Magazine

May 28, 2017

Star Times Hollywood:

Ariana Grande cancels tour dates after terrorist attack See story on page 12

FREE DISTRIBUTION

What's Inside Page 2

Page 3

Page 10

2 Sunday Times Magazine

may 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Feature

Independence Arch on Brickdam (Photo by Amanda Richards)

O

n Guyana’s independence, the country received numerous gifts and tokens of congratulations on the historic occasion. Some of those gifts are still with us today.

A gift that is still prominently displayed is the Independence Arch, which now frames the 1763 Monument when looking east up Brickdam.

Another Independence Arch once straddled the Ruimveldt Public Road, but was removed in 2004 as the road was made into a 4-lane highway, and the arch became too small to span the road. It was called the Ruimveldt Independence Arch, and was constructed by the firm GEO. A. Hamilton and Sons in 1966 for independence commemorations.

Germany presented 400 transistor radios for use in schools, while the United States provided a U.S. scholarship valued $170,000, along with books for schools, to the value of $780,000.

The Vieira family of Houston Estates Limited

presented a piece of land that housed former Methodist School pupils at Houston.

Additionally, rent was also waived for the building, which the government hired to use as a school.

According to an article in the Sunday Graphic of May 15, 1966, the government had up to that date received more than $600,000 in Independence Day gifts from several local companies.

One such company, the Demerara Holdings Group of Companies, had already announced that it would be presenting a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham, and later added that it would be making an additional presentation.

The firm pledged to endow a chair at the University of Guyana to be called the Sandbach Parker Chair of Public Administration and Government.

Other firms that pledged gifts to mark the historic occasion included D. M. Fernandes Limited, Sankar Bros. and Tang’s Drug Store.

The City Council also confirmed that it would

sponsor nine scholarships at the University of Guyana in arts and natural sciences as its gift to Guyana on its attainment of independence.

Several other firms later presented monetary donations to benefit a suitable local entity. Vice President of Continental Oil Company of the U.S.A., Richard Hittle, presented a cheque for $5,000 to Prime Minister Burnham, which was pledged to buy books for the National Library.

William Keen, manager of the local Chase Manhattan Bank also donated $5,000, which was presented to Ptolemy Reid.

The funds were said to be pledged to the creation of a youth camp at Atkinson Field.

The UN through its representative, W. M. Harding, presented an Amerindian village scene made of balata to the people of Guyana.

Lynette Dolphin received the gift on behalf of the government. The sculpture was designed and created by Harold Macdonald, and presented June 1, 1966.

One of the more auspicious Independence Day gifts was the Speaker’s Chair in Parliament. Made of teak and costing about $1,800 at the time, the chair was blessed on November 14, 1966 by Neville Laljie, Archdeacon of Demerara, and formally handed over to Burnham by the Assistant High Commissioner of India, Kunden Lal on Nov 15, 1966

On June 12, 1966, Guyanese artist Aubrey Williams chose to present one of his most valuable paintings, “Guyana” (1964). The 12’X5’ painting, then valued $20,000, was a gift to the people of Guyana on independence. The artwork was part of an exhibition called “Art Treasures of the Commonwealth”, which was held in 1965 at Burlington House in London (Photo courtesy of Castellani House)

The British House of Commons presented a table and three chairs for the clerks, and a Sergeant-atArms’ chair as an independence gift to their former colony

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

Notes used today in Guyana

M

oney was first introduced to Guyana by the Dutch colonists, but there was never much in circulation.

Previously, according to Guyana.org, there was an informal barter system among the original inhabitants of the territory before they began trading with Dutch colonists and traders for European goods such as knives and cutlasses.

Even after the Dutch introduced money, they rarely used it for large business transactions. It was normal for them to write promissory notes, which eventually would be redeemed from their agents in Amsterdam where they sent their sugar

cial exchange throughout the rest of the century, by which time the Portuguese and Mexican coins could hardly be found in circulation.

Many slaves saved coins that they acquired by doing odd jobs during their free time, or through the sale of the produce from their provision grounds.

The first bank to be established was a savings bank for the slaves in 1828. This occurred at a time when the British government was implementing policies aimed at improving the social condition of the slave population in its colonies.

In 1836, two other banks, the Colonial Bank and the British Guiana Bank, were

continued to circulate for a while.

23 of 1965. Actual operation commenced on Oct. 16, 1965, seven months before

the country gained political independence.

This Ordinance estab-

British Guiana currency

Currency Board (BCCB) and the Trinidad & Tobago government), for the dissolution of the BCCB by mid-1967 and the cessation of issuance of currency after 1965.

At its establishment, the Bank was housed in temporary premises in three locations. The governor operated from an office assigned to him in the Parliament Building.

Office space was rented from the Colonial Life Insurance Company, High Street, Georgetown, to house the Research Department while the BCCB's office in the General Post Office Building, Georgetown, executed currency operations on behalf of the Bank.

The Bank commenced issuing the new national currency notes on November

Front of a $1 note used in BG

and other produce to be sold.

The Dutch colonists introduced the guilder and other coins such as pennings, stivers and bitts whose values fluctuated over time. Side by side with these coins from other European nations circulated. These included the English guinea, the Mexican dollar, and the Portuguese gold ducat, moidore, and joe.

Paper money and English coins---SUBHEAD By the end of the 18th century, a type of paper money issued by the government or the banks in Europe began appearing in Guyana.

Usually, when a person had accumulated a quantity of paper money, he would exchange the notes for gold at the Receiver's Office for Colonial Taxes. This office would then re-issue the paper money to the public again.

When the British seized Guyana in 1803, English coins began to make a gradual appearance. However, the Dutch coins continued to be the main means of commer-

set up. The former, many years later, was taken over by Barclays Bank, while the latter, during the second decade of the 20th century, was absorbed by the Royal Bank of Canada.

In 1900, the Dutch coins were withEarly independent Guyana one cent coin drawn and were replaced

by British coins such as the Independence half penny, penny, sixpence, Guyana, on attaining intwelve pence, shilling, florin, dependence in 1966, withhalf crown, crown, sovereign drew from the Eastern and guinea.

Caribbean currency board Official British paper and began to issue its own money was also introduced coins (one cent, five cents, into Guyana at this time. ten cents, twenty-five cents, This system of currency re- fifty cents) and currency mained until 1951 when notes with values of one dolGuyana joined with the lar, five dollars, ten dollars British Eastern Caribbean and twenty dollars. territories to use common The Bank of Guyana, as Eastern Caribbean coins and noted on its website, was escurrency notes, even though tablished through the Bank many of the British coins of Guyana Ordinance No.

Back of the $1 showing King George VI

lished the Central Bank as an ‘autonomous institution' with headquarters in the capital city of Georgetown.

The early establishment of the Bank was promoted by an agreement of the U.K. government (acting for the still colonial members of the British Caribbean

Bank of Guyana (Photo: ksmoses)

15, 1965, to replace the BCCB notes, the issuance of which was expected to cease by December 31, 1965.

However, national coins were not issued until mid1967.

The Ordinance establishing the Bank was revised and became the Bank of Guyana Act. CAP:85:02. This A c t was further revised in 1995, 1998 and late 2004.

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Times Feature

By Horace Walcott

I

Horace Walcott

was one of the pupil leaders selected by my school, Malgre Tout, to attend a rally at the Parade Ground in Georgetown in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty and Prince Phillip were visiting Guyana in February of 1966. I can recall standing a few yards from Her Majesty as she took the salutes of military and scout bands as they marched pass her. I was one of the youngest scouts in Guyana and, though pedantic and introverted, was attracted to the military.

There was a platoon of British troops stationed across the street where I lived at Versailles. Prior to Guyana's independence, they relocated to Eve Leary in Georgetown.

It must have been a few

Lowering the British flag (left) to hoist the Golden Arrowhead at the Independence Day ceremony, May 26, 1966

weeks after the Queen's visit.

Then there was Independence Day, a few days after my birthday.

The Duke and Duchess of Kent were visiting Guyana and there was a celebration to honour the royals at the West Demerara Secondary School (WDSS) in Pouderoyen, the village adjacent to Versailles.

In addition to the royal couple attending the celebration, many important officials including Governor General Sir Richard Luyt and government ministers, were at WDSS. I remember attending the ceremony, but being there briefly. I was dressed in my neatly pressed scouts’ uniform: khaki short pants, scouts’ belt, a lanyard around my neck with a scarf having the colours of the Golden Arrow Head.

My black leather shoes were polished and buffed. I was a scout with the Plantain Walk Boys Scout Troops.

Several weeks leading up to independence, we would be transported from the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling by military trucks of the British Troops to Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, and undergo joint training sessions with the Den Amstel troops. My scoutmaster and assistant scoutmaster were officers in the Volunteer Force, the precursor of the Guyana Defence Force. We learned all the flags of the British

Empire and, at the end of our training, recited the Scout's Honour Oath, in which we paid respect to God and the Queen.

On the eve of Guyana's independence, we camped at Den Amstel in huts of the Public Works Department. The birth of the nation was ushered in by a camp fire, the lowering of the Union Jack accompanied by the British national anthem. Then, there was the raising of the Golden Arrow Head accompanied by cheers and the play of the Guyana national anthem.

As one flag was lowered and the other raised to full mast, both fluttering with grace displaying their full colours in the night sky illuminated by a large camp fire, crowds of spectators stood at attention and scouts saluted.

Throughout the country, it seemed that the red, white and blue receded physically and spiritually and was replaced with red, yellow, black, white and green.

As a teen, I felt the people of Guyana had lost and gained.

What was lost and gained? That question I answered myself, as I witnessed with fellow Guyanese our nation's struggle for economic and spiritual freedom.

My stint in the Versailles Boys Brigade and Plantain Walk Scout Troops would pay off a decade later. As a Guyana

scholar candidate, I was required to undergo ‘guerrilla warfare’ training in the Guyana jungles.

Though in 1976 and 1977, as a budding yogi, I could have refused or objected to the military training.

I didn’t fall in love with the hinterland. However, my stint in Guyana’s jungles inspired me to specialise in zoological medicine.

