Sunday Magazine, Sunday 10 November, 2019.

November 10, 2019

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Page 14

Ranveer Singh says Deepika Padukone asked why he hides his serious side FREE DISTRIBUTION

STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

2 Sunday Times Magazine

NOVEMBER 10, 2019

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Feature

16 Days of Activism

T

he 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

In support of this civil society initiative, under the leadership of the UN SecretaryGeneral, António Guterres, the United Nations SecretaryGeneral’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE campaign) calls for global actions to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations

against Gender-Based Violence, from 25 November to 10 December, under the theme, “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!”

While the names, times and contexts may differ, women and girls universally experience rape, sexual violence, and abuse, in times of peace or war.

Rape is rooted in a complex set of patriarchal beliefs, power, and control that continue to create a social environment in which sexual violence is pervasive and normalized. Exact numbers of rape and sexual assaults are notoriously difficult to confirm due to frequent latitude and impunity for perpetrators, stigma towards survivors, and their subsequent silence.

In recent years, the voices of survivors and activists, through campaigns such as #MeToo, #TimesUp, #Niunamenos, #NotOneMore, #BalanceTonPorc, and others, have put the spotlight on the issue of sexual violence and have reached a crescendo that cannot be silenced or ignored anymore.

That is why, under the umbrella of UN Women’s Generation Equality campaign that marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the UNiTE Campaign is calling on people from all walks of life to learn more and take a stand against the pervasive rape culture that surrounds us.

2019

In 2019, the UNiTE campaign will mark the 16 Days of Activism

Main principles of UNiTE advocacy:

1. Honour and acknowledge women’s movements and their leadership in 16 Days of Activism in preventing and ending violence against women and girls.

2. ‘Leave No One Behind’: apply a human rights-based approach and focus attention on the most underserved and disadvantaged groups of women and girls in efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls.

3. Survivor-centred: take a respectful and ‘do no harm’ approach to the telling and retelling of survivor stories, only with their permission and under the conditions which they have agreed to. This principle is vital for the engagement of survivor advocates in activism.

All UNiTE partners must ensure that survivor advocates’ rights, safety, dignity and confidentiality are upheld.

4. Multi-sectoral: everyone in society has an important role to play in ending violence against women and girls, and we all must work together across sectors to address the various aspects of violence against women and girls.

Broader Umbrella

Next year, 2020 will see an important milestone for the issue of gender equality and work on preventing and ending violence against women and girls, 25 years of the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action.

The 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing marked a significant turning point for the global agenda for gender equality. The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, adopted unanimously by 189 Member States at this conference, is today an agenda for women’s empowerment and it is considered the key global policy document on gender equality. It sets strategic objectives and actions for the advancement of women and the achievement of gender equality in 12 critical areas of concern: Women and poverty, Education and training of women, Women and health, Violence against women, Women and armed conflict, Women and the economy, Women in power and decision-making, Institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women, Human rights of women, Women and the media, Women and the environment and the girl-child.

On the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UN Women’s “Generation Equality: Realizing women’s rights for an equal future” campaign demands equal pay, equal sharing of unpaid care and domestic work, an end to sexual harassment and violence against women and girls, health care services that respond to their needs, and their equal participation in political life and in decision-making in all areas of life.

The UNiTE Campaign will align its advocacy activities with the broader umbrella of the Generation Equality campaign to support broader advocacy for gender equality with its specific lens on preventing and ending violence against women and girls. (UN Women)

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 10, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

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Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

D

omestic violence has been an epidemic in Guyana for a number of years, but very few strides have been made in combating the scourge. Every day, there are reports of women s u f - fering at the hands of men who promised to love and care for them.

In her young life, Vashti Mahase has had two relationships and both of those relationships could be considered as outside of the norm. Vashti’s story came to the fore earlier this year when it was reported that she was severely chopped by her reputed husband after serving him with a restraining order.

