arranged in a circular layout so that a finger wheel may be rotated with one finger from the position of each digit to a fixed stop position, implemented by the finger stop, which is a mechanical barrier to prevent further rotation.

Today, the sight of one of those phones in a home or office is rare because the technology of today has shunned those of the olden

days to some extent.

Persons, now have access to smart phones and other devices which give them the opportunity to download apps such, as Facebook or Whatsapp that include the option of making or receiving local or even international calls and even video calls for free.

Apart from that, local telecommunication service providers have been working to make cellular and landline phones affordable for every individual.

XIV

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017 if you do fall prey to his advances use a condom.

A man who loves you will never entertain the thought of forced sex. And will see you for you, for you- a special holistic person. Not a sex symbol.

Dealing with teenage pregnancy THE SECRET Finally, she summoned all her courage to break the news to you. Mom….i’m …Pregnant. Stare in shock, confused in disbelief. Get angry but simmer down. She is your daughter and a life is at stake.

NATURAL RESPONSE Seek out the father. Is he a good guy or is he a ‘’dead beat’’ DO NOT CONDONE That relationship must be fostered and the parties must

begin to think positively. After all you’ll be a grand–ma. But let her know she did wrong. Sex before marriage is fornication… one of the Ten Commandment and a terrible error of degrading moral values, loss of dignity and self-esteem. The pregnancy must however mature.

NO ABORTION The creator has given the approval for the precious gift of a child. She must begin the process of being a mother. A divine trust so be there for her.

GIFT OF LIFE- A POSITIVE STEP Her health is so vital. Clinic is a must. Love, care and peace of mind. The embryo needs these essentials to develop healthily BRANCHING OUT As a teen, you live to experience life on the outside. Nothing is wrong with that. But you must watch the company you choose. A platonic relationship {no intimacy} is welcome WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING Men will be men. And the male testosterone is a powerful force. Some men are wolves in sheep clothing. Beware!

Many guys lust, and see you as a piece of commodity to enjoy and discard.

There is no satisfactory relationship than one of morality. Stay pure. It’s better to love him than to give in. Men admire strong woman. And

PATIENCE I courted for months. I had lots of opportunity to be intimate. I waited until marriage. And we consummated our marriage one month later. Lo and behold, my wife was a virgin.

Promiscuity is on the rise in this fast-paced world.

THE SACREDNESS OF TRUE LOVE CRUSHED BY THE RAUNCHY LIBIDO Gone are the days of chivalry.

Men are mice.

Most relationships begin by eye contact. The focus on the outward appearance, especially when they look sexy. And these days teens put in a lot. Sometimes not. Sometime too little. So the magnetic attraction is there. You flaunt it; they clamour for it.

Patience is a sound virtue. Have the fun but avoid copulation.

It’s tough on a young girl with explosive hormones but let character prevail. Money, gold, power and position will be all gone one day but character will live on for this world and here –after.

But the gentle life is on its way. And the young expectant mom, parents and lover must bond to give all the moral and ancillary support.

Your daughter will be a mother. And no role is more honourable than that. Teenage pregnancy can be difficult and demanding. Prevention is better. But be there when it happens. An innocent life is ‘’kicking’’ in the belly of a sorrowful youth. Let’s all help out in pursuit of the miracle of birth. And welcome a life to this world.

Mom be tolerant and forgiving. It happens.

◄◄◄ From page VIII

practices during programme implementation and to undertake this through a diverse stakeholder group of partners with the aim of securing ecosystem services of the IPGs. The implementation of the SRJS programme across the Guiana Shield Eco-Region and specifically in Guyana, covers the southern regional landscape, the greenstone belt and the marine areas in both countries.

This should happen in collaboration with key CSO’s such as the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), South Central Peoples Development Association (SCPDA), Policy Forum Guyana, Fisheries Cooperatives and partnerships with the Department of Fisheries, Protected Areas Commission and in partnership with State bodies and the private sector.

A programme of activities revolving around conservation matters (forests, fresh-

water, marine and environmental management) and focusing on human wellbeing (food security, climate resilience, water provisioning) is already in the making, to increase the areas under conservation or sustainable management, reduce mercury use and strengthen environmental governance.

The programme commenced in 2016 and will end in 2020 and several engagements were held with key civil society groups in Guyana and Suriname to co-develop elements of the programme document and work plan to allow for co-ownership of programme projects, activities and results.

The core of the SRJS programme is in fact people based. It aims at sustaining a true and effective capacity building process, targeting civil society organizations to allow for their full participation; and to transform them in the protagonists and leaders in a process of green development and growth.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

XV

Notes from the Vermont Studio Center Residency

An assessment of time spent I sat on the plane and waited for the beginning of what was the final stretch of flights on my way home, unsure if I was leaving Vermont with answers or even more questions. It was a strange feeling, not being able to make that distinction. It was strange but not entirely unfamiliar.

Thoughts of my time there were drowned out by constant and silent prayers for a return trip unlike the one I endured just a month before. I didn’t complain about sprinting twice from what felt like Georgetown to Parika across the Philadelphia and Miami airports, oversized haversack on chest because the left strap popped. The fact was that the planes were all there, all on time with no cancellations and just a few minor delays. Could it be that the universe was finally convinced I had learnt whatever lesson I had previously missed? I couldn’t be certain but I most definitely exercised my trust in the things I could not control.

Just the night before, I was watching the international news from my hotel room for the first time in what felt like forever. The wild haired man was inescapable. Every news station seemed to feature some new havoc he threatened to release upon us. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to go back to that world just yet. I had found a wonderful kind of comfort in being disconnected from the brashness of that reality. Johnson, Vermont was the perfect escape, a place for weary souls to find solace in the comfort of kindred spirits. To be removed from that environment so abruptly meant summoning the last bit of energy I had harvested that month and braving this “new” world. But I was determined to cross that bridge when I got there.

In the time being I chose, instead, to consider the implications of the time I had just spent at VSC. A lot of the work done there wasn’t the kind you could analyze on paper

or walk around in a room. A lot of the work done there was the kind that took place inside the dark recesses of my brain, places where I fought to untangle the knots that had accumulated over the years. And there was no time like the present to begin (or at least attempt) an extensive assessment of everything my brain had processed up to that point.

Thinking back on the work that actually materialized in

the month-long residency (which at times did not seem like very much), it became important for me, now that my journey was over, to identify the common conceptual threads that tied everything together. Even as disparate as the work I created seemed, there were concerns present that have always been somewhat consistent in my practice, if I looked carefully enough.

I also became increasingly curious about past developments I had chosen to neglect simply because I didn’t see them as being relevant to

my current “aesthetic.”

It’s an exhausting exercise having to defend every decision you make or are about to make regarding your work. But like so many other trained artists, that was the tradition I came from and that was the tradition, it seemed, we would be destined to carry through until the end of us. I soon

learned that the energy spent defending an idea could be put towards making it better. It was in the dreadful Vermont cold that I discovered this alternate route.

I hadn’t realized how defensive and tightly wound I was about my own ideas until I came into this new environment and those things no longer mattered. It wasn’t an end of semester critique/metaphoric boxing match. There was no blood to be spilled. It was, instead, a safe space that allowed creative practitioners the freedom to deviate from tradition without fear of being cut down. It was a space where decisions

weren’t judged, mistakes and failed attempts weren’t considered mistakes or failed attempts.

They were simply what needed to happen in order to move from one point to the next. There was a general sense of “This could be complete garbage but I’m going to work through it nevertheless to find what lies on the other side.”

It had been a long time since I not only felt that way but also had that much uninterrupted time to follow through on ideas. And although that was, hands down, the most time I’ve ever had to focus entirely on my work, there were moments where I felt my studio time was being hijacked by my writing.

It became clear early on that I would have to find a way to balance the two since they both demanded equal effort. It was no longer simply a residency that facilitated the improvement of my art. It also brought into sharp focus the importance of writing as an essential component of my practice, as much as I tried to convince myself otherwise. It was an opportunity to polish a supplementary art and I felt encouraged to do so after experiencing the dynamic energies exchanged between the artists and writers.

All in all it was an amazing experience and I feel privileged to have been selected by the Reed Foundation to participate in such a progressive residency program.

More importantly, I’d like to thank the foundation for their commitment to facilitating the growth of artists from the Caribbean region in a way that is conducive to the expansion of their practices and networks, particularly in the current global art climate.

In September of last year I was nominated for a Vermont Studio Center residency fellowship and sponsored by the Reed Foundation. Notes from the Vermont Studio Center Residency is intended to be a series of articles chronicling my experiences at the U.S. residency starting from the issuance of the fellowship award until the conclusion of the month-long program in February, 2017.

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Nicolas ‘Illusion X’ Hicks

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

Nicolas Hicks – the creative genius behind ‘Illusion X’ productions

By Vishani Ragobeer Just a few months shy of 18 years, is Nicolas Michael Hicks, or as he is more commonly known as- ‘Illusion X’. The young man has been making a name for himself as a creative genius with his music productions and digital art, not only on social media in Guyana but on a worldwide platform.

“I love art, truth be told,” he expressed.

“Music production allows me to express my thoughts, ideas and emotions.”

The 5th form student of the ISA Islamic School who is preparing to write his CSEC examinations this year noted that his favourite subjects are Visual Arts, English and Information Technology.

When questioned how he manages to juggle his hobbies and produce his art (both music and digital art), he responded, “I do it in my spare time.”

He noted however that he does his work tediously to ensure its quality. “I’m actually a perfectionist so I never rush my work,” Hicks underscored. He explained that creating a song would take weeks even months.

“My song ideas come from abstract thinking,” the young self-proclaimed music producer said and he further explained that just combining sounds and hearing new ideas spark his creativity, but mainly these ideas are affected by his moods and emotions.

For Nicolas, music and producing music had captivated him a few years ago- in 2012. He disclosed, “At first I was just interested in creating Dubstep.”