Several years ago, one of my teams of research students deciphered the physics of the blow pipe used by the indigenous people or ‘Red People’. Part of the research was done at Harvard University.

Notably, the team has developed a novel amphibious tranquilising dart rifle.

Now residing in the U.S., I still wear berets in the winter to remind me of my scout days in Guyana, and floppy hats in the summer to remind me of my National Service stint at Papaya and Kimbia.

From 1996 to 1997, with family support, I completed post graduate studies in zoological medicine at the Royal Veterinary College and the London Zoo. For my thesis research, I conducted toxicological pathology studies in neuroendocrine disruption and biosonar in harbour porpoises in British waters.

For me, Guyana has always been a magical, mystical place tinged with danger.

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

also prepares meals and care of her grandson whenever her daughter is not around.

This publication also interviewed Bradford’s daughter, Sheila, who said she is “fortunate and blessed” to see her mother attain the age of 100.

“While growing up, I admired my mother’s courage and dedication in providing for her children. She was always a loving and caring mother,” expressed Sheila.

For her passion in helping others, Aunty Baby has earned the respect of those around her. She also pointed out she inherited midwifery knowledge from her mother and grandmother and has

By Indrawattie Natram

F

amous German physicist Albert Einstein once said: “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”, and centenarian Lucretia Bradford believes this statement to be true, having lived hers in caring for others.

Bradford, who resides at Lot 7 Cullen, Essequibo Coast, was born on May 25, 1917. Caring for others has always been a priority for the 100-year-old. Being the eldest of her siblings, Bradford had to assume the responsibility of caring for them at a very young age due to her parents having to go work.

In an interview with <<<<Sunday Times Magazine>>>, Bradford, lovingly called Aunty Baby, mentioned she has spent her entire life in Cullen where she enjoyed helping her aunt who was a midwife.

“I also enjoyed working on the farms and making cassava bread. I was a cane cutter and a domestic, but making cassava bread to sell was my favourite thing to do. I worked hard: I fetched wood and cane for long distances in order to provide for my family,” she recalled.

Though her memories are fading, the doting mother remembered making sacrifices to care for her seven children (three of whom are still alive) - something she did devotedly even when her husband

passed away.

“My life is made up with many struggles, trials and tribulations, but I always leave everything in the hands of the Almighty. He is my saviour and protector, he sent me here for a purpose and I try every day to fulfil God's wish,” she expressed.

Throughout the interview

she constantly thanked God for “his grace, guidance and strength”. She stated that her only health complaints are poor vision and arthritis, but she remains positive.

Remarkably, the 100-yearold does everything for herself, including bathing, brushing her teeth, feeding herself and using the washroom. She

“helped save a lot of marriages”.

She explained: “Many couples who were not getting babies came to me and I helped them. I ‘fixed’ women’s abdomen and provided herbal treatment – some of the things I learned from my mother. Those who I have helped remember my kindness and would often visit me. My hands are blessed and I used them to help others.”

Her encouragement to youths is to “cherish life and focus on their goals”.

“I always tell my children and grandchildren to never judge or be envious of others, don't try to define other peo-

ple’s lives, and to always focus on their lives and help others.

That's what God wants and that what we should all aim for,” she declared.

Now, Bradford spends her time reading her bible. She said although she loves plantains and healthy foods, she would settle for fried rice and baked chicken - her favourite meal.

The centenarian celebrated her birthday in Georgetown with her children and grandchildren sharing out meals to the Children's Convalescent Home. She also attended a church service in celebration of her milestone, where she was able to give thanks to her “saviour and protector”.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Times Book World

By Petamber Persaud

I

Guyanese author, Ashton Chase

ndentureship formally ended in the year 1917. Indian indentureship started in 1838 (May 5 – Indian Arrival Day) while enslaved Africans were being granted emancipation (August 1 – Emancipation Day). The abolition of indentureship came about through sustained struggle on the foreign front and through sustained resistance in the local vanguard. The local resistance was later harnessed into organisations fighting against the exploitation of the labouring population with the intention of securing better wages and working conditions.

According to Ashton Chase in his well-documented, well-presented and wellwritten book, A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana, 1900 to 1961, “it was not until after immigration of these [Indian] workers ceased in 1917, and their semi-feudal status which has by then become outmoded due to inefficiency and waste, that prospects for organisation seemed ripe”.

The year 1917 was the year of strikes. Early in January 1917, the wharf workers at Booker Brothers struck for shorter working hours and increased pay.

The strike fever spread to workers at Curtis Campbell, Bookers Cooperage, Georgetown Railway Wharf and Luggage Store, Sawmills – Charlestown, Lopes, Sprostons, Demerara Railway, the Ice Factory, the Match Factory, Demerara Ice House Soda Aerated Factory, sea defence workers, East Coast road workers and the post office employees among others. According to Chase, Indian labourers were getting into the act. For instance, during the months of March, April and May

Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow

workers from the East and West Bank Demerara went to Georgetown to complain about their hardship to the Immigration Agent General.

That agitation took place over a three-month period.

But the year of strikes cannot be viewed in isolation. The first two decades of the 12th century were decades of strikes, forming the bedrock on which the birth of formal trade union movement was spawned. Many of the remonstrations took the form of marches from various plantations towards the Immigration Agent General, of which the office was called ‘Crosby’ in memory of one Mr

Crosby who held “this office for a considerable time and often discharged his duties with satisfaction to the workers” (Chase). This period also gave rise to “Black Crosby”, as Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was affectionately called by Indian immigrants.

According to Chase, “Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was born in Georgetown on the 18th December, 1884...

His academic school record was colourless, but in the field of athletics, his prowess overshadowed all his school mates… After a number of odd jobs…, he entered the waterfront as a dock labourer.

He died a bachelor on 10th May, 1958… leaving a small estate of $704.83…”

From the docks of Georgetown, Critchlow was able to form the country’s first trade union, becoming revered as the father of the trade union movement in Guyana.

On December 1, 1903, sixty indentured immigrants on Pln. Diamond ceased working and headed to Georgetown.

Other such remonstrations surfaced on Pln. Farm, East Bank Demerara, June 1904, and Pln. Lusignan, May 1905.

Also in 1905 came the well documented Ruimveldt series of riots. From 1906 to 1916, there was no letting up in remonstrations from the labouring populations of the plantations across the country via Providence on the East Bank Demerara, Friends on the Berbice River, Wales in Demerara, Anna Regina on the Essequibo, Marionville of Leguan Island,

'A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana 1900-1961' book cover

La Bonne Intention, Peter’s Hall, Leonora, Ruimveldt, Blairmont, just to name a cross-section of involvement.

“A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana, 1900 to 1961” is, first and foremost, a “record of the facts showing how our trade union movement began and how it developed”. Except for a few intrusions into the text by the author due to the fact that he was intimately involved in trade unionism and in politics as a founding member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and as Minister of Labour, Trade and Industry in the 1953 PPP Government, the book states the facts verifiable by its extensive bibliography.

Interestingly, the book ends with an epilogue “to bring readers up to date with

the latest developments (up to 1964) and to make the book more topical”.

This is not a review of the book “A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana, 1900 to 1961” by Ashton Chase, but a collation of notes from the book during my research for material referencing the centennial end to Indentureship.

The eventual article came together as the following events were in the air – May Day, Indian Arrival Day, my first visit to Highbury, where the first set of Indian Immigrants were landed in order to save sugar, the impending closure of sugar estates across the country and Independence Day. Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

T

The Guyana Independence medal

T

he Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana.

The Guyana Independence Act was passed on May 12, 1966 and came into force May 26, 1966. The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of the Guyana Parliament was held May 26, 1966.

However, according to parliament.gov.gy, strictly speaking, Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parliamentary system was not created at Independence.

In 1831, the three

Frank Narain

he Guyana Independence medal was instituted May 26, 1966, in observance of the historic event. While little is known of the precise criterion for its presentation, it has been awarded to several persons who are considered to have made valuable contributions to Guyana at the time.

Ivan Crandon

A few of these stalwart individuals include the late Neil Isaacs, a former deputy commissioner of the Guyana Police Force and a military veteran of the Second World War; Guyanese born W. Herbert (Bernie) Allsopp, now a fisheries consultant in Canada, and Justice Stanley Alfred Moore, who has worked around the

world, including in the Caribbean and Botswana.

The medal was also presented to the late Ivan Crandon, former chairman of the Police Service Commission, president of the Guyana Legion and a military veteran of World War II, and Frank Narain, former Clerk of the National Assembly.

colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice were united, and the colony of British Guiana was formed. From the years 1831 to 1928, the law making body of British Guiana was the Court of Policy.

The Court of Policy consisted of the governor, seven official members and eight elected members.

The governor presided in the Court of Policy as its president.

In 1928, a new constitution was introduced and British Guiana became a British Crown Colony.

Parliament Building today (Photo by Nigel Durrant)

A Legislative Council was established and replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy.

In 1953, a new constitution was publicized and a two-tier (bicameral) legislature, consisting of a State Council and a House of Assembly, was introduced.

A ministerial system of government and universal adult suffrage were also introduced in 1953.

The Legislature that came into effect in May 1953 last only until October 1953 however, after the British suspended the Constitution and an interim government was established by the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council.

In 1956, the British Guiana (Constitutional)

(Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was dissolved with effect from June 29, 1957.

When the 1957 general elections were held, a second Legislative Council was appointed.

Then, in 1961, a new Constitution was established, and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Legislative Assembly and a Senate was created. The Senate consisted of 13 members, who were appointed by the governor. The Legislative Assembly consisted of 35 members elected under the electoral system of First Past the Post.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Travel & Tourism

T

he trip from Lethem to Moco Moco village is under 30 minutes. As you pass the village, the scene transforms from savannah into rainforest as the trail wanders through the communities favourite farmlands to the Moco Moco Falls at the base of the mountains.

Notably, it is said that most of the areas down and around Lethem seem to have been part of a highly volcanic area a long time ago. There are remnants of

lava flows and lava rocks at Moco Moco Falls.