Vashti’s life has always been filled with challenges and, according to her, they have somewhat shaped her path. She grew up in the village of Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara with her six siblings and single mother Zorina Mahase. Being the youngest child did not mean that she was spoiled or showered with privileges, rather she, like the rest of her siblings, felt what it was like to live below the poverty line.

Their mother worked hard to ensure that there was food on the table and clothes to cover their backs, but their education had to suffer to facilitate that. Vashti only attended school until she was in Grade Six and she came out, because the family could not have afforded it.

“I had a rough time growing up, because my mother was a single parent, but she was trying for me. I went to the Lusignan Primary School, but when I was in Grade Six, I had to come out because of my mother’s situation; she did not have money to continue to send

me to school, so I come out,” the now 22-year-old recounts.

While she was out of school, Vashti became social and at the age of 15, she began her first real relationship. That relationship would result in two children, but the amount of suffering she would eventually endure was overwhelming. She had moved in with her lover when she was 17 years old and at first, everything was fine.

She knew that her lover had a mean streak, but never thought that she would become the target of that aggressiveness. The first few months of their new common-law relationship was everything she could have dreamt of, but soon her world would become grey.

It started with mean words which later transformed into actions and it was then she knew that she was in trouble. So, after enduring endless nights of beatings, verbal assault and financial abuse,

V a s h t i decided that enough was enough and she packed her bags, took her children and left.

“He was always abusive and used to punish me for money and food and all kind of things. He used to accuse me of cheating and all kind of things. He would sit down just so and then fly in a passion and want to beat and cuss me. I never get no peace. One day he beat me so bad that I could not take it anymore, and I just leave and walk out. I went back to my mother house and I was living there with my children.”

After she walked out on the father of her children, Vashti thought she had another opportunity at starting over. She did exactly that.

Shortly after, a neighbour realised that she was back home with her parents and seized the opportunity to arrange a marriage. The woman went to Vashti’s mother with the idea of getting her settled with her single brother, Fazil Oosman which would later turn out to be a train wreck of a relationship.

“This lady lived two houses away from my mother in Good Hope and one day she come home and tell my mother that her brother looking for somebody to settle down with. She said that how he got two children, but when me mother find out, she realise that he had more than two children,” she said.

Nevertheless, the ball was placed in Vashti’s court and she chose to embark on a new journey with Oosman since he seemed like a person who was capable of building a life with her. She moved out from Good Hope and went to Lima Dam, Mahaica to live with Oosman.

There, she was isolated from her family and it seemed like déjà vu’ all over again.

“He used to live good at first, but then he never used to treat me children them right. He always used to beat them and don’t want give them food on time and everything else.”

The maltreatment of Vashti’s children pushed her over the edge and she began retaliating. However, Oosman did not give up and went as far as falsifying a report to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) against Vashti that resulted in her children being taken away.

The children were returned to their father’s custody much to Vashti’s dismay. Their father had no interest in their well-being which meant that she would have to visit them often to ensure that they were taken care of.

One day as she was preparing to go and visit her children, Oosman was in a foul mood and intensified his antics to prevent Vashti from going. But she was having none of his attitude and in the end, called her mother to rescue her.

Before her mother could have gotten there, Oosman took a cutlass and broadsided her resulting in visible marks and intense pain. She was rescued and returned to her mother’s house, where she decided once again to end another relationship because of the abuse.

Oosman continued to call Vashti and threatened her life. So, she decided to make a report to the Police as well as visit the Social Protection Ministry’s Welfare Office.

“I went to the welfare and they give me two paper. One to take to Vigilance Police Station and one to Mahaica Police Station and when I go to serve him the restraining order on 22nd February, they told me to go back the 24th to serve and when I go to serve he, that is when he chop me up.

“I went there with a female Police and he wasn’t around and he mom call him and told him that a Police Officer is there to carry the protection order against him. He come with a bicycle and while she (the officer) was reading it out, he started to cuss up and I just turn away from him and when I turn away from him, my friend scream ‘run’ and I couldn’t even get chance to run and there was [when] he started to chop me up in front of the Police,” she remembers.