After being exposed to Dubstep (a form of dance music which is usually instrumental in nature and usually feature heavy bass) by his cousin, Nicolas highlighted that he began exploring other genres.

In 2014 he quickly realised that he had an immense passion for music but also

realized that his knowledge of the field was limited. “I thought myself music and melody theory and even some sound design,” Hicks highlighted. “At no time there was ever a dull moment,” he added.

Speaking about how exactly he taught himself the fundamentals of music productions, Hicks explained that it was a technical process.

He noted, “At first, I used to mess around the Software's Piano roll with various sounds and learnt how melodies play.”

Thereafter, he began looking at introduction videos on YouTube to gain a basic understanding of this software and the extent of its functions. Finally, he said he experimented with other features and began creating his own sounds.

YouTube has been an internet-based platform that has afforded many young people the opportunity to share their creativity and constructively use their time (most of the time). Capitalizing on this platform, Nicolas used it as a way of sharing his pro-

An Illusion X logo made by Nicolas

ductions with the world.

“My YouTube Channel has allowed me to share my content on a Global scale,” he said and attested, “I gained a fan base that is worldwide instead of locally and it has allowed me to meet alot of talented content creators and promoters.” The young man also said, “ It [YouTube] has given me literally everything for me to share my content with the world.”

Notably, one of Nicolas’ songs, his ‘Spongebob Squarepants Best Day Ever Trap Remix’ amassed over 1.5 Million views on his ‘Illusion X’ YouTube channel.

The channel of itself is well on its way to 14,000 subscribers.

Nicolas said he goes by the name ‘Illusion X’ because ‘Illusion’, as he says, it’s his “artist name” and overall Illusion is his persona behind the music. The ‘X’ is used as an emphasis so that the name “stands out more”.

“My digital art comes from the same inspiration as my music,” Nicolas asserted.

He said that his thoughts just stray from generic concept and he is able to create something new.

Hicks endeavours to have a profession in either the creative arts or Information and Communications Technology (ICT) fields, but says that he will never give up his music productions or his YouTube channel.

He affirmed, “There was a time where I had myself if all of this would work out,” but also maintained that he still does it for fun now despite his notable achievements.

He also affirmed that his mother and his friends are his major supporters.

Right now, Nicolas said, “I'm working on an E.P [extended play].” This will feature his unreleased music and his fans here in Guyana can expect Illusion X to collaborate with other artistes on this project. He promised that this E.P will feature hybrid sounds combining Trap/ Dark Trap and dubstep music but teased that it’s “just in the works” but when he releases this EP, “It will be worth the wait”.

“Do what makes you happy and never be scared to show your talents,” young Hick advised and added, “Even though you might be criticized at first, if you perfect your craft, they will remember your name!”.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

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‘Love makes the world go ‘round’ Hello Everyone I hope this week has treated you well.

Tuesday coming is Valentine’s Day and therefore I would like to speak about love and its importance.

I would like to get this out of the way now – love causes many hardships. No one (especially not me) disputes that. Love can make us feel very sad, angry, confused and so many other undesired emotions.

Love can result in agony, depression and even suicide. We know this- it elicits the most powerful emotions.

However, sometimes we tend to overlook or forget the other side – the extremely happy one. The feeling that distinguishes from every day contentment. The side that has both mental and physical benefits. This is what I would like to focus on today.

To all the people who dislike Valentine’s Day – I hear you, we all hear you and you are entitled to your opinion- but allow the rest of us to enjoy it.

Of course we should show our love to our partners every day but Valentine’s Day has evolved in a way that encourages us to be more affectionate, kind and loving today than any other day. I will start showing my partner all of the above by dedicating this piece to him. Every day, you make me want to be better.

Like anything else, there are many definitions of love. We tend to choose which definition (of a word) relates to us more. “When the happiness, security, and well-being of another person is as real or more to you than your own, you love that person”- Harry Sullivan’s definition is my understanding of love. Your definition might be different and therefore your actions would be different to my own.

Love manifests itself in different ways, all of which are necessary and useful. A lot of what we do is centred around love- and we don’t even realise it. We celebrate birthdays and promotions because we love the individual. We are patient because we are willing to do whatever it takes, for ever long it takes for the ones we love. Helping to simply ease burdens is out of love. Forgiveness, patience and even confrontation is done purely out of love.

One thing I believe I learned too late in life is the process of love. Love isn’t taught, it’s transmitted. We love to way we were loved; we express love the way it was expressed to us. This then brings out the questionIs there an unhealthy way of loving someone?

I believe there are as many ways of loving as there are people and yes, some of them can be unhealthy. However, like I said, I am choosing to focus on the positive today.

When that certain way of love is transmitted to us, we can take that wherever we like. We are not bound to exert the same love we received- we are simply more likely to do it.

One of my favourite quotes is “love is a drug and everyone is a junkie”. Why? Because love may not be a drug but it certainly feels like one. It provides a high unlike any drug you have experienced. It elicits a serious craving and then withdrawal pattern when not being in the presence of the one you love. You isolate yourselves from the world.

Frankly, it’s addictive which is why we are lucky that it actually provides physical and mental health benefits.

Being in love causes physical symptoms on our bodies. We experience our heart racing, butterflies in the stomach, anxiety, nervousness etc. But you feel these symptoms in the best of ways. Love helps to cope with and reduce stress. It gives us extra support, someone to confide

in and offer advice. People generally tend to live healthier lifestyles while in relationships. When people care about you, they care about your health and well-being. Therefore, they are likely to encourage you to drink less alcohol, stop smoking, and eat healthier. Love causes over-all better hygiene. Many people don’t like to admit this but I know many people who go to sleep without

showering or brushing their teeth.

However, if there partner is there, you better believe they do all of that and more- even just for show.

Studies show that that extra support that only a partner can give results in higher success rates of treatment in illnesses such as cancer and addiction. Sometimes we don’t have the strength to do things for ourselves. Our feelings of self-confidence, self-worth and motivation are low. So we do things for those we love instead. A substance dependent person is much more likely to come off of drugs if they have a loving partner. That kind of support is unparalleled Over all, many studies prove that people in loving, long-term relationships have longer average life spans than those that are not.

Mentally, love increases our self-confidence and feelings of self-worth. We are less self-conscious as we have someone who loves us for us. Our moods automatically improve when they are around.

We are more self-less as this love encourages us to sometimes cater to this individual more than we cater to ourselves. Our minds are more at ease because we know we have that extra, unwavering support when needed. Loves encourages us to be more open minded.

We open up to new things that our partners enjoy or care about. This can range from anything to trying a new television show to experiencing an entirely different culture. Keep

in mind that being open minded naturally results in higher coping skills as well as levels of resilience.

Love allows for a more social lifeyou meet many new people when in a relationship. This improves our communication and overall people skills which directly affects our productivity and efficiency levels.

Analysing all the above, it is safe to say that love is ALSO capable of lowering depression and the possibility of suicidal thoughts.

Now, the benefits of celebrating days like Valentine’s Day are just as numerous. You can never go wrong with showing the person you love, that you love them. Celebrate the fact that you have something special.

If you do not have love in your life right now, that is okay too. Do not underestimate the power of familial love and friendship. If you have lost love, do not give up hope.

This gives you a chance to start a whole new chapter and experience all the above benefits in a completely different way.

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 – 8am12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 4:15 Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 4:15 Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

Energy-efficient wood stoves being used in hinterland communities The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has been building and demonstrating the use of energy-efficient wood stoves in seven hinterland communities around Guyana. The stoves were constructed using indigenous materials like mud/clay, dry grass, banana stems, and water.

To date, over 500 households have benefited from this exercise through participation in the stove-building exercise where dozens of stoves were constructed for demonstration.

The Agency plans to continue this exercise by extending

similar projects and initiatives to communities that are still heavily reliant on fire wood and other types of biomass to meet their daily cooking needs.

Communities that have benefitted from using wood stoves include: Powaikoru and Kanuballi (Region 1), Kangaruma and Kako (Region 7), Tuseneng (Region 8), and Rupertee and Shulinab (Region 9).

According to the GEA, an energy-efficient wood stove

An Energy-efficient wood stove

is a device that is designed to consume less fuel (wood) and save cooking time. It also aids in reducing the volume of particulates and smoke produced during cooking in comparison to the traditional open-flame wood stove (‘fire side’).

According to the article ‘Wood based Biomass Energy Development for Sub-Saharan Africa: Issues and Approaches’, written by the World Bank and Africa Renewable Energy Access Program (AFREA), over half the world’s population currently relies on wood, charcoal or other biomass for daily cooking. Firewood and other biomass fuels that are used in open fires, or poorly functioning stoves, produce an overwhelming amount of soot and smoke. Over time, this can lead to respiratory diseases and environmental issues as a result of smoke inhalation.

A wood stove designed to be energy-efficient saves fuel and in so doing, saves money. Additionally, it helps to protect the users’ and their families’ health. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency in an article titled ‘Energy Efficiency and Wood Burning Stoves’ (March 29, 2013), wood smoke has been linked to cancer, asthma, and other serious health conditions. The traditional stove or open fire (‘fire side’) burns wood inefficiently resulting in wastage of firewood, air pollution, and the creation of dust inside the home.

Energy-efficient wood stoves aid in reducing indoor and outdoor pollution, lend positively to the environment, save energy, money, and help to safeguard personal health.

Other energy efficient stoves can be made using essential fuel saving tips such as using dry wood, pre-soaking beans before cooking, using a weighted lid, and controlling the air supply to the fire. These are ways to use the energy-efficient wood stove.

The benefit/cost ratio of government intervention to help poor households gain access to affordable modern energy has been found to be very high and the cost would be small compared with total aid budgets or global energy investment. Greater energy efficiency and diversity of energy sources in developing countries would provide a gain in energy security at only a very small cost in terms of the increase in world oil and gas demand.

folklore

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

WEIGHED DOWN IN THE BUSY little farming community of Green Grove, business thrived. Agriculture was everybody’s business. Some tilled the land. Others planted, nurtured and reaped.