According to one visitor to the Falls, “the water was deep enough to jump off a high rock into it… There was also a really cool Jacuzzi-like area between two huge boulders. The only way to get to it though was to swim against the current through a small channel about the width of a person… a test of our swimming skills”.

Breathtaking photo of Moco Moco Falls by Guyanese photographer, Amanda Richards

Bridge across the Falls (Amanda Richards' photo)

A scenic section of the Falls

Looking down the Moco Moco Falls (Photo by Michael Hackett)

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

T

hese surprising foods will help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.

other parts of the eye to function smoothly.

But eating your way to good eyesight isn’t only about beta-carotene. Though their connection to vision isn’t as well-known, several other vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy eyes. Make these five foods a staple of your diet to keep your peepers in tip-top shape.

Citrus and berries

These fruits are powerhouses of vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.

Leafy greens

Carrots

They’re packed with lutein and

Almonds

They’re filled with vitamin E,

Eggs

You’ve probably heard that carrots and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables promote eye health and protect vision, and it’s true: Beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that gives these foods their orange hue, helps the retina and

which slows macular degeneration, research shows. One handful (an ounce) provides about half of your daily dose of E.

zeaxanthin—antioxidants that, studies show, lower the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.

The yolk is a prime source of lutein and zeaxanthin—plus zinc, which also helps reduce your macular degeneration risk, according to Paul Dougherty, MD, medical director of Dougherty Laser Vision in Los Angeles.

Fatty fish

Tuna, salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in DHA, a fatty acid found in your retina—low levels of which have been linked to dry eye syndrome, says Jimmy Lee, MD, director of refractive surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, in New York City.

Oral Health

T

he healthiest way to cook mushrooms is to microwave or grill them to preserve their goodness, researchers say.

These cooking methods significantly increase levels of antioxidants which protect cells against diseases, but boiling or frying reduces them.

A study, from Spain, looked at the properties of four different types of mushrooms before and after cooking.

Adding a little oil when grilling can even improve the nutritional value of the mushrooms.

Mushrooms contain protein, including essential amino acids, fibre and lots of vitamins - such as B, C, D and E. They are also low in calories and fat.

In this study, published in the “International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition”, researchers analysed how cooking methods altered white button, shiitake, oyster and king oyster mushrooms.

Frying mushrooms resulted in protein and carbohydrates being lost from the mushrooms, as well as antioxidant compounds.

Antioxidants are vitamins and chemicals that play a key role in protecting the body against free radicals, which are linked to heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

What happens is that they disappear into the oil in the frying pan, reducing the

Y

goodness of the mushrooms.

Boiling mushrooms also led to high levels of proteins and antioxidants being lost from the fungi.

The researchers put this down to the good stuff leaking out of the mushrooms into the water in the pan.

As a result, their nutritional value was reduced.

However, boiling did improve the glucans content of the mushrooms. They are found in fungi and may reduce the risk of heart disease.

The best way to retain vitamins and nutrients when cooking vegetables is to use short cooking times.

It’s also best to use as little liquid as possible.

This means using a microwave is a good method of cooking because fewer of the good things are lost - unlike boiling where they end up in the cooking water.

In this study, the researcher Irene Roncero-Ramos, from the Mushroom Technological Research Center of La Rioja, said: “When mushrooms were cooked by microwave or grill, the content of polyphenol and antioxidant activity increased significantly and there are no significant issues in nutritional value of the cooked mushrooms.”

(BBC)

ou use it every day, but when was the last time you put real thought into your toothbrush? An effective tool is essential for a proper brushing, which not only shines up your pearly whites, but also prevents bacteria and inflammation—both of which are linked to everything from heart disease to dementia. Below are some features that matter most about your toothbrush, according to the experts.

Shape

Should you opt for an electric brush with a round, rotating head or a traditional rectangular manual brush? Many dentists believe they're both effective if you're using the right technique, but a review by the healthcare nonprofit the Cochrane Collaboration found that over a three-month period, round, rotating heads (which resemble the type used during professional cleanings) removed 11 percent more plaque than manual brushes. If you go the manual route, dentist Kimberly Harms, DDS, a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, recommends that people with narrow jaws (your dentist can tell you) choose a brush with a tapered head.

Size

There's no one-size-fits-all toothbrush, but keep in mind that big brushes can miss plaque build-up in tight spots between teeth and hard-to-reach areas in the back. "You'll know you've found the right size head if it can comfortably clean all the way around your last top

molar," says Fremont, California–based dentist Ruchi Sahota, DDS.

Bristles

Always opt for soft or extra soft. "Many people mistakenly believe that hard-bristle brushes do a more thorough job, but the opposite is true," says Harms. "Because hard bristles don't bend well, they can miss areas under the gums and between teeth that are most in need of cleaning." And they're harder on your gums: A 2011 study in the “Journal of Periodontology” found that people who brushed with stiffer bristles experienced an 11 percent increase in gum bleeding after eight weeks.

Handle

Unless you find them easier to hold, fancy padded grips that appear to be ergonomically designed have no effect on how well you brush, Harms says.

Is it time to change your toothbrush?

If it's been more than four months, yes.

According to the American Dental Association, most people don’t know how often to change their toothbrushes.

"Many people use the same brush for six months or even a year," says dentist Seth Keiles, DMD. "In that time, worn bristles become less effective at removing plaque, food particles, and bacteria, putting you at increased risk for cavities and gum disease."

(Oprah Magazine)

10 Sunday Times Magazine Times Fashion

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Patriotic

Stylishly

V

eteran Guyanese designer Sonia Noel has produced over the years outfits that are not only chic, but showcase a “patriotic look”.

Noel has taken the colours of Guyana’s flag and fashionably incorporates them in her clothing collections.

Jersey spandex pieces for men and women; stylish white lace jumpers, dresses and suits, and, of course, her signature lattice designs are just a few of her offerings.

To find out more about Noel’s collections visit the Makin' Style Boutique located at Court Yard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown or call 686-7712.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

J

uan Luis Londoño Arias, born 28 January 1994, better known by his stage name Maluma, is a Colombian singer, songwriter and record producer, signed to Sony Music Colombia. Maluma began his musical career in 2010, recording singles. He made his debut as a host at the inaugural awards Kids' Choice Awards Colombia 2014. In 2016, he collaborated with artistes Ricky Martin and Shakira.

He embarked on ‘The Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy World Tour’ in May 2016. His single “Felices los 4” became his fifth Top 5 on the Hot Latin Songs chart. In 2017, Maluma is nominated for two categories at the Billboard Music Awards including Top Latin Artist.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Times Hollywood

K

F

ollowing Monday night's horrific terrorist attack that has left 22 people dead and 64 injured, Ariana Grande has cancelled her tour dates until 7 June, her representatives have confirmed.

A statement said the US singer's Dangerous Woman tour would be suspended, and added that Grande, 23, wanted to pay "proper respects to those lost".

Refunds will be granted to all ticketholders at the point of purchase for the cancelled shows, tour promoter Live Nation told the BBC. The singer was due to perform in London this evening but we suspected it would be off when she was photographed departing a private jet in Florida. The singer and her mother were met by her boyfriend, Mac Miller.

Ariana is yet to release an official statement regard-

D

wayne "The Rock" Johnson has announced his 2020 US presidential campaign while hosting Saturday Night Live.

He even brought on acting veteran Tom Hanks to ask him to be his running mate.

However, all was not what it seemed when the former WWE star admitted

M

ing the tragedy but took to twitter in the early hours of Tuesday morning to express her heart break over the night's events. She tweeted: "broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words." (Glamour)

that he was "only joking".

The actor then went on to say that "Americans deserve strong capable leaders who care about this country and its people".

At the beginning of the monologue, The Rock was given a "five-timers" jacket

by Alec Baldwin, as it was his fifth time hosting the comedy sketch show.

He also praised his fel-

ariah Carey and Nick Cannon are reportedly getting remarried this summer.

The former couple was rumored to be back together earlier this month following Mariah's split from her toy boy Bryan Tanaka.

According to a source, Mariah and Nick's second wedding will be even bigger than their first. The source tells Life & Style, "Mariah will have a party in St. Tropez, France, or Italy's Amalfi coast with 500 guests, including Beyonce and Elton John.

They'll have $1,000-a-bottle Angel champagne, plus a 5-foot cake dusted in real gold."

aty Perry says she wants to end her long-running feud with Taylor Swift.

There have been rumours of a rift for years but this is the first time either of the two singers have admitted that they have fallen out.

Perry was appearing on James Corden's Carpool Karaoke on his US talk show, The Late Late Show, when he asked her about it.

"For sure, that's true.

There's a situation, she started it and it's time for her to finish it," she said.

Rumours of a rift between the two emerged shortly before the release of Taylor Swift's hit ‘Bad Blood’.

She hinted in an interview that it was about a high profile female musician who she had become enemies with and it had to do with business dealings.

The day after this article was published, Katy Perry tweeted: "Watch out for the

low actor for his impression of Donald Trump.

Alec replied: "Well, I can't take all the credit.

"I have to thank those...

What do you call those pale people that ride the subway?

"The writers - I love them!"

The Rock isn't the only celebrity to make a supposed bid for the presidency.

Kanye West famously said he was going to run in 2020, but later changed it to 2024 after meeting with Donald Trump late last year.

Speaking to Annie Mac in 2016, the rapper said: "When I talk about the idea of being president, I'm not saying I have any political views.

"I just have a view on humanity, on people, on the truth." (BBC Newsbeat)

Mariah reportedly will spend upwards of $250k on a diamondencrusted dress and has a special performance planned for guests.

"Mariah's singing at her wedding.

She'd never hire another star to outshine her," says the source.

The source adds that Mariah and Nick feel "like they belong together and [she] wants to get married again, and thinks Nick is the one."

Mariah and Nick first sparked reconciliation rumors after attending the Kids' Choice Awards with their six-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, back in March. (AceShowbiz)

B

Regina George in sheep's clothing."

Regina George is the villain of the 2004 comedy Mean Girls starring Lindsey Lohan and Rachel McAdams.

Rumours suggested the two singers had a big falling out over their backing danc-

ers.