The years of abuse never prepared her for that day and Vashti said it was perhaps the most horrifying experience of her life. She was chopped 15 times and her wrist was broken.

After he chopped her, Oosman escaped, but was later apprehended and charged with attempted murder.

He is currently on bail and Vashti fears for her life. Nevertheless, she is trying to pick up the pieces and recover.

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Sunday Times Magazine

NOVEMBER 10,2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 1 in every 3 women will experience some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. This number is staggering and calls for a comprehensive plan of action in addressing the global epidemic.

However, as conversations surrounding domestic violence roar on, one woman, Camille Cox is using her status as a former victim to reach out and empower other women who are in situations where they are subjected to violence at the hands of their partners.

WHO reports that violence against women is a major public health problem, and global estimates indicate that about 1 in 3 or 35 per cent of women worldwide has experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

“Globally, as many as 38 per cent of murders of women are committed by a male intimate partner. Violence can negatively affect women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, and may increase the risk of acquiring HIV in some settings. There is evidence that advocacy and empowerment counselling interventions, as well as home visitations, are promising in preventing or reducing intimate partner violence against women.

Situations of conflict, post-conflict and displacement may exacerbate existing violence, such as by intimate partners, as well as/and non-partner sexual violence, and may also lead to new forms of violence against women,” WHO said in a November 2017 fact sheet.

Knowing these facts, coupled with her experiences, Camille started the Silence Hides Violence Foundation (SHVF) to empower particularly women to become independent. The Foundation not only caters for women it focuses on all victims of abuse and children as well.

Though relatively new in its formation, SHVF has always been a dream for Camille since she wanted to use her experiences as a victim of both physical and sexual violence to help change the world.

Going back to her formative years, Camille grew up in Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara and has always had a promising future. While a student at the Cummings Lodge Secondary School, she was an athlete. One day when she was training on the seawalls, she was violated.

“I was 16 when I went one afternoon to train on the seawall and I was raped by someone who knows me. Nothing came out of that, because at that time it was taboo to discuss such and to bring it out in the open. I was injured and my legs got broken in the process and that was it. It was never discussed in the family,” she remembers.

“I felt disgusted. I felt worthless because I was a virgin at the time and I processed it and got over all by myself. I didn’t go to any counselling or anything like that and it did affect me until after I got my kids. I used to remember it and cry even when I was in my 30s. I used to rethink and then say I shouldn’t listen to my parents, but now that person is dead,” she added.

At 21, Camille moved to New Amsterdam where she continues to live to date. There, she met the father of her son and although they did not live together, he was a controlling man.

“One day he slapped me and he said he was sorry about it. My eyes were swollen and my parents asked me what happened and I gave the usual excuse: I got stung by a maribunta (wasp) and he was very apologetic and whatever. He took me out and so on, but then he did it again and when he did it again, then was when I said to myself ‘this is it, this is the end of it’.”

It got messy because her child’s father hit her with such force that her mouth was filled with blood. She retaliated by connecting an ashtray to his eyes.

The couple then parted ways and it was then she decided to channel her experiences towards helping those who need it. The idea was there for a while, but it came to fruition in July when she officially launched SHVF. “Persons are suffering and they are doing it in silence because they have nowhere to turn to. Yes, you have the Help and Shelter and various organisations, but do they listen?

Do they help the victim in the aftermath? Do they help the victim?”

“I find most persons after being abused, they have nobody to talk to. Persons need to have someone to listen to them. Some persons just want somebody to listen. We help to gain employment, support for their kids, and that is our goals,” she explained.

Camille intends to continue providing relief to those in need.

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 10, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

J

ust over a week ago, on October 29, Malenie Pierre and her 15-yearold son were sitting in the Juvenile Court as Magistrate Dylon Bess delivered what they think is a proverbial slap in the face of justice.

Magistrate Bess sentenced the two boys who punctured Pierre’s son’s lungs with a pair of scissors to two years for their crime, but instantaneously suspended that sentence and left his bench while the victim sobbed as he realised that justice was not served.