Then the goods were sold and the cycle repeated.

On a hill overlooking the burial ground stood a solid wooden house. In it lived a farmer named Kingston, aka Yam. He had a green thumb and made plenty of money through agriculture. He was married and had two sons. They lived a peaceful, happy life.

That is, until a stranger visited their home.

It all began on a Saturday night. After taking a few drinks with the boys Yam went home. By 10.30pm he was fast asleep.

Sometime after midnight he had an unusual dream. In the dream an old man stopped and spoke to him “Yam, why yo causing me so much pain?”

Confused and puzzled he denied this.

“Not true skipper. I don’t even know you.”

“I realize that but you don’t understand.”

“Understand what skipper?”

“Look, the truth is I died over 100 years ago. After a few decades everyone forgot me.

They came and bury someone right on top of me. It too much for me, I can’t take the years of pressure.”

“But what dat got fo do wid me?”

“Yam, four years ago you bury yo grandmother over me. Move her now!”

Yam jumped up from his strange dream.

At breakfast he told Petal about it. His wife laughed and the children joined in. He ended up laughing too.

“Daddy like yo go to bed wid a heavy stomach.”

The conversation ended on that humorous note. The next two nights Yam got dreams of the same man requesting the removal of his grandmother. In frustration he gave the man an answer.

“NO!” That changed everything. From the next night the entire family got a visit from the dream-stranger. He pleaded at first then changed tactics. Next he began to disturb their sleep. Hair was tugged, toes and ears tweaked and bodies tossed out of bed. When nothing happened, every member of the family was attacked in their dreams. The stranger started pressing down on them and choking them.

Every time they went to bed they would wake up panting for breaths. The Jumbie kept this up every night.

In desperation, Yam visited a friend who was a spiritualist. The man advised him to do as the stranger asked. Yam went into the village council and he was assigned a new plot of land to bury his grandmother. He did not tell them anything about his recent experiences.

A few days later the remains of his grandmother was removed from her original place of burial and re-buried in another section of the small cemetery. The dreams stopped immediately.

Little did Yam realize that his plight with the dead had only just began. The new plot he was assigned turned out to be the burial site of executed convicts.

Guess who he’ll be hearing from soon?

By Neil Primus

XIX

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

PARADISE ALMOST LOST THE MAJOR race riot of the early 60’s brought Guyana to its knees. Wanton destruction of public and private property.

Lives wasted. Innocent blood shed. Hatred abounded; a people went insane - black vs. brown. We were on the brink of extinction.

But God saved his paradise.

REAMBLE Up to 1940, the then British Guiana was a simple society. It was work, sleep and little recreation. The races blended well as they toiled on the sugar plantation and in the bauxite industry and the interior.

We slaved for our colonial masters who kept us busy serving them and enriching their pockets.

free drinking and immorality and prostitution came out of the closet. The suppressed peasants came alive. They agitated for a better life.

majority East Indians supported the PPP and most of Blacks joined the PNC. The race for supreme political power intensified.

WORLD WAR 11 Then came World War 11. And many of our sons were shipped overseas to battle for Britain, the mother country. And as her colony, her virgin lands were used by her military and especially the American Air Force.

Foreign Loose Culture The soldiers introduced a new culture to our modest and Godly life. There was a social revolution. Night clubs sprang up, care

HOME GROWN LEADER And from the uprising, sprang young brilliant leaders who championed their cause.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan and lawyer Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. They were united in the struggle for the democratic right of the people of the plantation and elsewhere. The once dormant society came alive - a political and social upheaval.

SELF-GOVERNMENT The House of Commons in London saw trouble and moved to give Guiana self- government power. Cheddi got majority at the polls and became the first premier. The political scene got nasty and race conflict followed.

Fear of communism Cheddi continued to pursue his Marxist philosophy and the PNC put its foot down.

Hatred grew in the hearts of both sides.

UNITED FRONT A united front to shed the yoke of colonialism. The march to independence began.

But somewhere along the struggle, the solidarity of the two home leaders shattered though it was simply a variation of ideology.

Forbes favoured a western democratic state.

Cheddi - a socialist nation. Forbes founded his own party the People’s National Congress; Cheddi emerged with People’s Progressive Party.

PARTY POLITICS The seeds of race division were sown. The

THE RACIAL DIVIDE Boycotts, go slows and strikes ruled the day. Then plunder at nights. Fear gripped the nation then followed the final blow- the general strike. The country was at a standstill for 80 miserable days and nights. All suffered.

BLACK VS BROWN Race hatred spread like wild fire. Accusations, molestations and assaults were leveled at each other. Properties destroyed, injuries and death on a wide scale –Tit- fa tat Turn to page XXI ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XX

PLUNDER AND MAYHEM An infraction by one race led to another by the opposing side. A passenger launch, the Sir Chapman plying the Georgetown-Mackenzie rout was blown up by sabateurs. Loss of many lives.

SABOTAGE AND MURDER The consequences - death and rape to those believed to have been involved in this despicable act- the East Indians. And so the madness reigned and blood ran in the drains.

Curfews didn’t help. Law enforcement failed to control this genocide executed Guerrila style. Innocent lives lost. Perpetrators went unpunished. Communities in disarray, set apart by race racial enclaves created. Lives up- rooted. Dream shattered. Forced displacement. Two innocent civilian going home from a cinema show had their brains blown out by security forces --mistaken identity. I saw it all.

There they lay sprawled in a pool of blood and brains scattered across the road.

GONE IS FRIENDSHIP I remember a Black farmer was warned not to enter an East Indian neighbourhood on his way to his farm. He felt safe as he thought those Indian people liked him. He would give

them free provisions. But he was death wrong.

They beheaded him. I cried for this aged soul.

BLOODY RETALIATION In retaliation, in another community an East Indian man went to sell his paddy. He was told not to go but he did, saying the folks there were his friends and on this day he planned to give out charity. Dead wrong. He was dismembered, cart smashed and donkey killed and fed to the dogs.

BRITISH SOLDIERS And so it went on. Britian, still the mother country was forced to send in the military.

They restored some calm, but that was in the physical environment. In offices, field and factory, the discrimination was felt. Both races suffered.

NO SCRUPLES In my community on the West Coast of Demerara I witnessed the suffering of people who had their houses torched. One Negro guy, born and bred there, married and lived with an Indian woman and built his house, one board at a time. He had to flee as his house was burnt to the ground and the perpetrators tortured his wife for living with him. She became a cripple.

A well-known station master, a black man liked by all, was ordered out of an Indian

village. He refused to leave thinking he was safe. Dead wrong. A fire was lit under his house and as he came down to extinguish it he was shot dead. This was heart- rending to me.

FRIEND OR NO FRIEND But what really hurt me was when a buddy of mine, warned me to stay clear from him.

He and I slept together. Almost brothers. I called his mother ‘’Mom.’’ He saw me with bloody eyes and bleeding heart. He warned: “I am a black man Abdool, you’re a coolie, stay far or you’ll face trouble.”

And the politicians could just watch as their people cut each other’s throats and destroyed the fabric of social life.

But people assiduously prayed for the return of normalcy and the good Lord answered NEW BLOOD LEADERSHIP Fresh elections were held and democracy restored. Calm prevailed. The PNC and UF coalition took the fragile ship of state to the shore of independence.

XXI NO REPEAT The inhumanity inflicted on all would be remembered by those who lived through it. I did and saw many acts of decadence. It was cruel. It was humiliating and disgusting. We prayed and hoped that there would be no repeat of the early 60’s. Paradise is regained and though racism is still around, it’s in the mind and hearts of just a small number.

The colour of your skin is not the colour of your blood. Let that blood flow pure. Love conquers all. Guyana is on the move. Not Negro and Africa; not Indians and India.

GUYANESE Let’s be thankful for this blessed country. Live and let live. Life is good.

He who hates destroys his treasures. Be grateful for your birth, serve your creator and your fellow man The here-after awaits.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

OUR PROTECTED BIRDS Last week, we looked at “Protected Mammals in Guyana”. This week, we will look at “Protected Birds” as we continue to

examine Guyana’s rich biodiversity.

By doing so, you will learn more about the value of biodiversity to us as people since it provides food, clean water, air and livelihoods. The United Nations has declared 2017 the Inter-

national Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and biodiversity is an important part of what attracts tourists to our country.

Why protect birds?

It is common to ask “why protect birds?” Often, talk about bird conservation,

wildlife researchers and scientists work to save birds from extinction tend to be just too scientific! While we may be given scientific information to support the need for bird conservation, we are rarely given reasons to which we can easily relate. It is important to know why bird conservation is important to our life and environment. To start off, here are some good reasons: ● Beauty and interest: Birds are beautiful, they add interest to the natural environment with their bright colors, wide range of shapes and sizes, flight patterns and sounds or bird calls. ● Indicators of change: Birds can indicate changes in the environment e.g. climate change. Any big decrease in the number of birds and change in behavior usually means that something is not right with the

environment. Not only do scientists regularly observe birds to tell if there is any danger to the environment, but so do animals in the wild! ● Insect control: Birds play a big role in the control of insect outbreaks. This is particularly important in both forest and urban habitats. ● Pollinators and Seed dispersal: Birds are important pollinators, for example humming birds. Also birds help to spread some trees by eating their fruits and dropping their seeds in a different location.

Not only are birds important predictors of natural disasters, they are also an important part of the foodchain in forest, wetlands, rivers and seas. Many natural predators depend on birds for food, for example, owls, hawks and eagles

feed on parrots while birds feed on fruits, insects, fish, worms etc. Birds are needed to maintain our forests, wetlands, savannahs etc. and it is important to ensure that these habitats are in a state that can support birdlife.

Turn to page XXIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

XXIII ● Bird call is a high-pitched chitter and sharp chi-tit, and the male’s song is a musical goldfinch-like melody with twitters and trills. ● The Siskin has been illegally trapped for the cage-bird trade and endangered by environmental factors.