After some comments here and there, things seemed to go quiet on the Perry versus Swift front.

Until, that is, Katy's new track Swish Swish was released and appeared to be her response to Bad Blood.

So after belting it out

D

rake has beaten Adele's record for the most wins at the Billboard Music Awards.

The Canadian rapper picked up 13 prizes, beating Adele by one, at the event in Las Vegas including best artist.

He was joined on the stage by Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and his father.

"I just want to say hold tight Adele because when a new ting drops you will crawl your way back to get the record back," said Drake accepting the award.

Adele set the former record at the 2012 awards when she won prizes including top artist, top female artist and top pop artist.

Drake also won top male artist and top Billboard 200 album for Views after get-

rad Pitt is reportedly planning to write a tell-all about his life amid his ongoing divorce battle against Angelina Jolie.

According to a source close to the actor, he has big plans to share his personal journey.

Since his divorce from Angie, Brad has reportedly found solace in journaling and having chronicled nearly 300 pages of his life story.

The "Allied" actor is now considering publishing his diary.

"At the beginning it was just to get all of his thoughts out there in a very concise manner so that he could share it with his therapist,"

ting 22 nominations at the event as well as performing

the source tells In Touch, "But it started to become a lifeline for Brad as he pieced together his new life without Angie."

The source adds, "[Brad] is extremely blunt and authentic in describing what led to the breakdown of his marriage to Angie."

According to the source, Brad "believes that by releasing the book, he can help others with similar issues." However, "Angie said she wasn't interested in reading it and expressed concern about Brad releasing any sort of book because of the impact it could have on their kids." (AceShowbiz)

in James Corden's car, he asked her about it.

"It is about backing dancers, it's so crazy," she replied.

"There are three backing dancers that went on tour with her and they asked me before, if they could they go and I was like, 'Of course.'"

Katy then explained that they would need it written into their contract that they could leave to join her tour.

When that day came, the dancers said, "OK we're going to go and talk to management about it," but according to Katy they got fired.

She went on to explain that she has tried to talk to Taylor about it but she wouldn't speak to her.

"I do the right thing, anytime that it feels like a fumble," she said.

"It was a full shut-down and then she writes a song about me and I'm like, 'OK, cool, cool, cool. That's how you wanna deal with it?'

Karma." (BBC Newsbeat)

Gyalchester inside the famous Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.

Zayn Malik won best new artist but didn't collect the prize in person, telling fans he was busy finishing new songs.

Twenty One Pilots picked up top duo/group and top rock artist with Metallica winning in the rock album category.

Beyonce's ‘Lemonade’ was picked as the best R&B album while The Chainsmokers won top dance/electronic artist and top Hot 100 Song for Closer featuring Halsey.

K-pop group BTS beat the likes of Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez to win the top social artist award.

(BBC Newsbeat)

Sunday Times Magazine 13 MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Star Times Bollywood

H

uma Qureshi is an Indian film actress and model, who has received three Filmfare Award nominations. She worked as a theatre actress and model. Qureshi made her film debut with a supporting role in the two-part crime drama “Gangs of Wasseypur” (2012). Her performance in the film earned her several nominations, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut and the Best Supporting Actress. That same year, she played the lead female role in the romance “Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana”, and followed it with a role in “Ek Thi Daayan”. She portrayed protagonists in the anthological “Shorts” (2013), the dark comedy “Dedh Ishqiya” (2014), the revenge drama “Badlapur” (2015), and the Marathi road drama “Highway” (2015), and featured briefly in the collaborative film “X: Past Is Present” (2015). Qureshi's first release of 2017 was the courtroom comedy drama “Jolly LLB 2”, a sequel to the 2013 film “Jolly LLB”. The film was a box office success.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Times Bollywood

T

he first poster of the official remake of Sylvester Stallone’s iconic Hollywood “Rambo” franchise was unveiled last week, and actor Tiger Shroff is already inundated with compliments for his look in the movie.

But Tiger was especially excited when Stallone personally reached out to him on social media to wish him good luck for the movie.

Speaking about Stallone’s support for the project, Tiger says he initially thought the message was from one of his fan clubs.

“I thought it wasn’t real at first, but then I saw that it was his verified account. I thought I was dreaming. It was surreal; I was at a loss for words and I didn’t know how to respond. It was kind of him to write the words he did. I didn’t know if I could thank him enough. I want him to know that there is no way anybody can replace

him. We’re paying a tribute to him.”

He added: “Who isn’t a fan of Sylvester Stallone?

When you think of action, his name is synonymous with it.

He has set the benchmark so high for us.”

However, Tiger admits that there is pressure to deliver. “He is definitely watching. We don’t want to let him down in any way. It is still his character, but I will also add my own interpretation of the character,” he says.

Speaking about the action we could expect in “Rambo” remake, Tiger says, “It will definitely have huge scale and stylised action.

Sidharth Anand, the director, is great when it comes to scale. It’s about fighting on all terrains.

The actor will next be seen in “Munna Michael”, “Baaghi 2” and “Rambo” remake. (Mumbai Mirror)

“

B

aywatch”, directed by Seth Gordon, stars Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario in key roles, also features Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra as the antagonist, Victoria Leeds. Although international critics have given the movie a thumbsdown, Chopra has been receiving much praise for her performance in it.

Matt Goldberg of “Collider” writes: “The real standout is Chopra. I’ve never seen her TV series ‘Quantico’, but she owns the

film every second she’s on screen. Victoria isn’t a particularly memorable villain on the page, but Chopra is commanding, and when she gets called an aspiring Bond villain, it made me want her to be the villain in the next ‘Bond’ movie.”

"If there’s one good thing that can come from the wreckage of this movie, it’s for Chopra’s career in Hollywood films to take off," he adds.

Scott Mendelson writing for “Forbes” highlights that Chopra has less screen-time as compared to others.

A

ctor Akshay Kumar is one star who always manages to stay away from controversy. Recently, reports did rounds that Akshay’s upcoming film, “Padman”, being directed by R. Balki and produced by his wife Twinkle Khanna, ran into financial trouble since it had over-shot the budget. Not just that, the reports also claimed that owing to money crisis, Akshay and Twinkle were also facing trouble in their personal life.

Contrary to these reports, sources have told HT that these are baseless rumours.

“Akshay has completed the entire shooting schedule for Padman in flat 37 days, so there is no truth in all these reports. The gossipmongers, who were imagining stories about Twinkle Khanna’s production house running into debt, have become a laughing stock.”

Trashing rumours, even Twinkle had tweeted at that time, “When you write fiction-do go all out-add in your imaginary ‘exclusive’ that I also had to sell my mangalsutra and Padman is based on Putin (sic).”

The film is based on Arunachalam Muruganantham, a small town entrepreneur from Tamil Nadu, who invented cost-effective sanitary napkins to generate awareness in rural areas. To be directed by R Balki, “Padman” also stars Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in main roles and

"Chopra has fun as the baddie, but she stays in the background until the end of the movie and really only gets one big scene at the end of the picture," he writes.

He also wishes that "more movies had female super villains."

Agreeing that Chopra was the "underused villain of the piece", The Guardian's Steve Rose said that it "looks like she was contractually obliged to show as much flesh as permissible."

“Baywatch” is set to release in India on June 2.

connection to the person it is based on. Films, in general, have the power to move you.

But biographical dramas have the power to inspire change.

The biographical drama, “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”, written and directed by James Erskine, encompasses the personal insights on Tendulkar’s life from his family, first hand.

For the first time, his family, his mother, brother, wife, will be seen talking about the living legend.

The film’s trailer and the track, ‘Sachin Anthem’, created an immense buzz among the cine-goers as well as cricket fanatics. (ANI)

(News 8)

A

is scheduled to release in January 2018.

When the rumours about financial crunch first surfaced, an industry insider was quoted as saying [at that time], “Financial troubles? Really? And that too for a family which is one of the highest tax payers from the industry? Do you think that such kind of a conversation even warrants a debate when the makers are one of the richest celebrity couples in town?”

The source had further said, “Most importantly, she has a mind of her own. She knows what call to take and when and with whom. She has been running the show for Padman with clockwork precision and everything is as per plan, within budget and as per timelines.” (Hindustan Times)

T

he wait is finally over with the release of “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”. With this, Sachin Tendulkar becomes the only Indian sportsperson to have a biographical drama on his life journey. He has been included in the league of Mohammad Ali, Ayrton Senna, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Jordan who have had such biographical dramas based on them.

This genre (biographical drama) resonates with the viewer on a deeper level because they focus on real life individuals. With that, comes an intimate and immediate

ctor Arjun Kapoor, whose latest release “Half Girlfriend” has been appreciated by the audience despite mostly unfavourable reviews, says at the end of the day movies are made for the audience.

“Each individual has a different point of view and I am no one who will change their opinion. Most of the time people (critics) want to see a certain type of film, but I feel, people should watch a film with an open mind just the way the audience watches it. The audience is more open to giving the film space and time to enjoy what it is meant for rather than having preconceived notions. I feel the audience is the most important part of filmmaking because at the end of the day, you are making a film for them and not for a limited bunch of people who call themselves critics,” said Arjun.

He added, “I feel really happy when my film works at the box office because eventually, good box office numbers is the barometer of success for any film. If people are buying tickets at the box office, then why should I feel negativity around me? I thrive on positivity in life rather than negativity,” he added. (IANS)

A

ctor Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who has a five-year-old son, Viaan, feels she is fortunate enough to continue working after motherhood. The 41-year-old actor, who owns a production house, says that at least one gets to take breaks during a job while it’s a different ball game altogether when it comes to being a stay-at-home mom.

“I totally respect the fact that if you are a homemaker, it’s even more than a fulltime job. There (in job) you have breaks and you can switch-off. Here, it’s a thankless job. You are underpaid and overworked,” she says.

The actor says that women multi-task and work round the clock, and do it better than men. “Women are doing everything and anything. I can even go to the extent of saying that they

are doing it better than men.

There isn’t anything that we are not capable of doing. We are multi-faceted personalities and are able to multitask much better than men.