“When I saw my son there in that courtroom and he broke down after he heard that these boys got a suspended sentence, I was angry. The justice system failed us and I feel like I have failed my son as a parent. I am so angry I do not want to talk about it,” Malenie remembers.

On February 28, a group of four boys who are believed to be part of a gang ambushed Shemuel Pierre as he was sheltering from the rain at Prospect on the East Bank of Demerara. Shemuel, a student of Covent Garden Secondary School, was stabbed twice to the chest region by the group of boys who were brought there by one of his school colleagues.

In order to understand the events that led to that fateful day, one has to go back to February 27 when a student in a lower class than Shemuel began bullying him. The student is reported as an aggressor and would often bully students because he was covered by immunity because of his close association to the Guyana Police Force.

On February 27, he crossed paths with Shemuel, but before a physical confrontation could have occurred, a teacher escorted Shemuel to a bus and sent him home. Feeling as if that encounter was in the past, Shemuel returned to school the following day and the day went by smoothly until school was dismissed to facilitate a Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) meeting.

As he was making his way out of the street which housed his school, the rain began falling forcing him to seek shelter at a nearby shop.

While at the shop, he was ambushed by his assailant from the previous day, but the startling difference was that his bully was accompanied by three other boys.

The quartet that attacked Shemuel is believed to be part of a school gang that operates in the area. Despite being outnumbered, Shemuel retaliated when his attackers pounced on him. However, he was beaten to the ground, held in a vice by one of them, and stabbed twice by another two while they continued beating him.

It is unclear whether anyone came to his rescue while he was being attacked, but shortly after, one of his teachers noticed the commotion and upon checking, found her student on the ground struggling to breathe.

Quick action resulted in him being taken to the Diamond hospital for emergency treatment only to be told that he was fine and would be sent home.

By that time, his family had been summoned and arrived at the institution; they realised that Shemuel was in no condition to go home rather he seemed as though he needed emergency medical assistance. They offered to take him to a private institution only to be told by ranks from the Providence Police Station that he would be taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital instead. When he ar- rived at the Georgetown Public Hospital, it was discovered that both of his lungs were punctured and he would require emergency surgery to repair the rapidly deteriorating organs.

He would go on to spend five days in the hospital, but that was the least of his worries. After being discharged, a few days later, he revisited the hospital for a check-up and was given the medical stamp of approval.

“That night when we came home from the hospital, we had to rush him back to a private hospital (name provided) because dark blood was gushing out of the wound and he was in pain.

The doctors there told me that they (GPHC) took out the tube too early and not all the blood drain out and that he may have to do another surgery. But they said they will treat him first and see how it goes. They treated him and he got better, but you see how I could have lost my son?” Malenie lamented.

To date, Shemuel is still in pain and has not fully recovered.

Failed justice When Shemuel was attacked, the teacher who rendered assistance visited the Grove Police Station to report the incident, but was referred to the Providence Station, since they had jurisdiction over the matter. The report was made and Shemuel provided the names of his attackers to the Police.

However, the family was not prepared for the reluctance on the part of ranks at Providence when it came to the investigation. They visited the station on a daily basis to get updates only to be met with rudeness from the ranks there and no update.

When Shemuel was readmitted to the hospital, his mother decided that enough was enough

and began taking steps to get answers. She first visited the A Division Headquarters at Brickdam and reported her distress, but that still did not impact the non-movement of the investigation. Answers came only after Malenie met with then Crime Chief Lyndon Alves and he began looking into the case.

That was almost two months after the initial report was made. Meanwhile, Shemuel was out of school and his attackers roamed the area, threatening his friends into silence.

Following Alves’s questioning, Providence ranks apprehended two of the attackers and both admitted to stabbing Shemuel. They were charged and placed before the courts.

“From the time they read the charge, I was angry. They charged these boys with unlawful wounding and both of my son’s lungs were punctured. We think that it should be attempted murder, because that is what they tried to do. These two boys are brothers and they have other cases before the court,” Malenie said.

The case came to a conclusion on Tuesday last, but it was a verdict the family was not prepared for.