◄◄◄ From page XXII

There is some evidence that maintaining healthy habitats is the most economical approach to protecting birds.

PROTECTED BIRDS OF GUYANA Here are some quick facts about some birds that are under legal protection in Guyana.

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. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ https://wildlifemusings.wordpress. com/2010/05/24/why-save-birds/

HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja) It is the only member of the genus Harpia harpyja.

It is the largest and most powerful raptor found in the Americas, and among the largest existing species of eagles in the world.

Female Harpy eagles typically weigh 6 to 9 kg (13 to 20 lb) with the male, in comparison, being much smaller and weighs only about 4 to 4.8 kg (8.8 to 10.6 lb).

The harpy eagle is an actively hunting carnivore and is an apex predator.

The plumage of males and females are identical.

(4 oz.) and are around 30 cm (12 in) long.

Young birds form pairs that stay together at about 4 to 5 months of age. Prior to breeding birds are seen feeding and grooming one another. Mating can last up to three minutes, after which pairs become very affectionate with each other.

The face and belly are orange with red around the ears.

SUN PARAKEET (Aratinga solstitialis) COMMON NAME: ‘THE SUN CONURE’ Very social birds, typically living in flocks.

Currently threatened by loss of habitat and trapping for plumage or the pet trade and is now listed as endangered by the IUCN. On average, weighs approximately 110g

RED SISKIN (Carduelis cucullata) ● Found in open country, forest edges and grassland with trees or shrubs. ● Female lays three greenish-white eggs in a grassy cup nest in a tree. ● Body length is about 10 cm long. ● Male is deep red, with black on the head while the female is grey on the head, breast, and upper parts.

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HANSEN'S DISEASE (LEPROSY) IS CURABLE AND NON-HEREDITARY At the end of January World Leprosy Day was observed world-wide and in Guyana, Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister within the Public Health Ministry launched a month of activities on Sunday 29th January at the Palms geriatric centre. The month of activities will include a country-wide campaign to inform citizens of the disease and to aim at eliminating the stigma and prejudices against sufferers from the the disease.

Leprosy is one of the most destructive diseases which afflict human beings and causes sores all over the body, destruction of the skin, loss of limbs and horrible disfigurement, and in its advanced stages, disables sufferers.

It is one of the most ancient diseases known and examples have been discovered in pre-historic remains and in the most ancient Civilizations such as the Egyptian, Babylonian and Indian.

Until the 19th century, people felt it was a divine curse on sufferers who were isolated from the rest of Society. The only persons who gave help and succour to the sufferers were priests, monks and religious people. It was felt the disease was incurable, highly infectious and hereditary.

Medical Science from ancient times until the 19th century tried a number of treatments, some of them quite grotesque, but no uniformly successful cure was found. The nearest treatment to full effectiveness was calmoogra oil which was a treatment given in the Vedas, the ancient Hindu texts of 4000 B.C. and examples of calmoogra oil effectuating cures were found in India and China. Western Medicine adopted calmoogra oil as a treatment and in the 19th century it was widely used. In Guyana, it was well-known and used.

In 1873, Dr. Hansen, a Norwegian scientist, was able to isolate the bacteria which caused leprosy and this was the beginning of scientists working to find a successful cure. In the 20th century, a successful cure was discovered. That treatment was known as MDT - Multi Drug Treatment and consisted of a combination of three drugs - Dapsone, Rifadin and Lamprene.

Since the term or description "leprosy" had so many prejudices and negative connotations attached to it and to call some a "leper" was the worst of insults, the term "Hansen's Disease" has now widely replaced it. Now, even doctors and other medical personnel use "Hansen's Disease" to describe the disease.

In Guyana, in the 19th century, sufferers from Hansen's Disease were isolated on an island in the Essequibo river and most fatalisti-

cally considered the disease to be a death sentence. The disease was regarded as hereditary and children and relatives were equally shunned and before one married into a family, some research was done to ascertain whether anyone in that family had been infected by the disease..

In the 20th century, a new era dawned.

The inmates of the island in the Essequibo River were removed and eventually placed in the Mahaica Hospital which was an institution specially built for Hansen Disease sufferers.

Later, another treatment centre was developed at the Palms. Treatment in Guyana is free, but since the stigma and prejudice is still so strong, many who have contracted the disease put off going for treatment until the disease would have advanced. This month's campaign is directed to exorcise the stigma and prejudice from Society.

The disease is curable and efforts are being made at the international level and here in Guyana, to eradicate it completely as had been done in the case of small-pox. Small-pox was once one of the most feared diseases in the world.

Before we conclude this offering, we would like to underline the following: Participate and have children participate in the information campaigns mounted by the Ministry of Public Health during the month; know that Hansen's Disease is not hereditary and is curable, and that the earlier one seeks treatment, the greater are the chances of a quick cure. Most important, the Society must make the effort to deal with their prejudices against sufferers and must not shun or isolate them. To still hold such stigma and prejudices belong to an ancient world which would have had vestiges of barbarism.

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Steelband explosion this week-end 17 large and small school bands vie for honours

By Shirley Thomas MASHRAMANI wouldn’t be Mashramani in Guyana, and certainly not a ‘Caribbean thing’ without the enthralling and captivating presence of the steel pans, filling the air with sweet frolic and generating rhythm and rich symphony, as Guyanese gyrate and celebrate the festivity in traditional Guyanese style.

Touted as the biggest event in music during Mashramani celebrations, the Steelband Competition is growing tremendously.

And so, at this time around, there’s a hive of activities around schools and elsewhere as competing bands prepare for the National Republic Bank Pan-O-Rama 2017 competition, scheduled to take place over two nights – Saturday February 18 and Sunday 19, 2017.

On Day one (Saturday) the National Pan Jazz /Pan Duets and Pan Solo Steel will see heated competition when 24 jubilant and energetic competitors hit the stage, at the Theatre Guild Playhouse, Parade Street, Kingston. Starting time is 18:00 hrs.

Meanwhile, Day two of the Steelband Competition will see 17 large and small bands vying for the coveted title at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Carifesta Avenue.

In each category there will be a first, second and third place winner.

The large school bands category caters mainly to the large established bands which have been able to expand their size from 13

members up, as against the small, having between 8 and 12 members.

The big band category or the community band caters to bands such as the Guyana Police Force Band, National School of Music Band, Pan Grove School Orchestra, Parkside Steel Orchestra, Buxton Pride Steel Orch and others.

Truly deserving of kudos, Republic Bank over the last ten years, has continued to keep steel band in Guyana alive through generous sponsorship of the art form. Testament to this was the handing

the sponsorship. She referred to it as a positive, tangible partnership from a good corporate citizen.

The money donated represents sponsorship of cash prizes for the Republic BankPan-O-Rama Steelband Competition “that spans ten years of continued commitment to honouring our corporate social responsibilities that contribute to the moulding of the nation’s future tangibly, “ said Mr. Sammy.

In an invited comment, Administrator of the National School of Music Andrew-

over of a donation of $2.8 Million from RBL to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture to offset the 2017 Mashramani Pan-O-Rama.

In handing over the cheque to Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, RBL Managing Director, Richard Sammy said that his company remained committed to the development of the art form as it engages youth and culture which serve as the bedrock of any society.

Minister Henry expressed gratitude, emphasizing that the ministry welcomed

Tyndal, said that RBL’s sponsorship goes beyond just sponsoring competitions.

“They also sponsor developmental programmes which contribute to the sustainable development and expansion of the art form through their ‘Power to make a Difference’ Programme.

Meanwhile, congratulations are in order for other entities that have, from time to time, donated or undertaken sponsorship of school bands in whatever form, since as attested to by the Administrator of the National School of Music, Andrew Tyndal

and conductors and instructors of school bands, attaining and up-keeping a steel band is an ultra-expensive undertaking.

Other companies that have offered sponsorship or in any way financially supported school bands include: DIGICEL sponsoring Parkside Steel Orch; Buxton Pride by Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry; Bartica, sponsored by GUYOIL; North Ruimveldt Multilateral School by their school alumni to name a few. Mahaicony and Berbice High are expected to compete this year. And Queen’s College has re-emerged after holding off for one or two competitions.

Tyndal wants to put the community on notice that there’s a role for them to play since, “preparing for the competition is quite a challenge for some bands, because with bands, it is very expensive,” he said.

There’s the expense of maintain your instruments.

You have to tune them; buy new costumes and that’s quite an expensive exercise,” Tyndall reasoned.

It is to this end that the Music Administrator threw out a call to the corporate community to come on board and offer sponsorship for the many schools, eager to set up bands, but financially weak and even more crucial – for school bands which cannot afford to tune, let alone buy new instruments.

The administrator reasoned that every time that a band is sponsored and kept up and running, it’s about 30 youths who Turn to page XXXI ►►►

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Deepened regional integration is critical to CARICOM economic development

President Granger attended the Fifth Summit of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Punta, Cana, Dominican Republic as Chairman of CARICOM

The Caribbean Community serves as one of the longest surviving integration movements among developing countries and seeks to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members. Guyana is home to the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters and was among the four founding member states of CARICOM which was established on July 4, 1973, under the Treaty of Chaguaramas. In the years since its establishment, CARICOM has made significant strides in promoting regional cooperation, in areas of education, health, culture and security.

In January of this year, Guyana assumed Chairmanship of CARICOM and President David Granger pledged to continue to guide the Community on the path of sustainable development and to advance the regional integration process. In his New Year message to the Caribbean Community, President Granger said that it is in the interest of developing the economies of the region for the benefit of the people of the Caribbean that CARICOM is taking steps to ensure that they are fully equipped to address the requirements of the 21st Century economy and society.