We look after our family. We take care of our in laws, children, our husbands, which is a full-time job in itself... and plus we bring home the bread. There are a lot of women who are doing all of that today,” she says.

The actor adds that she makes sure to engage Viaan in extra-curricular activities.

“These days play dates have become a new way to entertain children. I don’t know how our parents did it. I do my best to keep Viaan occupied in extra-curricular activities. There is a teacher who comes home for gymnastics... he loves that. He doesn’t need that many play dates,” she says. (Hindustan Times)

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

Times Trends

Trending Now

Nail Art: Guyana’s Flag

Star of the week

S

howcase your patriotism via artistic nail designs. Get inspired by the designs below, which were done by local and overseas-based Guyanese both novice and professional nail artists.

Solid-coloured nails with just one digit having the flag is ideal for a more ‘simple’ look

Colourful stripes are perfect for a statement look

Neon nails are a must!

You don’t have to paint on the flag for a statement look, instead incorporate its colours in a design like this one

Joshua Junior Dhanai started singing at an early age in church and

Another simple solidcoloured nail design

at local gospel concerts. However, before he ventured into singing, Joshua was a drummer. Consequently, music was always part of his life. In 2015, he began recording reggae/dancehall music and performing locally. According to the artiste, he is inspired by his wife and daughter. Joshua credits his wife for constantly encouraging him “to stay focus and positive”. The singer added he is motivated to make a difference in people's lives via his music. “If my music can have a positive impact on one person, then I'm happy with that.” Currently residing in the U.S., Joshua plans “to do a lot more” with his music career. He aims to “remain a humble positive person and make positive righteous music that will make a positive impact in the world”. Besides being a singer, Joshua is an engineer who loves to spend time with his family. He describes himself as a “proud husband and dad”.

16 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Art

ART IN PRE-INDEPENDENCE GUYANA

‘Artists had already shown independence of thought’

democratic nature: it is not an elitist art; it takes an unprejudiced look at our life; it is a humanely-progressive art which propounds the richness and dignity of life. Even in the conflict-ridden 1960’s, Guyanese artists quietly asserted the common humanity, struggle, and worthiness of the Guyanese people through their landscapes and depictions of the life of the country in scenes of life and landscape.

In another discordant period, the 1990’s, artists such as Ohene Koama, Betsy Karim and Desmond Ali banded together as “The Guyana United Artists”; "Backyard Pere Street" (1970) by Leila Locke they and various other artists made a call through in the works of the Main Street Artists Brian Clarke, Ras their many exhibitions for unity Iah, Marvyn Phillips, Francis Ferreira and others. and peace. But our artists are not In the 1980’s, Bernadette Persaud showed the power and "Lotus" (1971) by Jorge Bowen-Forbes just parochial: they have respond- relevance of East Indian religions and imagery in interpreted to international conflicts such as ing and understanding Guyana. Dudley Charles gave seriuyana became an independent nation in 1966, but its artists had already, from a generation before, begun the Gulf War, and champion international movements for ous consideration to the beliefs of the folk, starting in the to show independence of thought, action and vision. global peace and liberation from oppression.

1980’s with his “Old House” series and continuing this enOur art is one of innate concern and responsibility. Right gagement in his subsequent works.

The artistic ferment in Georgetown in the decades between 1930 and 1960 is a yet largely-unrecognised intellectual and from the beginning, our artists showed a responsibility to As in any other genuine art, in the particularity of philosophical development in Guyana. The early part of this the development of the nation through their social commen- Guyanese art, there is a connection to the universal. Aubrey period laid the foundation for an art which lacks nothing in tary. In 1961, Burrowes presciently offered his “Land of the William’s abstract paintings turn the Guyana landscape into Dolorous Guard” as a warning about developments in the the ground of examination of cosmic matters; Denis William’s richness, complexity and ideation.

Samuel Horace Broodhagen (1883-1950) is identified as country.

Human World addresses all of modern industrial life; Philip Stanley Greaves became famous for his “People of the Moore’s metaphysics apply to all; Winslow Craig’s themes the earliest-known local artist. He was a painter of landscapes and portraits, but not much is known about his work. Pavement” series in the 1950’s, and he continued his tren- touch universal chords.

So was Cedric Winter (1902-1974), a sculptor, who created chant examination of our politics and culture in his “There’s Artists such as Terence Roberts, Carl Anderson and the altar screen for St James-the-Less Church in 1945. But a Meeting Here Tonight” (1990’s) and other artwork.

Derrick Callendar contemplate Guyana’s identity within the Just after the elation of independence, Cyril Kanhai’s widest international context; Philbert Gajadhar celebrates the first decades of the 20th century were lean years for art in Guyana. One expatriate, Golde White, wrote to a friend sarcastic “Green Land of Guyana” pointed to the disjunction East Indian ancestry, but also recognises its relatedness to that “[t]here has been no Art Exhibition for some time in this between political promises and reality. Bernadette Persaud other cultures as well, and so on. Our artists explore formal bravely confronted authority with her “Gentleman in the technical issues, tackle great questions of being, engage in colony, and very little is done to encourage artistic talent”.

From the end of the 1920’s, White and other expatriates, Garden” series as economic and political pressures devel- metaphysics, comment on the world, and are alive to global along with the British Council, encouraged and supported oped in the 1980’s. efforts for freedom, justice, development and the best possiFrom the 1990’s, Desmond Ali in his innovative, mas- bilities of human life. the local men and women of talent. The colonials helped to found the British Guiana Arts and Crafts Society in 1931, sive sculpture enlarged our thinking about Guyana’s politiNotably, art will continue to lead, support and inspire and the British Council sponsored lectures and gave schol- cal condition by expounding on the history of colonialism and our development.Presently at Castellani House, Vlissengen arships. This impetus produced our first formal artists such the struggle for independence in the wider American region. Road, an art exhibition, titled “In Retrospect”, by Jorge Our art gives Guyana root and substance: a hallmark of Bowen-Forbes is being held to celebrate the artist’s 80th as Vivian Antrobus, R. G. Sharples, E.R. Burrowes, Reggie our art is how it draws from the well of our intrinsic cultures birth anniversary as well as Guyana’s 51st independence Phang and Sam Cummings.

On the other hand, Evelyn Williams argues that the colo- and experiences. By doing this, our artists give recognition anniversary. nial establishment “contextualised and controlled the mod- to the inherence of the ancestral in the construction and exIt was opened on May 16, 2017 and will continue until els of cultural expression in the perpetuation of the sys- istence of the Guyanese identity.

June 3, 2017. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.

From the 1960’s, Stephanie Correia brought the forms to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday; the tematic self-interest…imposing the imprints of a European and spirit of the first peoples of the country into formal art gallery is closed Sundays and holidays. (Artists’ information consciousness”.

Here is where the pioneering local artists began assert- in her ceramic work. Eddie Fredericks depicted the rhythms excerpted from notes by Alim Hosein) ing their independence: they soon broke away from the of- of indigenous life; George Simon delved into his indigenous ficial influence, and began organising their own art groups heritage to produce powerful and art classes. They formed the Guianese Art Group in art.

He also tutored Lokono 1945 and the Working People’s Art Class in 1948, which exartists – Oswald Hussein, isted up to as late as 1961.

Clenkien, Telford They attracted young people such as Denis Williams, Lynus Hubert Moshett, Marjorie Broodhagen, Enda Harte, Basil Taylor, Roland Taylor and Hinds, and later on, Stanley Greaves, Ron Savory, Aubrey others - who from the 1990’s Williams, Donald Locke, Emerson Samuels and many oth- revealed a hidden dimension ers. The pioneers started a great line of artists who would of the Guyanese imagination with their shape-shifting take Guyana’s art into the next three decades and beyond.

On the surface, it seems that Guyanese art copies west- works in wood. Philip Moore ern art. But this is only superficially true. While our artists had, from the 1940’s, been draw from the wide range of art approaches, styles and tech- intuitively drawing from his niques, what they create is truly Guyanese. The pioneer art- native African ancestry, but ists broke away from the influence of the British School of also recognising and utilising landscape painting and used more investigative styles and the iconography of the East Indian world-views. techniques to delve into, rather than depict, Guyanese life.

Later, in the 1970’s, the They explored a broader range of themes and subjects.

Apart from the landscape, they painted our people, pass- Village Movement artists times and activities. Artists such as George Bowen (Jorge brought the African ancesBowen-Forbes), Alvin Bowman, Patrick Barrington, David try further into the limelight Singh picked up this tradition from the pioneers and it con- through the medium and style tinued in the works of Eddie Fredericks (our first indigenous of their intuitive wood sculppainter), Basil and Angold Thompson, Cletus Henriques, ture. Gary Thomas, Compton Maylene Duncan, Winston Strick, Seunarine Munisar, Parris, Omowale Lumumba, Merlene Ellis, and a host of other artists right down to the and Colin Warde were some of the main exponents of this present day.

Our art is a nationally-cohesive influence because of its movement, which still live on "Gulf Watch" (1992) by Ernest Van Dyke

G

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

Everything you need to know about Find my iPhone F

ind My iPhone lets you remotely track your lost, stolen, or misplaced Apple device — be it an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac — from virtually anywhere, as long as the device in question has some kind of internet connection.

Not only can Find My iPhone help you locate a stolen or lost device, it can also assist in remotely wiping your private information so your device data doesn't fall into the wrong hands. If you're not sure where to start, here are some tips on enabling Find My iPhone on all your devices as well as how to track them both on the web and through the Find My iPhone app!

How to turn on Find My iPhone for your iPhone or iPad Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap on iCloud.

Tap on Find My iPhone.

Tap the switch next to Find My iPhone.

TECH BYTE

A

UK firm designs 'world's most affordable solar lamp'

UK design consultancy has teamed up with a giant Chinese manufacturer to produce what they say is the world's most affordable solar lamp.

Manchester-based firm Inventid designed the SM100 solar light, which retails for US$5 (£3.85) in African countries.

It was developed in collaboration with China's Yingli and charity Solar Aid. The hand-sized lamp runs for eight hours when fully charged. As well as a stand, it has strap slots so it can be used as a head torch or tied to a bike.