“I was so mad when he read that charges and suspended it. I say if they get their two years, let them go and spend it and think about what they did. Because a lot of youths have been doing things and walking free. The two boys have matters before the court and the one that confessed. Both of his lungs were punctured and they had to do emergency surgery to reconstruct the puncture, but they charged the boys with wounding instead of attempted murder. That was the first thing that get me angry because they put unlawful wounding and both of my son’s lungs were punctured – both!”

Shemuel was in court on the day the verdict was read. At no point in time, his attackers expressed genuine remorse and when he heard the verdict, all his walls came crashing down. He broke down and sobbed while his infuriated mother watched him helplessly.

That day, Malenie said she felt as though the justice system was not designed for justice, because more emphasis was placed on the attackers as opposed to the victim. The attackers, according to her, got the royal treatment since they are back on the streets with very little obligations and they have been receiving counselling among other benefits.

Meanwhile, her son, the victim, is yet to receive the promised counselling to help deal with the trauma of being brutally stabbed.

“Like I left stupid after he suspended the sentence. I went up to the Prosecutor and asked if that was the decision and then I start talking because it had over 20 Police in the room. I said this is not fair, those could never be fair to me and my child. Even if he got his two-year sentence, then why he suspended it? And then afterwards, the counsellor and Prosecutor telling me that the justice system did not fail me. It actually failed me, especially my son, because my son started crying. He started to cry. I waited eight months to get some sort of satisfaction or justice.”

The family is yet to decide their next move in their quest for justice, but is contemplating an appeal of the suspended sentence.

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november 10, 2019

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Feature

Preserving our literary heritage by Petamber Persaud.

O

ne hundred years ago Cy Grant was born in a little-known village of Beterverwating, in the colony of British Guiana, on the outskirt of the British Empire, going on to attract the attention of the Empire when he became ‘the first black face to be regularly seen on British television’.

That was some achievement and honour for at that time in Britain all the cards were stacked against minorities.

Eventually, he would make the world his stage and on this stage he would use all the apps available to him at the time to entertain and to fight against discrimination and social injustices.

Cy Grant would go on to gain respect of his colleagues and skeptics when at the top of his game in the BBC’s daily topical programme, ‘The Tonight Show’, he would quit to avoid being typecast.

Although stereotyping was the bane of blacks in Britain, Grant showed what mettle he was made of by rolling with the punches, as it were, creating openings to exploit.

He would go on to do more in similar vein by setting up multicultural festivals across the country hoping to open eyes and hearts, bringing about change, adding colour to the cut and dried black and white canvas. He created different methods to battle discrimination and in social injustices; his messages readily absorbed whether he was preaching through calypso, folksong or drama.

Cy Grant would go on to attract a lot of attention as he wore many hats during his remarkable life as an actor, musician, poet, writer, social and rights activists. He even attracted the wrath of the enemy when he was shot down and taken as a prisoner of war in Germany while serving as a Flight Lieutenant Navigator in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. A versatile artist, Grant’s work was never done and he basked in his work as an actor, poet and writer.

As a writer, he produced seminal works like ‘Ring of Steel: Pan Sound and Symbol’ which ‘discusses the history, science and musicology of the steelpan’, ‘Rivers of Time: Collected Poems’ which ‘documents Grant's poetical journey through life and considers the influences that have contributed to his understanding of himself and the world’ and ‘Blackness & the Dreaming Soul - A Sense of Belonging: Multiculturalism and the Western Paradigm’.

Guyana was always a part of him having lived for about one third of his life in its two major cities - Georgetown and New Amsterdam, both places hotbeds of religion, culture and literature. And his home was his nursery for it is said that his father was a Moravian minister and his mother was a music teacher. It was here music seeped into his blood and it was here where he learned to play the guitar, one of the instruments which he used to conquer the world. Grant was adventurous and he soon outgrew Guyana, heading off to fight for the mother country, a country that was hostile to him, a country that was hostile to minorities.