The President said that timely assessments will also be made to maximise the benefits of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the vehicle through which the region can achieve growth and development. But more importantly, the President plans to strengthen the pursuit of a Green Economy within the region and has said that CARICOM nations are well endowed with the requirements for this goal. “The effects of climate change continue to bedevil our countries as exemplified by Hurricane Matthew. The need to conserve and protect our environment, therefore, becomes

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XXVII

President David Granger sits among other Heads of Government during a presentation at the opening ceremony of the Thirty Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

even more pressing,” the President said in his message. Such actions, he continued, will also present the opportunity to leverage the abundant forests and wetlands as well as the marine resources of the Region and utilise them creatively to launch new pathways to social and economic development.

“This can be accomplished while ensuring that we help in the global commitment to limit the rise in global temperature to below 1.5 degrees,” President Granger said.

With the Chairmanship of CARICOM occurring on a rotational basis, President Granger has been prepared for the upcoming position for quite some time and had streamlined key areas of focus that he would tackle once taking up the positon.

On the January 20 edition of the Public Interest, President Granger said that he will continue to build on the work of

Secretary General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque during the Opening Ceremony of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Guyana last year, said that said that it is integration that will allow member states to achieve a level of development that the people desire and deserve

the founders as well as his predecessor, Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit. He said though, that much of his focus will go into advancing economic integration. “The CARICOM Single Market and Economy is very important to me and once we get the economy right I’m sure some other forms of cooperation will follow. There has been some challenges in the Caribbean… many of those countries have turned to Guyana as a place for investment... My thrust would be in the economy and I would like to move quickly towards building that CSME,” he said.

Focus on advancing the CSME was also a key point of discussion at the thirty seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Guyana, in July last year. At the opening ceremony, CARICOM’s Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, said that it is integration that will allow member states to achieve a level of development that the people desire and deserve.

The Meetings also featured discussions on the border relations between Guyana and Venezuela and Belize and Guatemala and other issues. Guyana has received support

from CARICOM with regard to the Guyana/Venezuela Border Dispute. In fact, during a visit to President Granger in June last year, Ambassador LaRocque said that CARICOM remains unwavering in its determination to preserve Guyana’s territorial integrity. “It is an issue that we are always on, at appropriate junctions, statements have been issued… and the matter of Guyana’s territorial integrity is sacrosanct and the Community will always be supporting Guyana in this issue,” the Ambassador said.

Since assuming Chairmanship, President Granger has made representation on behalf of CARICOM at high-level forums. On January 25, the Head of State attended the Fifth Summit of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Punta, Cana, Dominican Republic. There, he furthered CARICOM’s agenda by stating that the Caribbean Community looks to CELAC to Turn to page XXVIII ►►►

XXVIII ◄◄◄ From page XXVII

complement the integrative process especially in light of varied economic, environmental and security threats that the member states face.

During an interview on the side lines of his visit at the CELAC Summit, the President reiterated his concern for issues affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDs) and his wish to ensure that the relations between the large and small states within CELAC are strengthened. “My intention is to ensure that the interests of the community as a whole are served by ensuring that the relationships between the larger states and the smaller states remain on an even keel and work toward the benefit of all our peoples,” the President said. The President also called on CELAC to erect institutions and agencies, which possess the capability of preventing conflict, promoting peace and of pursuing peace-making initiatives in order to give meaning to the Region’s quest to be a

Zone of Peace. These institutions and agencies would prove useful, especially in light of the ongoing border controversy between CELAC member states Guyana and Venezuela.

Apart from his attendance at the CELAC Summit, the President also attended the Inauguration of the 58th President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency Jovenel Moise, on February 7.

There, the President said that that his presence represented CARICOM standing in solidarity with Haiti which has suffered major catastrophes over the past 15 years. The President said that CARICOM will be working to ensure that it aids in the revival of the Haitian economy. “We expect that at the next intercessional meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government and Heads of State, we will address the economy and we feel that Haiti has a very important role to play in producing goods for that economy and also in attract investments from donor countries… Haiti is

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

President Granger also attended the the Inauguration of the 58th President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency Jovenel Moise on February 7

a big market and we would like to see Haiti recover from its environmental problems as quickly as possible because what is good for Haiti is good for the Community,” the President said.

CARICOM will also look at maintaining its strong relations with the United States, which, President Granger has said has

remained fruitful over the years through the established Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. Guyana’s Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community places the country in a pivotal position to help to deepen regional integration among member states while addressing key concerns affecting small island developing states.

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TRIUMPH OF THE

"UNDERCLASS"

By Hubert Williams

Boston, Massachusetts, October 21, 2014 -- In 2003, in a lengthy document sent to the office of Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, reacting to her extremely well presented book “Living History”, I had expressed misgivings over societal weaknesses and the emerging role of well-educated, highly-placed working women which could have the unintended consequence under Democracy of an ‘underclass’ literally controlling small jurisdictions such as those in the English-speaking Caribbean… and, in the fullness of time, large jurisdictions, too.

She is absolutely a “women’s libber” and a very strong proponent of an education system which separates girls and boys, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels.

Of her own experience at Wellesley College in Boston (one of the world’s foremost women’s universities), she wrote: “Unlike some of the smart girls in my high school, who felt pressure to forsake their own ambitions for more traditional lives, my Wellesley classmates wanted to be

recognized for their ability, hard work and achievements. This may explain why there is a disproportionate number of women’s college graduates in professions in which women tend to be under-represented.”

Obviously, traditionalism is not Hillary Clinton’s way. Indeed, she was very caustic about some of her bright high school classmates who, with boyfriend blinkers, were diverted from the path to higher academic achievements. I repeat - they “felt pressure to forsake their own ambitions for more traditional lives…”

My document to Mrs. Clinton’s Office noted that there were other critical considerations…. “Herself the mother of only one, and with many outstanding women from the Wellesley-type university system highly successful but childless, Hillary Clinton could well have raised another education-linked issue of international import and significance… for it would seem that the super qualified, highly disciplined, professionally well-located women who one might consider to be superbly prepared for guiding the lives of children into responsible adulthood and citizenship are having few or no children,

whereas there is virtual mass production at the lower end of the education/economic/ social/moral spectrum. By force of sheer numbers, their offspring will in time come

to dominate, if not terrorize, these societies.

“The solution to America’s distressing Turn to page XXX ►►►

XXX ◄◄◄ From page XXIX

inner city problem might”, I had written in 2003, “therefore appear to lie less in the greater access to health care and other social services for which Hillary Clinton has so courageously campaigned, and more in upper and middle class women stop behaving as though babies were an unbearable burden in the justifiable struggle for rights and respect and therefore a barrier to women’s elevation.”

It is time for the educated and professionally well-positioned women to begin trying to manage larger families because the safety and survival of their future generations depend on it. Adoption wouldn’t work; for there can never by any certainty what quality genes are being brought into the household.

There is a fundamental woman’s role that, however smart they are, men cannot assume: they can’t get babies.

The signs are clear throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean that with the social/ legal stigma of illegitimacy a thing of the past, it is the teenagers and school dropouts who are mostly productive, some of them by age 30 could have as many as six children. I knew of one who was a grandmother before 30, for her eldest daughter began reproducing at the same early age that she did… with virtually no education, little knowledge of hygiene, poor nutrition habits, and likely to “drag up” their offspring very much in the manner they were. There was the case in the Barbados Nation newspaper recently of an injured and unwed 23-year-old who already had three children and was heavily pregnant with the fourth.

Let’s look at a 2006 report in the same newspaper, quoting figures from the Island’s Statistical Bureaux: Eight 14-year-olds became mothers in 2005, twenty-one 15-yearolds; fifty-six 16-year-olds; eighty-eight

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

17-year-olds; and 358 18-and-19-year-olds; and among the lot were “some with their second and third pregnancies”. In that year, the total population of this 430 sq. km. (166 sq. ml) island was about 270,000.

The figures above refer only to teens who got their babies at the government hospital. The report said it was the first time in 8 years that no births were recorded there for 13-year-olds; the first time since 1979 that less than ninety 17-year-olds had given birth, and the second lowest number of births recorded for 19-year-olds in ten years”.

A family physician remarked that the statistics had not shown how many schoolchildren actually got pregnant, had miscarriages, were forced to have terminations for medical reasons, or even requested abortions.

I have no statistics on the Guyana situation, though judging from credible reports in the country’s newspapers one can safely assume that social conditions there and levels of discipline among its youths trail those in Barbados by a wide margin… making the country not the most attractive for the highly qualified children of its widespread Diaspora.

Some women in the Region tend to consider children their “riches” and “blessings” and struggle to bring them up as best they can, in many cases without partners.

This kind of numbers game was best exemplified years ago in a Windward Island hospital maternity ward during the visit of a distinguished British personage well known for humourous asides. At one bed he asked the patient cuddling her new baby how many children she now had, and the response was “8, Sir”. As he moved on to the next bed, the response was “10, Sir”, and to the same question at a third bed, the new baby made it “13, Sir”… at which the distinguished personage turned to his aides and remarked “this must be some sort of factory”.

Limited cost-free educational opportunities for the Region’s poor (even now being whittled away in Barbados and some other jurisdictions through economic stringencies) and an abnormally high drop-out rate are combining to place large numbers of Caribbean youth not only into the rising tide of the unemployed, but increasingly in the ranks of the ill-prepared and unemployables. They are not really equipped to do anything an employer would want. Rampant technology and widespread mechanization are combining to sideline manual labour; and many who have neither education nor skills will likely seek survival through unlawful means. In Guyana, for instance, the crime rate is alarmingly high... with Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and a few other islands experiencing disturbing increases.

One regional prime minister had sought to avoid distorting his island’s unemployment profile by placing some of the jobless into a different category he called the “voluntarily idle”… by which he meant that even if there were jobs available, some young people just don’t want to work.

However, regardless of the lack of education, their state of unemployment, minuscule knowledge of life in general, and an incapacity to make any worthwhile contribution to economic and social development, they are young, robust and producing children like crazy.