The SM100 was trialled with 9,000 families in three African countries, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia, and the new light is now on sale.

Kerosene burning lamps remain the sole source of lighting for some 600 million people living without electricity in Africa.

But they are expensive to run and there is the constant danger of potential fires.

"Kerosene keeps families locked in a cycle of extreme poverty with almost one quarter of their monthly income spent burning the fuel," explains Inventid co-founder Henry James.

"To break this cycle we worked with Solar Aid, the UK's leading solar charity to design a light that the poorest families could afford.

This meant designing a light that could retail

TECH BYTE

for US$5 in Africa."

Inventid, co-founded by Mr James and Bryn Morgan in 2012, worked closely with charities in Africa to develop the light.

"We gathered local insights into family routines, the layout of dwellings and environmental conditions. We listened to the aspirations and ideas of people whose personal experiences have shaped a product that is cocreated in Africa," Mr James said.

"We are talking about parts of the world where people live on US$350 a year.

"We have never heard of a sales trial this so far-reaching. It had to be totally right if people were going to adopt the light, and introduce it into their lives and their daily routines."

Earlier this year, the SM100 won a silver award in the design for society and design for sustainability categories at the European Product Design Awards. (BBC)

Paper-thin material can generate power, morph into a foldable loudspeaker

R

esearchers at Michigan State University are proposing an entirely new kind of speaker setup in which energy is manipulated on the nano scale, radically switching up basic design principles that have endured for decades.

If all goes well, the new technology will result in foldable speakers that you can pull from your pocket and slap on a wall.

The paper-thin material is called a ferroelectret nanogenerator, or FENG, and it works by converting electrical energy to mechanical energy on a very precise and very small scale.

The technology is bidirectional, too. Run in “reverse,” the material can turn mechanical energy back into electrical energy. As such, FENG materials can work as a microphone, converting physical energy of sound waves back into electrical impulses.

Researcher Nelson Sepulveda said the material was originally developed as a fabric that would generate power from repetitive movement.

“The first intention was to harvest electricity from human motion and use it to power wearable devices,” said Sepulveda, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Michigan State University. “Later, we came up with these extensions of the work, which allows for the device to be used as a flexible, portable microphone or loudspeaker.”

To demonstrate that device’s loudspeaker potential, the MSU research team threaded FENG material into a Michigan State Spartan flag. Music ported in from an iPad essentially turned the flag into a speaker, pumping out the Michigan State fight song.

Sepulveda said that, with the flag experiment, the output was slight, but definitely audible.

“You fold it once, twice, three times, you're improving substantially the amount of energy you're getting from the loudspeaker,” he said.

Sepulveda hopes that the nanogenerator technique, published today in the journal “Nature Communications”, will inspire other researchers to find even more applications for the technology. “We have just opened the door,” he said. “We're hoping for the scientific community to engage and expand on these ideas. The number of things that can be done with this device, it's really just too much for one group to handle.

“There's plenty of room here to do fun stuff.” (Discovery News)

How to use Find My iPhone on the web

If you have a computer handy, you can easily track your missing iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac on the web via iCloud.com. It's as easy as following these steps: Open iCloud.com in any web browser.

Log into your iCloud account.

Click on Find iPhone in the main menu.

Click on All Devices at the top.

Click the device name for the device you'd like to track.

You can zoom in and out on the map to track it more close-

TECH NEWS

D

ly, or you can choose from one of the modes listed in the upper right. Here is an explanation of what each does: Play sound - Plays an audible tone, even if your device is on vibrate or silent. This is the option you'll want to use if your iPhone or iPad has gone missing around the house.

Lost mode - If you use this option, you'll be asked to enter a phone number that will display on the screen of your lost device. Someone can then use this number to call if they find the device. An audible tone will also be played to draw attention to the device.

Erase - If you don't think you're going to be able to retrieve the device, or you're worried about someone accessing your private data, you can remotely delete everything on it in order to protect your information.

How to use Find My iPhone on iPhone and iPad

Not only can you track a lost iPhone, iPad, or Mac on the web, you can use the Find My iPhone app to locate your phone. You'll find it on any iPhone. You can then track any device linked to your iCloud account by following these steps: Launch the Find My iPhone app from any iPhone,

iPad, or iPod Touch.

Log in with your iCloud ID. Tap on the name of the device you'd like to track.

Tap on Actions at the bottom to see your options. Here you have the same 3 options you have in the web view of iCloud: Play sound - Plays an audible tone, even if your device is on vibrate or silent. This is the option you'll want to use if your iPhone or iPad has gone missing around the house.

Lost mode- If you use this option, you'll be asked to enter a phone number that will display on the screen of your lost device. Someone can then use this number to call if they find the device.

An audible tone will also be played to draw attention to the device.

Erase - If you don't think you're going to be able to retrieve the device, or you're worried about someone accessing your private data, you can remotely delete everything on it in order to protect your information.

Keep in mind that if you think your device was stolen, but you're able to track it, it's always best to get local law enforcement involved rather than trying to retrieve a stolen device on your own. (www. imore.com)

Robot police officer goes on duty in Dubai

ubai Police have revealed their first robot officer, giving it the task of patrolling the city's malls and tourist attractions.

People will be able to use it to report crimes, pay fines and get information by tapping a touchscreen on its chest.

Data collected by the robot will also be shared with the transport and traffic authorities.

The government said the aim was for 25% of the force to be robotic by 2030 but they would not replace humans.

"We are not going to replace our police officers with this tool," said Brig Khalid Al Razooqi, director general of smart services at Dubai Police.

"But with the number of people in Dubai increasing, we want to relocate police officers

so they work in the right areas and can concentrate on providing a safe city.

"Most people visit police stations or customer service, but with this tool we can reach the public 24/7.

"It can protect people from crime because it can broadcast what is happening right away to our command and control centre."

The robot, a customised Reem model from Pal Robotics, was unveiled at the Gulf Information and Security Expo and Conference on Sunday.

At present it can communicate only in Arabic and English, but there are plans to add Russian, Chinese, French and Spanish to its repertoire.

A second Reem robot could join it on patrol next year depending on funding, the government in Dubai said. (BBC)

18 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Window Box Edibles

Improve your views with window boxes brimming with gardenfresh flavours. Learn which edible plants grow best in boxes.

Ingredients 1tsp crushed garlic 2 scallion 1 hot red pepper 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup yellow split peas flour or 1/2 cup yellow split peas soaked overnight 1/4tsp cumin 1/2tsp turmeric 1tsp salt 1 scallion finely (optional) 1 cup water 2tsp yeast

Method

Keep fresh herbs close at hand with a wooden window box filled with culinary favourites, like mint and cilantro. An edging of thyme alternating with silver thyme finishes the box with a flavourful flourish

Look for window boxes that come with a sturdy stand when mounting a box beneath a window isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t possible. This box bursts with flavours that can season salads and soups or spice up the grill. Plants include, left to right: Tuscan kale, basil, sage, leaf lettuce, lavender, eggplant and rosemary

If using split peas flour: In either a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind scallion, pepper and garlic into a fine paste, set aside.

Mix flours, cumin, turmeric and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup warm water with yeast, leave for 10 minutes.

Mix yeast, crushed garlic/scallion/ pepper paste into dry ingredients.

Allow it to rise for 40 minutes.

Heat enough canola oil in a pan to allow deep frying, about 3 inches of oil. When oil is hot, drop tablespoon amounts into hot oil, turn when edges are brown. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, remove from oil and drain.

Serve with mango sour or apple chutney.

If using fresh split peas: Place split

R

Greatest Cooking Tips

oast meat atop banana peels to keep the meat moist and tender.

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have measuring spoons nearby, use your thumb as a guide. From the tip of your thumb to where it meets the palm is about one tablespoon; from the tip to the first knuckle (or joint) is one teaspoon.

Use fried eggs as a sauce for steak because runny yolks make the best sauce. Balance things out with a little brightness and acidity: a hint of lemon juice or splash of rice vinegar. Fry egg in olive oil until crispy, but yolk still runny.

W Create your own twist on traditional window boxes by mounting yours on the inside of a bright, sunny window. Many herbs grow well indoors, such as basil, sage, rosemary and thyme. For the most flavourful leaves, provide the brightest light

peas that's been soaked overnight in a blender with 1/2 cup water, garlic, pepper and scallion and puree.

Mix all-purpose flour, cumin, turmeric and salt. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup water with yeast; let proof for 10 minutes.

Place split pea mixture in a bowl and stir in the yeast. Next stir in the dry ingredients and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes. Drop small spoonful into hot oil and fry until golden brown.

Hot Apple Chutney: 1 medium apple finely grated; 1 tbsp distilled vinegar; about 3 tbsp water; salt to taste; 1 tbsp hot pepper sauce. Place all the ingredients in a pot over a medium fire and cook until reduced, about 10 to 15 minutes. Cool and serve. (www. jehancancook.com)

Home Help

ard off booklice with silica packets. Those little packets of silica you find in packaging of electronics, shoes, nutritional supplements, etc., absorb moisture. Booklice live in the damp fungus and mould that thrives in books. Put silica packets behind the books and anywhere you suspect moisture.

Button all buttons on clothing and turn inside out before putting into the washer. Fewer buttons will fall off and garments will fade less if turned inside out.

When the kitchen sponge has reached the end of useful, give it a new lease on life. Rinse it well, then place in the bottom of a flower pot when planting. The sponge will retain moisture and prevent soil from washing away.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

Dry Drowning: Know the Signs I

A

JOKES

little girl asked her mother, "How did the human race appear?"

The mother answered, "God made Adam and Eve and they had children, and so was all mankind made..."

Two days later the girl asked her father the same question... The father answered, "Many years ago there were monkeys from which the human race evolved."

The confused girl returned to her mother and said, "Mom, how is it possible that you told me the human race was created by God, and Dad said they developed from monkeys?"

The mother answered, "Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about my side of the family and your father told you about his."

W S

alking into a lawyer’s office, a man asked what his rates were. "Fifty dollars for three questions," the lawyer stated.

"Isn't that awfully expensive?" the man asked.