Mark you, a minority of these children will – as some children do everywhere – rise well beyond the level of their environment, embrace education, strive hard and succeed; but the pity is, they will certainly then have far fewer children than those (my Mother would have said good-for-nothing) growmates who they have left behind.

That’s part of the problem to which I referred in the document to Mrs. Clinton’s office (I hope she read it). Successful wom-

en like herself are afraid to have more than one or two babies, whereas those who have achieved little or nothing are having them ‘fast and furious’.

The unsuitable and very challenging environment in which many children are being brought up gives cause for grave concern. So often one sees the poor standards demonstrated on the streets. A school bus has mechanical failure outside my home in Barbados and during the waiting time for a relief vehicle there is a constant stream of expletives, from both boys and girls, in casual conversation.

Worse, it didn’t matter to them that adults were within hearing.

A young woman with three tiny-mites trailing behind her thumps one’s head with her fist because he wasn’t walking fast enough, and shouts coarse language to a bigger one because, she said, he was talking too much. And I asked “Do you have to ill-treat them because of that?”… and she says “It’s none of your ‘so-and-so’ business”.

Such scenes are played out daily and it is a matter of concern the extent to which, in a previously very civil and courteous society, angry parents are using any kinds of words in scolding their young children… thus helping to create a widening swathe of the unlearned and the uncouth in the society; all the while, scrupulous selection in the embassies/high commissions of foreign states give most of their entry visas to the educated, and deportees versed in big city crime continue to stream back to the Region. Recent figures out of Guyana say that about 85% of those graduating from the university and other tertiary level institutions migrate northwards.

Overworked, underpaid and insufficiently appreciated teachers will not only have to face increasing indiscipline and mal-performance in the classroom from resistant students, but also threats from some ignorant, ill-informed and angry parents when they emerge from the school precincts.

Not surprisingly, a drug culture is becoming dominant among many of the young, not merely personal use, but serious trafficking, with gunplay and murder becoming disturbingly frequent, particularly so since abolition of the death penalty. The gunner who has no fear of losing his own life is always likely to shoot at will, and, if caught and convicted knows that he will only spend some time in jail, at Her Majesty’s or the President’s pleasure, depending on whether the jurisdiction has or has not advanced (?) into republicanism.

Whatever the incapacities of the broadening cadre of school drop-outs and social deviants, Democracy accords each man and woman (except specifically disqualified) one vote - from 18 years up… It is this burgeoning uneducated underbelly of West Indian society, as I’ve said, with the youth and strength for rapid reproduction (often incapable of wise choices or the knowledge and skill to rear children well) that will eventually determine in what direction these small societies go.

Their votes will largely dictate who governs, the kind of administration that results, the level of professionalism and fairness within both the Police and Defence Forces (the Guyana Press has had a number of examples of policemen and soldiers involved in crimes), and the extent to which people in the “Heights”, the “Terraces” and “Gated Communities” depend on security cameras, wrought iron grills, barbed wire fences, fierce dogs and (particularly in Guyana and Jamaica) armed guards for home security.

Democracy is resulting in social reorganization, sometimes to a distressing degree, in these small mainly tourism-dependent jurisdictions where those wielding political power are discovering that it is a really tough job to manage social change.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page XXV

will be able to be involved and engaged constructively, so they don’t have time to focus on the negatives in society.

But time is winding down and schools are in rehearsal mode. Trekking around Georgetown, it is interesting to see the hive of activities around secondary schools as the bands prepare. Some students are forgoing lunch break, while others still, practice after school in the afternoon and so around schools such as Queen’s College, President’s College, North Ruimveldt Secondary; Lodge Secondary, Bishop’s High and St. Rose’s High, there’s always sweet music on the ear around those hours.

Excited that this year there will be an increased number of school bands participating, Tyndal said that government has signaled its intention to have music brought back into the school curriculum, and for it to be an integral part of the child’s expe-

rience in school, adding that a part of that project allows for 15 new school bands to be established over a five-year period.

Tyndal said that in addition to providing the instruments through the National School of Music and the Unit of Allied Arts, provision is being made to ensure they have instructors and that they have a programme up and running.

But even as time winds down and the schools are in rehearsal mode, some, even though very promising still do not have their own instruments, or the instruments need tuning, and so they have not been getting the amount of practice hours required to make any big hit on the competition.

Commenting on the prohibitive cost of acquiring and maintaining a steelband today, Acting Head of North Ruimveldt Secondary (with a reputation for winning), Sir Kerwyn Mars said that runs into millions of dollars.

“How much you put into it, you don’t get back. To tune one pan … say a tenor tan, if you don’t have a minimum of say $40,000, you can’t tune it. Imagine having six tenor pans; so many double seconds; you got so many guitars. And now tuners are charging for individual pieces. So when you have to tune say about 100 pans, imagine what it costs,” Mars commented.

But while say, North Ruimveldt is contending that they experienced a late start at practice this year, by launching out on January 9, at least one other school has said that they have so far, had less than 10 practice sessions to date. Albeit, systems have been put in place to ensure there is no clash of academic study hours with music instruction hours for pan players.

North Ruimveldt, with a solid track record of wins in the competition, is now bracing them selves for stiff competition from Queen’s College which has re-

XXXI emerged into the competition this year, after a short break. Both bands are expressing confidence about carting off the prizes this year.

Reiterating his call for sponsorship for bands, the Music Administrator said: “From my office I say to corporate entities, ‘It’s always good to invest in steel band.

When you invest in a steel band, you are investing in the development of young persons. You’re providing an activity for young people to be involved in, and keeping them off the streets and getting involved in illegal activities or activities that will not bring any good to the community’,” Tyndal said.

The administrator reasoned that every time that a band is sponsored and kept up and running, it’s about 30 youths who will be able to be involved and engaged constructively, so they don’t have time to focus on the negatives in society.

XXXII

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Encourage more love in our society Trust you all are having a great week.

Trust you are having a super Sunday and enjoying some precious family time.

Last week I attended the launch of UN World Inter-faith Harmony Week and it was great to see all the religious and cultural groups and people from all walks of life interacting with each other.

I think we are all more alike than we are different and should appreciate the diversity that comes with variation.

Have a vision for your life and for humanity. We should not be overly concerned with another person’s religious or political affiliations but instead, ask of the people you meet: Are you making the most of your life? Can we see ourselves in another person and treat them accordingly? When you lie in bed at night, are you happy with how you spent your day? When you awaken in the morning, are you hungry for higher heights? We

can bring out the best in each other as a testament to the heights that humanity can ascend to.

“Our human compassion binds us one to the other - not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future”.

-Nelson Mandela What have you done for humanity lately? Humanity faces many unavoidable challenges that require our best defenses without us creating additional unnecessary problems between ourselves. Love is the greatest catalyst of harmony and it always uplifts. As there is always a shortage of enough love, be giving of it always, especially in those times it feels the hardest. “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its op-

posite.”-Nelson Mandela This man was a mentor that I was hoping to meet one day but I certainly will be visiting his cell, God’s willing, during my upcoming trip to South Africa. It is impossible not to have great respect and admiration for someone who spent over two decades in prison and found a way to love rather than hate. I enjoyed reading a walk to freedom which gave a good insight into the life of an extraordinary man. I also admire the strength Winnie Mandela displayed during those challenging years.

What the world needs now is love sweet love. The colour of love radiates from a much centered space and an omnipresent time! Grounded in the essence of the universe as all-providing, this natural vibe is transcendent, permeating all bigotry, bias, and barrier. Its ethos is rooted in liberation and liberty and its range of emancipating elements define our textured and triumphant existence.

Earth and Nature enliven the soul, in their ever-evolving hues, making us earthy, natural and above all, loving!

We use the word love to describe a lot of things. We love food. We love music. We love a good joke and we love having a good time. Love at first sight and the list goes on. One love we can be sure is everlasting is the love God has for us no matter HOW MANY TIMES WE MESS UP. I LOVE THIS QUOTE FROM MOTHER TERESA, "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. What does love mean to you?

IT IS A LOVE THING. This is the LOVE REVOLUTION, colouring our world in warm tones of sunrise yellow, sunset orange, terracotta soil and rain forest green. I love life and people. When I decided to launch the LOVE REVOLUTION last year, the objective was to get people from around the country of different backgrounds in one space. That evening at the Pegasus had moments I will never forget. Patrons were greeted by some lovely hostesses who pinned the love revolution button to their attire while listening to relaxing music from Ras Camo. The button gesture was meant to start a conversation about love while pinning it on someone else.

All evening, inspiring quotes from Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, John Maxwell and others were reflecting on the wall.

The evening was graced with a dramatic spoken word from Eden Corbin and a dynamic presentation from Dr. Linda Wallace. It was a sight to behold standing in the Victoria lounge looking down to the oasis at happy faces from all ethnicities greeting each other with hugs, having drinks and chatting with each other as my friend Max Massiah serenaded us with his rendition of "What the world needs now is love, sweet love" on his saxophone. The evening concluded with Rashlie Joseph singing Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’ and many persons including wife of the Prime Minister, Sita Nagamoto, Hon. Minister Dr. Karen Cummings, businessman Roshan Khan, businesswoman Dee George and Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall on stage holding hands while singing along.

What do you think we can do to encourage more love in our society?

Send us an email to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com.

Tune in Monday to Friday to Radio Guyana 89.5 at 7:15 for BEYOND THE RUNWAY and for past episodes, check our FB Page BEYOND THE RUNWAY as we continue this beautiful journey called life Beyond The Runway.

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The Brooklyn Bridge

– Brodie’s bridge to fame

Steve Brodie saw a way to use the Brooklyn Bridge for self-promotion and did it. It brought him a measure of fame and fortune.

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the great engineering feats of the 19th century. Opened in 1883, it ranked high among the world’s first great suspension spans. From shore to shore, across the East River, the bridge is 1,091 meters (3,579 feet) long, with the central span 486 meters (1,595 feet).

After completion, the “Great Bridge” connecting downtown Man-hattan (at City Hall) to downtown Brooklyn near Borough Hall was referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

On May 19, 1885, two years after completion, Robert

Odlum, a physical fitness trainer, jumped off the bridge on a bet. It surprised no one that Odlum died in the attempt.

Experts agreed that the odds of anyone surviving the plunge were practically nil.

So when on July 23, 1886, headlines in New York City newspapers announced that Steve Brodie successfully jumped off the bridge for a $100 bet and lived, it was trumpeted as a great story.

However, eyewitnesses claimed they saw him fake the Brooklyn Bridge jump and there was always suspicion that the reports were a hoax. Skeptics said Brodie had a friend toss a dummy off the bridge and that Brodie hid under a nearby pier only to swim out when rescue boats approached the scene.

Steve Brodie, a bookie, gained the publicity he was seeking, and it made him a celebrity. A tavern he opened shortly after in the Bowery became very popular among sightseers.

For a while, he was an exhibit at Alexander’s museum at 347 Bowery, bragging about his exploits. His “permanent exhibit” began in 1890, when he opened a saloon at 114 Bowery.

Hanging on the wall of his saloon was an oil painting of his jump. There was also on display an affidavit from the barge captain who had rescued him.

Brodie’s Bowery saloon-museum made him prosperous.

It became a popular tourist attraction. Tour buses stopped there and tour guides described the place as “one of the great historical scenes of the city.”

Brodie also became an actor in several shows, notably playing himself in a touring show called “On the Bowery” in which he recreated his legendary leap on stage.

Brodie’s life gave New York a phrase, at least temporarily. “Pulling (or doing) a brodie” first became slang for a suicidal leap. Later it was used for “a fall, failure, or flop.”

Later, in 1888, when Brodie was said to have repeated the stunt at Poughkeepsie’s Railroad Bridge, only the local paper carried the story of this dubious event.

The old Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle reported in 1888 that Brodie leaped from the bridge, was rescued by some friends in a rowboat, and taken to New York to recover. The Daily Eagle’s successor, The Poughkeepsie Journal, looked back on Thursday, May 9, 1974 and referred to the supposed event as a “death-defying leap by dare devil Steve Brodie in 1888.”

The legend lives on. Brodie had his day in the sun. But many questions remain.

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Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins After years of telling people Chemotherapy is the only way to try ('try', being the key word) to eliminate cancer, Johns Hopkins is finally starting to tell

you there is an alternative way.

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until

they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, but also to environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet to eat more adequately and healthy, 4-5 times/day and by including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc., and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9.. When the body has too much toxic burden from Turn to page XXXV â–şâ–şâ–ş

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chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

CANCER CELLS FEED ON: a. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc. are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt. b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus..

By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved. c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer. d.. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day.

Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).. e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.

13.. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering.

By refraining from meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Florescence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit.

A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level.

Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

Region 5 Administration backing Balika for the Chutney Monarchy crown

Balika Seenarine

By Clifford Stanley Last year Balika Seenarine won the best newcomer prize at the Guyana Chutney Monarch Competition.

This year the talented and dynamic singer from Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) is going for the crown and nothing less.

She is ready, she told Chronicle last week.

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Representatives of the Region 5 Administration Sandie Ross (centre) and Ms Janice Whyte at right presenting a cheque to Ms Balika Seenarine

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

“Serena belongs in same conversation as Ali, Michael Jordan” Serena Williams won the Australian Open for a seventh time last month, passing Steffi Graf for the most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open era with 23.

Prior to her title in Melbourne, many considered Serena to be the greatest female tennis player of all time. Upon setting the record, the majority of fans and pundits argued that she firmly cemented her status as the unequivocal best.

Andy Roddick, the former U.S. Open champion who has known Williams since they were children, took it a step further. He believes that the American’s accomplishments transcend tennis.

“Saying she’s the best woman athlete shouldn’t be taken as offensive as long as she’s in the conversation with the greatest male athletes of all time as well,” Roddick told ESPN. “We need to enter her into the conversation with [Michael] Jordan and [Muhammad] Ali. “I think that’s where the respect lies, and where the conversation needs to go, after the acknowledgement of what she’s done for women in sports.”

Williams, who retook the No. 1 ranking from Angelique Kerber with her championship Down Under, was asked to respond to being called one of the greatest female athletes of all time at Wimbledon last summer.

She famously responded, “I prefer the word, ‘one of the greatest athletes of all time.”

At 35 years old, the seven-time Wimbledon champion is showing no signs of slowing down. She didn’t drop a set in her seven matches in Australia, and wasn’t even forced to a tiebreaker.

Her next major singles title would tie her with Margaret Court for the most in the history of the sport. ◄◄◄ From page XXXVI

And she will be going with the best wishes and support of the Administration of her home Region.

Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison arranged for the young lady to get a monetary gift from the Region to support her with expenses related to her participation in the competition.

In a short presentation ceremony Morrison described her as a “citizen of the region” and therefore entitled to support from the Administration inn her quest for her first win .

Last year, Balika told Chronicle, her hit tune was entitled Indian Gyal a classic , feel the rhythm,chutney song about herself.

This year her song is entitled Dulahin Chalay Sasural another typical chutney sizzler which is a song about an Indian newlywed girl going to live at the home of her in-laws.

Balika who started singing from the age of nine at Mandirs, told Chronicle that this song explains Hindu wedding customs, such as the four day process of a Hindu wedding starting with what happens on Maticore night, then dulawa night and then the wedding day. The traditional stuff.

You will feel the rhythm. I think its good enough to win the monarchy,” she said.

She will be backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra.

She is upbeat, dynamic and confident.

“I know I am good . I am aiming for the top; aiming to be a true professional one day and be an inspiration to other young artistes,” she said.

“Next week competition will be another step upwards for me,” she said.

The Guyana Chutney Monarch Competition, seen by many as “showdown” between fifteen competitors, Balika included, will take place at Canje in Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne) on the evening of Saturday February 18th next.

Ms Seenarine expressed her appreciation for the support of the Region 5 Administration in her challenge for the crown.

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Gadget Ogling: Gaming's New Virtual Reality Frontier and Personal Cargo Robots

Welcome to Gadget Dreams and Nightmares, the column that occasionally stops gaping at contentious Senate confirmation hearings and votes to peruse the latest gadget announcements.

This time around, we're looking at some of the gadgets that perhaps got a little lost in the noise after CES in January but caught our eye, for better or worse. Among them are a 4-D arcade machine and a robot designed to carry all the things you don't want to.

As ever, dear readers, this is not a review column, in part because these products have yet to reach the public sphere, but mostly because the chances of my actually ever using said products are slim. The ratings relate only to how much I'd like to try them, should the stars align.

REALITY BITES Regular readers will know that I've played games my entire life. I hold deep reverence for the care and attention that go into creating these experiences, and I've rarely met a game I didn't want to conquer.

Yet I am nervous about virtual reality. I've tried it and found those disorientating worlds difficult to handle, though I suspect that over time I could grow more accustomed to it.

I doubt I could say the same for an arcade machine that both locks me into a VR world and pelts me with physical stimuli.

Koei Tecmo Wave's VR Sense machine is a virtual reality arcade cabinet that houses you and subjects you to what I can only imagine is sheer torture. It has what Koei Tecmo Wave calls a "3D seat," which attempts to draw players further into the games through touch, movement, aroma, wind, and temperature and precipitation changes. It's not completely clear as yet whether you have to wear a headset for the full VR effect.

It's launching with three games: a horse-riding simulator, a version of Koei Tecno Wave's Dynasty Warrior franchise (with a stab at replicating in-game flames while you swelter in your moving chair), and a horror game.

I enjoy horror titles. However, I'd be less likely to welcome a VR horror game, as I'd probably come close to having a heart attack or three. There's next to no chance I'd ever try Horror Sense.

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English 2017-02-12

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Students, To comprehend is to use a skill which is concerned with the understanding of what we read or hear. One dictionary puts it this way: “To comprehend is to understand meaning or nature by using the mind.” When you comprehend you engage your mind to participate in language, or to share language at work or language in use. The process is only deemed successful if the reader or listener, writer or speaker responds correctly to the given language experience. Be wise.

Love you COMPOSITION 1. Word Choice Remember we said last week that in an examination room, it is better to use simple and direct language which is much better for both writer and marker? All right, but some students take this to the extreme.

These generally dislike big words and ‘difficult’ phrases. They honestly feel that a reading text becomes easier when there is the absence of large words. But is it really so?

Here are two simple paragraphs which tell the same story but each is written differently. One has explanatory or/ and descriptive phrases, the other has words that stand in the place of phrases. See for yourself which paragraph is easier to read and why.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

But as I rav’d and grew more fierce and wild At every word, Methought I heard one calling, “Child”; And I replied, “My Lord.”

GEORGE HERBERT (1593-1633), The Collar, 1633.

About the Passages Have you noticed that the first paragraph is almost ridiculous? Yes. It clearly shows that it is not always that smaller words are better to be used.

Longer words do have their place and purpose in writing.

They make writing easier to read and understand. To explain it simply - the message comes out crisper with appropriate word choices.

Have you noticed the root words, suffixes and prefixes?

They are still useful in good writing.

Use root words, and prefixes and suffixes to make interesting writing. It is not too late to become refreshed on spelling some of them.

Example: work+er which means person who works; hard+er which means more hard.

You should not be mistaken that all +er words mean ‘one who does’ or ‘a thing that does.’ Er can mean more and also.

Pay attention to your context.

2. Meaning of figurative expressions There is another way of writing that forces your mind to think about the real meaning of words. It makes you look for the real meaning that is not in the words of the text, but between the lines.

Paragraph 1 Simon stood in front of the tall glass door of the old mansion and looked at himself in a proud manner. In one hand he held a toy machine gun made of wood. He imagined himself on the stage. He thought it must be full of wonder to be one who acts. The audience greets you with applause that has thunder in it as you make your act of entering on the stage. When you finish your scene, the audience shouts to call you back again till it is without breath. You bow in a manner full of grace. You have fame and you earn such a large salary that it cannot be believed. Suddenly his mother interrupted Simon’s day dreaming by calling out, “Put down that machine gun and come to dinner.”