"Yes," replied the lawyer. "What's your third question?"

herlock Holmes and Dr Watson go on a camping trip.

After a good dinner, they retire for the night, and go to sleep.

Some hours later, Holmes wakes up and nudges his faithful friend. "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."

"I see millions and millions of stars, Holmes!" exclaims Watson.

"And what do you deduce from that?"

Watson ponders for a minute.

"Well, astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.

Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful, and that we are a small and insignificant part of the universe. What does it tell you, Holmes?"

And Holmes said: "Watson, you idiot, it means that somebody stole our tent."

W

hen a guy's printer type began to grow faint, he called a local repair shop where a friendly man informed him that the printer probably needed only to be cleaned.

Because the store charged $50 for such cleanings, he told him he might be better off reading the printer's manual and trying the job himself.

Pleasantly surprised by his candour, he asked, "Does your boss know that you discourage business?"

"Actually, it's my boss's idea," the employee replied sheepishly, "We usually make more money on repairs if we let people try to fix things themselves first."

F

armer Joe decided his injuries from the accident were serious enough to take the trucking company (responsible for the accident) to court. In court, the trucking company's fancy lawyer was questioning farmer Joe. "Didn't you say, at the scene of the accident, ‘I'm fine?’" questioned the lawyer.

Farmer Joe responded, "Well I'll tell you what happened.

I had just loaded my favourite mule Bessie into the..."

"I didn't ask for any details," the lawyer interrupted, "just answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, ‘I'm fine?’

Farmer Joe said, "Well I had just got Bessie into the trailer and I was driving down the road..."

The lawyer interrupted again and said, "Judge, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the Highway Patrolman on the scene that he was just fine. Now several weeks after the accident he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to simply answer the question."

By this time the Judge was fairly interested in Farmer Joe's answer and said to the lawyer, "I'd like to hear what he has to say about his favourite mule Bessie."

Joe thanked the Judge and proceeded, "Well as I was saying, I had just loaded Bessie, my favourite mule, into the trailer and was driving her down the highway when this huge semi-truck and trailer ran the stop sign and smacked my truck right in the side. I was thrown into one ditch and Bessie was thrown into the other. I was hurting real bad and didn't want to move. However, I could hear ole Bessie moaning and groaning. I knew she was in terrible shape just by her groans.

“Shortly after the accident a Highway Patrolman came on the scene. He could hear Bessie moaning and groaning so he went over to her. After he looked at her he took out his gun and shot her. Then the Patrolman came across the road with his gun in his hand and looked at me. He said, ‘Your mule was in such bad shape I had to shoot her. How are you feeling?’”

n dry drowning, someone takes in a small amount of water through his or her nose and/or mouth, and it causes a spasm in the airway, causing it to close up. In secondary drowning, the little bit of water gets into the lungs and causes inflammation or swelling that makes it difficult or impossible for the body to transfer oxygen to carbon dioxide and vice versa.

Dry drowning usually happens soon after exiting the water, but with secondary drowning, there can be a delay of up to 24 hours before the person shows signs of distress. Both can cause trouble breathing and, in worstcase scenarios, death.

No matter your child's age, be on the lookout for: Water rescue. Any child pulled from the pool needs medical attention.

At the very least, call the paediatrician.

Coughing. Persistent coughing or coughing associated with increased work of breathing needs to be evaluated.

Increased “work of breathing”.

Rapid shallow breathing, nostril flaring, or where you can see between the child's ribs or the gap above their collarbone when they breathe, means they're working harder to breathe than normal. This is a sign that you should seek medical help immediately.

Sleepiness. Your kid was just excit-

mild symptoms just need careful observation, in more serious cases, the doctor may also do a chest x-ray or give him oxygen. In cases of respiratory failure, or when a child can no longer breath on their own, extra support is needed -- such as intubating or putting the child on a ventilator -- but that's very rare. The goal will be to increase blood flow in the lungs and get the child breathing well again.

How to prevent it

edly playing in the pool, and now she's fatigued? It could mean not enough oxygen is getting into to her blood. Don't put her to bed until her doctor gives you the go-ahead.

Forgetfulness or change in behaviour. Similarly, a dip in oxygen level could cause your child to feel sick or woozy.

Throwing up. Vomiting is a sign of stress from the body as a result of the inflammation and sometimes a lack of oxygen, also from persistent coughing and gagging.

How it's treated

Treatment for submersion injury depends on the severity of the patient's symptoms. The doctor will check the child's vital signs, oxygen level, and work of breathing. Patients with more

Prevention is the same for dry drowning and secondary drowning as it is for any other kind of drowning: Swim lessons. Kids who are comfortable and skilled at moving around in the water are less likely to go under and take in water. Around age 4 is a good time to start.

Supervision. Monitor kids closely in and around the water, and enforce pool safety rules.

Water safety measures. Children should wear floatation devices on boats; pools should have four-sided fencing around them; and you should never leave standing water where a child could get into it.As long as you practice water safety, pay close attention to your kids after swimming, and get them checked out if you notice any signs of trouble breathing, you shouldn't have to constantly stress about dry drowning or secondary drowning.

STORY TIME

The Bundle of Sticks

O

nce upon a time, an old man lived with his three sons in a village. The three sons were hard workers. Still, they quarrelled all the time. The old man tried a lot to unite them, but he failed. Though the villagers appreciated their hard work and efforts, they made fun of them on their fights.

Months passed by and the old man fell sick. He told his sons to stay united, but they didn’t listen to him. So, he decided to teach them a practical lesson so that they would forget their differences and stay united.

The old man called his sons. He told them, “I will give you a bundle of sticks.

Separate each stick and you will have to break each

stick into two. The one who breaks the sticks quickly will be rewarded more.”

The sons agreed.

The old man gave a bundle of 10 sticks to each of them and asked them to break each stick into pieces.

They broke the sticks into pieces in minutes.

And again they started to quarrel among themselves as to who came first.

The old man said, “Dear sons, the game is not over.

Now I will give another bundle of sticks to each of you.

You will have to break the sticks as a bundle, not as separate sticks.”

The sons agreed and tried to break the bundle of sticks.

Though they tried their best, they could not break the bundle. They failed to com-

plete the task.

The three sons reported their failure to their father.

The old man replied, “Dear sons, See! You could easily break the single sticks into pieces, but you were not able to break the bundle! So, if you stay united, nobody can do any harm to you. If you quarrel every time with

your brothers, anyone can easily defeat you. I request you to stay united.”

The three sons understood the power of unity and promised their father that whatever be the situation, they would all stay together.

Moral: Unity is strength! (Aesop's fable)

A Time of Destiny

Mondegreens

A

mondegreen is a word or phrase that results from mishearing or misinterpreting a statement or song lyric.

The term ‘mondegreen’ was coined in 1954 by American writer Sylvia Wright and popularised by San Francisco Chronicle columnist Jon Carroll. The term was inspired by “Lady Mondegreen”, a misinterpretation of the line “hae laid him on the green” from the Scottish ballad “The Bonny Earl o Moray”.

According to J. A. Wines, mondegreens often occur because “the English language is rich in homophones - words which may not be the same in origin, spelling or meaning, but which sound the same” (“Mondegreens: A Book of Mishearings”, 2007).

Here is a selection of misheard lyr-

ics from popular songs, hymns, and carols: “Gladly, the cross-eyed bear.”

“Gladly The Cross I'd Bear.”

Traditional Hymn “There's a bathroom on the right.”

“There's a bad moon on the rise."

Bad Moon Rising, Creedence Clearwater “Excuse me while I kiss this guy.”

“Excuse me while I kiss the sky.”

Purple Haze, Jimi Hendrix “Dead ants are my friends; they're blowin' in the wind.”

“The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind.”

Blowin' In The Wind, Bob Dylan

Independence came upon a midnight clearTo this land we hold so dear Freedom to chart our destinyFreedom to build our country With prudence Guyana gained Independence From Great Britain Guyana gained Independence Our forefathers toiled and fought To be free they thought Even blood could shed Even to be dead A taste of freedom Not ‘til Kingdom come From Great Britain Guyana gained Independence Forward together Forward forever Marching in unity To maintain our destiny Each endeavouring All achieving From Great Britain Guyana gained Independence.

James C. Richmond

20 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Sunday Puzzle

I

am a set of three words, all with the same four letters.

First I am a type of carriage.

Then switch my middle letters, and I am a cover often useful on a diamond.

Now switch my end letters...

When you see me, you also see hair.

What are the words?

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 23

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 23

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 23

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

21

Times Kids

Maze Daze

CREATURE CORNER

T

Canje Pheasant

he Canje Pheasant or Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), also known as the Stinkbird, is a leaf-eater, primarily consuming the leaves of swamp plants, including mangrove trees. Hoatzins live in South America, from Guyana and Ecuador to Brazil, Bolivia and the Orinoco, in trees and branches above rivers and marshy areas.

Although they can fly awkwardly over short distances, they spend much of their lives perched, hopping from branch to branch when they need to move. One unique physical feature of the Canje Pheasant is its clawed wings. While these are indistinguishable in an adult bird, the Hoatzin chick has prominent dual claws on each wing, which helps it to grip and pull itself up onto branches.

Young hoatzins can also dive into water and swim underneath to escape airborne predators, but lose this ability when they reach adulthood.

The Canje Pheasant is the national bird of Guyana, and can be found in the Upper Demerara-Berbice area: Mahaica Creek, which has healthy populations, and along the Berbice River, the Canje Creek (a tributary of the Berbice River), and to a lesser extent near the Abary River in the North and the Takatu River in the South.

Did You Know?

The presence of the spiky crest at the top of its head has conferred the word "Opisthocomus" in the bird's scientific name.

Opisthocomus means "wearing long hair behind" in Ancient Greek.

The Hoatzin remains in a unique scientific class of its own, as the sole member of the genus Opisthocomus.

The Canje Pheasant is the only bird to digest vegetation by fermentation, much like a cow.

The bird is known for its terrible odour, which scientists are unsure of its cause or causes, but believe it has something to do with their feeding. It has an unusually large crop, which allows the vegetation to ferment, and it is the fermenting leaves that cause the odour that led its other name, Stinkbird.