Paragraph 2 Simon stood in front of the tall glass door of the old mansion and looked at himself proudly. In one hand he held aloft a wooden toy machine gun. He imagined himself on the stage. He thought it must be wonderful to be an actor. The audience greets you with thunderous applause as you make your entrance on the stage. When you finish your scene the audience shouts to recall you till it is breathless.

You bow gracefully. You are famous and you earn an unbelievable large salary. Suddenly his mother interrupted Simon’s daydreaming by calling out, “Put down that machine gun and come to dinner.”

Amazing Facts

Learn more and more about figurative expressions and you’ll become more competently able not only to read between the lines, but to write that way also, with the passage of time and frequency of use.

Something to Do Supply the meaning of the expressions in italics.

1) They watched the troubled old man as he walked away until he was swallowed up in the dense white rain.

(Does not coffee disappear after someone swallows it?

In what way did the dense white rain seem to ‘swallow’ the man?)

2) The sudden emergence of the celebrated cricketer struck the cricketing enthusiast speechless.

(Did the cricketer strike him and make him speechless? Or was the cricketing enthusiast so frightened by the celebrated cricketer that he became speechless as though someone had struck him?)

3. Although Jennifer knew the entire speech by heart before she went before the microphone, when she faced the audience she became tongue-tied.

(Did anyone tie her tongue? Did she act as though her tongue were knotted up?)

4. Even after Jennifer found her tongue again, she kept forgetting the words.

(What did she really find, her tongue or the ability to use her tongue?)

Juggle Your Mind A Bit Essay examination question and response Read the essay examination question below, and then read a response to it. Judge the answer for yourself. Is this response the kind you would have written? Tell it to a study partner.

Essay Examination Question: In 100 to 150 words explain the kinds of writer’s questions considered in the text book titled “Discovering Ideas through Questions.”

Some questions which have seemed especially useful to speakers throughout history, in their effort to discover ideas, can be placed in four groups. The first group consists of questions about what something is, and their answers help define those things.

Examples in this group are these questions: What is it?

What examples can I think of? How does it compare (or contrast) to similar things? The second group comprises questions about relationships, and their answers help reveal a thing’s connections with other things. Hence some examples are: What is it part of? What is its origin? What are its causes and effects? The third group are questions about values, and their answers help disclose a thing’s worth. Look at some examples of these questions: Is it beautiful or ugly? Is it moral or immoral? Finally, the fourth group concerns questions about problems and solutions. And here are some examples: What is the problem? Which solution seems best?

Chronicle Pepperpot February 12, 2017

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Entertainment George Clooney and wife Amal expecting twins: Matt Damon George Clooney and his wife Amal are expecting twins, actor Matt Damon said on Thursday, adding he was so thrilled for the high-profile couple that he "almost started crying" when he found out last fall.

Damon told Entertainment Tonight Canada that Clooney, 55, told him the news while they were filming a movie, and that his wife Amal Clooney, 39, was about eight weeks pregnant at the time.

"I'm like, 'Are you out of your mind?

Don't tell anybody else, don't tell anybody else, I mean, don't you know the 12-week rule?' Of course he doesn't," Damon said, laughing.

"Then four weeks later, 'I'm like, 'We're good right, we're good,' so I'm thrilled for him."

The pregnancy is the first for the Cloo-

neys, who were married in a lavish Italian wedding ceremony in 2014 after a whirlwind romance.

Representatives for George and Amal Clooney did not immediately return Reuters' requests for comment.

Damon praised Amal Clooney, an international human rights lawyer, calling her "a remarkable woman" and saying George Clooney had "hit the jackpot." He added that the couple were "going to be awesome parents, those kids are lucky."

Oscar-winning George Clooney is one of Hollywood's top A-list actors and box office draws.

Last week, singer Beyonce caused a social media stir after announcing that she and husband, rapper Jay Z, were expecting twins.

Michael Jackson's mom bullied and afraid of nephew: court papers Katherine Jackson, the 86-year-old mother of late pop star Michael Jackson, has won a restraining order against a nephew she accuses of bullying her, getting information on her bank accounts and other emotional abuse.

Trent Lamar Jackson, a 52-year-old nephew on husband Joe Jackson's side of the family, worked as a driver for the 86-year-old Jackson family matriarch.

A lawyer for Katherine Jackson said in court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court this week that she was afraid of her nephew and fears he will use credit cards and other financial information about her for his personal gains.

"Mrs. Jackson has to hide in her closet to speak to her kids so she can speak freely," the court papers said. "Trent bullies Mrs.

Jackson into submission."

"She has had enough, her health is fragile and she is tired of being frightened," the documents said.

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order against Lamar Jackson and ordered him to move out of the guest house at Katherine Jackson's home in Calabasas, near Los Angeles, and stay at least 100 yards (meters) away from her.

A court hearing on the matter has been scheduled for March 1.

Lamar Jackson could not be reached for comment.

Michael Jackson, one of Katherine Jackson's 10 children, died in 2009 at age 50 of an overdose of the anesthetic propofol.

Aretha Franklin to retire from full time touring Soul music legend Aretha Franklin says she plans to retire from full-time touring after she releases a new album in September.

"I am retiring this year," the 74-year-old singer told a Detroit TV station in a telephone interview this week. "I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it."

Known as the "Queen of Soul," Franklin said she planned about a six-month tour to support her upcoming album. She also plans to perform "some select things, many, one a month, for six months out of the year."

"I feel very, very enriched and satisfied with respect to where my career came from, and where it is now," Franklin, who lives in Detroit, told TV station WDIV. "I'll be pretty much satisfied, but I'm not going to go anywhere and just sit down and do nothing.

That wouldn't be good either."

The album will feature all original songs, several of them produced by Stevie Wonder, Franklin said, but she did not give details.

Franklin began her music career in the late 1950s and has won 18 Grammy Awards.

Her last album, "Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics," was released in 2014.

Entertainment

Tom Hiddleston says Taylor Swift shirt a joke, romance 'was real' British actor Tom Hiddleston has opened up about his 2016 summer romance with Taylor Swift, insisting their relationship "was real" but explaining that his muchmocked "I (heart) T.S." tank top was just a joke.

The three-month romance between the "Thor" actor and U.S. pop star Swift became a celebrity media obsession last year, cataloged in paparazzi shots on beaches and at restaurants.

Many viewed it with suspicion, questioning whether it was a publicity stunt intended to benefit the public images of both Hiddleston, 36, and Swift, 27. It ended in September without explanation.

“Taylor is an amazing woman,” Hiddleston told GQ magazine in an interview for the March issue that was released on Wednesday.

“She’s generous and kind and lovely, and we had the best time. Of course it was real,” he said.

Hiddleston said he was taken aback by the attention given to the skimpy white "I (heart) T.S." tank top he was photographed wearing while kissing Swift in the ocean at her annual July 4 beach party.

The actor said he had hurt his back playing a game and wanted to protect the graze from the sun.

"One of her friends said, ’I’ve got this.’

And we all laughed about it. It was a joke.

"I was surprised. I was just surprised that it got so much attention. The tank top became an emblem of this thing," he told GQ.

Neither Swift nor Hiddleston have said why they broke up, but Hiddleston suggested he had struggled with the media attention.

"A relationship always takes work. A relationship in the limelight takes work. And it’s not just the limelight. It’s everything else," he said.

The GQ interview was published ahead of Hiddleston's big budget action movie "Kong: Skull Island," which is due to rollout worldwide on March 8.

Madonna introduces newly adopted twin girls from Malawi Pop star Madonna debuted two new daughters on social media on Wednesday, saying she had completed her adoption of the twins from Malawi and was "overjoyed" to bring them into her family.

The singer, 58, was granted permission

by Malawi's High Court this week to adopt the twin girls.

She posted a photo on Instagram of herself walking along a rural path with the girls, who were wearing identical blue and white dresses and one wearing a hat.

"I am deeply grateful to all those in Malawi who helped make this possible, and I ask the media please to respect our privacy

during this transitional time," the singer said in her post.

No details were given on the twins' names, age and background.

Madonna adopted Malawian children David Banda and Mercy James in 2006 and 2009. She has two other children, Lourdes and Rocco, from previous relationships.

The singer previously denied reports that she wanted to adopt again after she visited Malawi last month, at the time saying her trip was for her charity work.

She established the non-profit Raising Malawi in 2006 to provide health and education programs, particularly for girls.

Braised Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Ingredients 3-3 1/2 lb chicken 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 oz margarine 1-2 onions, chopped 4 tbsp chopped eschalot 4 tbsp chopped celery 1 oz flour 3/4 pt stock made from the chicken giblets or 1 chicken stock cube 1 tsp Chinese or soy sauce 1 tsp tomato ketchup pinch of nutmeg 1 small pineapple, sliced 2 large tomatoes, skinned and chopped chopped parsley to garnish

Method 1 Clean and wash the chicken in a solution of lemon juice or vinegar and water.

2 Dry the chicken on a clean towel.

3 Joint the chicken.

4 Season with salt, pepper and a little of the chopped garlic.

5 Heat the margarine in a frying pan without browning.

6 Fry chicken until slightly brown, cooking legs and breast first.

7 Remove chicken from pan and place in an ovenproof dish.

8 Skim off any brown bits from the pan.

9 Add chopped onion, garlic, eschalot and celery and fry.

10 Blend in flour, stock, Chinese or soy sauce, tomato ketchup and nutmeg. Pour over chicken. Cover with lid or foil.

11 Place dish in oven at 400 degrees and cook for 20 minutes.

12 Remove lid, arrange sliced pineapple and chopped tomatoes on top and leave to cook uncovered for a further 15 minutes.

13 Decorate with chopped parsley.

Serves 4-6