Connect the Dots

Connect the dots to reveal the animal found in Guyana.

Have fun colouring the page!

GEOZONE

The North Rupununi Wetlands

Please see solution on page 23

The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

T

he magical North Rupununi Wetlands are a stunning landscape of hundreds of lakes, ponds and creeks covering over 22,000ha.

Linking these wetlands are the beautiful Rupununi, Rewa and Essequibo Rivers. These majestic rivers wind their way through pristine rainforest and extensive savannahs that seasonally flood creating important fish spawning areas. Flooding occurs during the rainy seasons from May to September and December to early January. This unique mosaic of habitats has created one of the most ecologically diverse regions of the world.

The Rupununi River and its trib-

utaries store enormous quantities of water in the rainy season and slowly release it into the Essequibo River, limiting the severity of flooding events in coastal Essequibo communities.

North Rupununi is home to endangered species such as the Giant Otter, Black Caiman and Giant River Turtle, Jaguar, Giant Anteaters, Cock-of-theRock and the Harpy Eagle.

The Wetlands are the traditional homeland of the Makushi people.

It provides food, water and building materials to various communities stretched out across this landscape.

Their rich culture and folklore is intrinsically linked to these wonderful wetlands.

22 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 23

Times World

Family contests Mexican woman wins 50km 101-year-old's wedding race wearing sandals to former maid

T

he children of a 101-year-old man have legally challenged his marriage to his ex-maid, who is just over half his age.

Francisco Marcolino married his maid of decades, Rita Monteiro, 52, in northern Portugal on 4 May. But three children from his previous marriage claim she is eyeing his US$2.2m estate and that he is not of sound mind.

"If he had wanted to marry, he would have done it when he was capable," his son told Portuguese media.

The children are trying to annul the marriage on grounds of incapacity - though a fourth is refusing to join the action and has not commented.

Ms Monteiro was hired by Mr Marcolino's wife 30 years ago, two years before she died.

According to Manuel Marcolino de Jesus, one of three children who have filed the lawsuit, his father's health has sharply deteriorated over the past few years.

His father has made several emergency trips to the local hospital, where his files say

he suffers dementia and is totally dependent, Manuel Marcolino said.

"They have lived in [Ms Monteiro's] house since he became incapable five years ago, and that is when she started to take over everything," he told Portugal's CM Jornal.

He also alleges that large sums of money have been missing from his father’s bank accounts.

Last December, the three lodged two criminal cases of abuse of trust against Ms Monteiro and listed Mr Marcolino's assets.

A psychological assessment was under way to see whether Mr Marcolino should be appointed a representative to manage his affairs.But they say they were caught by surprise when they found out their father had married.

They say officials at a register office 80km (50 miles) away refused to marry the pair, forcing them to travel to another one 150km away.Portuguese news agency Lusa has repeatedly contacted Ms Monteiro's lawyer, but her lawyer says she has "no questions to answer". (BBC)

Brain Teaser Answer trap = a light one-horse carriage tarp = a canvas cover, one use is to protect a baseball diamond from rain part = the line that divides hair, as when combing

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

A

22-year-old woman from Mexico's Tarahumara indigenous community has won a 50km (31 miles) ultramarathon wearing sandals.

María Lorena Ramírez defeated 500 other runners from 12 countries in the female category of the Ultra Trail Cerro Rojo in Puebla, in central Mexico.

She ran without any professional gear, and her pair of sandals was reportedly made from recycled tyre rubber.

The Tarahumara are famous for being excellent runners.

The race was held on 29 April, but only now has word about her victory spread.

Marathon runner Christopher McDougall wrote about the Tarahumara's ability to run extremely long distances in his book Born to Run. He found that the Tarahumara traditionally live in widely-dispersed settlements, covering extremely long distances to visit neighbouring villages, hunt and trade; run in groups, offering each other support and teaching youngsters to pace themselves; see running as a fine art, which forms part of religious ceremonies as well as traditional games and competitions in which men, women and children participate; they consume large amounts of corn beer, which is high in carbohydrates, to stay hydrated; they run in thin home-made sandals called huaraches or barefoot.

Apart from the sandals, María Lorena Ramírez wore a skirt and a scarf in the race. She did not have any professional training.

She finished the race in seven hours and three minutes, and was awarded 6,000 pesos (US$320).

Reports said her job is herding goats and cattle, walking some 10-15km every day.

Last year, she came second in the 100km category of the Caballo Blanco ultramarathon, in Chihuahua. (BBC)

The Dragon's Breath chili pepper is the hottest in the world

D

eath by chili pepper may not be a common way to die, but it's certainly a possibility for unlucky souls adventurous enough to try Dragon's Breath, the new hottest pepper in town.

Mike Smith, the owner of Tom Smith's Plants in the United Kingdom, developed the record-breaking pepper with researchers at the University of Nottingham.

He doesn't recommend the pepper for eating, however, because it may be the last thing a person ever tastes.

So how exactly do hot peppers, such as Dragon's Breath, maim or kill those who try to eat them? Dragon's Breath is so spicy, it clocks in at 2.48 million heat units on the Scoville scale, a measurement of concentration of capsaicin, the chemical that releases that spicy-heat sensation people feel when they bite into a chili pepper. Dragon's Breath is hotter than the current record-holder, the Carolina Reaper, which packs an average of 1.6 million Scoville heat units, as well as U.S. military pepper sprays, which hit about 2 million on the Scoville scale, according to the Daily Post.

In comparison, the habanero pepper is downright mild at about 350,000 Scoville heat units, as is the jalapeño pepper, which registers at up to 8,000 heat units, according to PepperScale, a site dedicated to hot peppers. Bell peppers have a recessive gene that stops the production of capsaicin, so they have zero heat units, PepperScale reported.

Dragon's Breath, in contrast, is so potent it was kept in a sealed container when it went on display at the Chelsea

Flower Show in London, the Daily Post reported.

"I've tried it on the tip of my tongue, and it just burned and burned," Smith told the Daily Post. "I spat it out in about 10 seconds."

When a daredevil, such as Smith, eats an exceptionally spicy pepper, the first sensation is usually mouth numbness, according to Paul Bosland, professor of horticulture at New Mexico State University and director of the Chile Pepper Institute.

"What's happening is that your receptors in your mouth are sending a signal to your brain that there's pain, and it's in the form of hotness or heat, and so your brain produces endorphins to block that pain," Bosland told Live Science previously.

However, unusually hot peppers go beyond numbing the mouth. When these extreme examples are eaten, the body inflates liquid-filled "balloons," or blisters, in areas exposed to the concentrated capsaicin, including the mouth and (if swallowed) the throat, Bosland said.

These blisters can help absorb the cap-

saicin's heat.

"The body is sensing a burn, and it's sacrificing the top layer of cells to say, 'OK, they're going to die now to prevent letting the heat get farther into the body,'" Bosland said.

Some peppers, such as Dragon's Breath, are so hot, that blistering alone would not contain the heat. Rather, their capsaicin permeates the blisters and continues to activate receptors on the nerve endings underneath them, which can lead to a painful burning sensation lasting at least 20 minutes, Bosland said.

In some cases, people vomit up the pepper, as did one 47-yearold man in California who ate a burger topped with ghost pepper puree, according to a 2016 case report in the Journal of Emergency Medicine. The man vomited so violently, he ruptured his esophagus and needed medical attention, Live Science reported.

The immune system can go into overdrive if the capsaicin is too concentrated.

That's because TRPV1 receptors — proteins on nerve endings that detect heat — are activated by capsaicin, and erroneously interpret capsaicin as a signal of extreme heat, Live Science reported previously. This mistake can send the body's burn defenses through the roof.

In some cases, eating a hot pepper can lead to anaphylactic shock, severe burns and even the closing of a person's airways, which can be deadly if left untreated, according to the Post.However, Smith didn't intend for Dragon's Breath to be part of a meal. Instead, he grew it so that it could be used as a topical numbing anesthetic for people who are allergic to regular anesthetic.

24

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Fun Times

Archie

Don’t feel the need to oppose someone you live with (March 21or care about. Criticism will April 19) only make matters worse.

Offer helpful suggestions and encouragement. Keep the peace and avoid a battle.

ARIES

Taking a day trip will TAURUS give you insight into some(April 20- thing you want to pursue or May 20) someone you want to get to know better. Listen and be attentive, but don’t make promises prematurely.

Be creative when dealing GEMINI with others. If someone wants (MAY 28- something from you, give him June 20) or her advice or make suggestions, but don’t do the work or let anyone take advantage of you.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Take one step at a time and refrain from letting your temper get the better of you.

Have patience and show tolerance, but don’t sign on to anything that goes against your morals.

You’ll be tempted to overspend, indulge or take on projects that will prove timeconsuming and more difficult than anticipated. Avoid people who are bad influences.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Explore your emotions and share them with a very special someone. Socializing, love and romance will open the door to joy. Don’t be afraid to get involved.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Indulgence and excess will be hard to resist. Walk away from anyone who is a bad influence. You cannot buy love or happiness. Put your wallet away and curb your indulgent habits.

Don’t worry about what SCORPIO others do. Stick to your game (Oct. 24plan and do what feels most Nov. 22) comfortable to you. Trust in yourself, not in someone who is unpredictable and erratic.

Watch your money, posSAGITTARIUS sessions and anyone who has (Nov. 23access to your personal inDec. 21) formation. Someone will use emotional tactics to infiltrate your space. Avoid people who are a bad influence.

Calvin and Hobbes

Time spent at home with CAPRICORN friends or family will be re(Dec. 22- warding. Alter your living Jan. 19) arrangements or surroundings in such a way that it will add to your comfort and convenience.

Let your creative imagAQUARIUS ination take the reins, but (Jan. 20- don’t let it take hold of your Feb. 19) hard-earned cash. It’s good to start a new hobby, but don’t let it lead to unnecessary debt.

Take comfort in knowPISCES (Feb. 20- ing what you want and don’t Mar. 20) want. Sticking to a budget and not taking on too much will result in you doing what’s best.