He tried to return to his homeland but his calling was in Britain from where he could do the greatest good for the greatest number.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo. com What’s Happening: • Under production is the 2020 edition of The Guyana Annual magazine, see FB or contact Danielle Swain at Guyenterprise for details.

• Under production is an anthology of poems on oil (in Guyana), contact me for details.

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 10, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

I

slam is one of the main religions practiced around the world. The teachings of Islam are comprised of both faith and duty. From time to time messengers were sent with the teachings of Islam only for their people and their time, mankind has since tampered with those previous revelations (Torah, Gospel etc), and the message of those respective prophets has been perverted, leaving behind much confusion and hearsay.

As a result, God has sent the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as His last messenger to mankind. This implies that he must come with a complete and clear guidance, and a clear proof, for all humanity and all times till the Last Day. Otherwise the message is void. Also, the message must be confirming the previous messengers of before. The revelation, guidance, and miracle he received is the Quran.

Youman Nabi or

Mawlid al-Nabi is a celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace). The day is fixed at the 12th day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal in the Muslim calendar. Muhammad was born about A. D. 570 and died in A. D. 632. During his life, he established Islam as a religion and, in doing so, replaced tribal loyalty with equality among all Muslims. The work of Mohamed (OWBP) stressed that no one is better than another on the basis of wealth, race or status. What matters most is obedience to the laws of Islam.

Related to piety is the concept of deen, which signifies a way of life; how people relate to each other, to families and to other Muslims.

At a critical point in his life, Muhammad received a vision of the angel Gabriel who called him into service as a prophet. He later received a second vision of Gabriel who told him to “magnify thy Lord.” Muhammad then began to preach publicly in Mecca where he had lived for many years. Many people were receptive to his message but others ridiculed him. Because of the opposition of many citizens of Mecca and threats against him, Muhammad fled to Yathrib in A. D. 622.

This journey of nearly 200 miles is known as the Hegira and is so important that the Muslim calendar begins with the year of the Hegira.

Youman Nabi or Mawlid al-Nabi is not an extravagant celebration it includes recitation of the Glorious Quran, Sermons being done at Masjids and a time of feasting with family and friends.

Some Muslims refuse to participate in this observance, feeling it is an innovation which places too much emphasis on the human Prophet and distracts from the true divine source of revelation. Other Muslims view this festival as a means to teach their communities about the Prophet Muhammad’s way of life, which all Muslims seek to emulate.

Throughout the world, there are a variety of expressions for the observance of the birth of the Prophet: some celebrations take place simply in private homes; other Muslims decorate their local masjid with lights and hold large festive gatherings.

Celebrations of Mawlid al-Nabi include sharing food, attending lectures, participating in marches, and reading the

Qur’an and devotional poetry. In some countries, such as Pakistan, the entire month of Rabi’ al-Awwal is observed as the Prophet’s “birth month.”

In Singapore, the observance of Mawlid al-Nabi is a one-day festival which often includes special “birthday parties” for poor children and orphans in addition to the regular prayers and lectures in local masajid. Azhar Square in Cairo is the site of one of the largest celebrations, with over two million Muslims in attendance.

In 1994, the First International Mawlid al-Nabi Conference was held in Chicago, Illinois, organized by the Peoria-based Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education (NFIE). At the conference, shaykhs and scholars from around the world argued for both the religious precedence and cultural importance of the celebration of the birth of the Prophet. (Excerpts from Pluralism Project – Harvard University)

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november 10, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Feature

Supporting Indigenous peoples to restore the balance between wildlife and food security

“T

here used to be a lot of wildlife here in my father’s and grandfather’s time: deer, tapir, capybara and peccaries,” explains Asaph, a traditional hunter from the Wapishana indigenous tribe in the Rupununi region of Guyana. “There are still some animals in the Kanuku Mountains, but they are harder to find.”

Wild meat and fish are important sources of protein and nutrients for Asaph and his family.

According to Asaph, in the past, hunting levels were sustainable. There was a balance between the number of animals hunted for food and natural wildlife reproduction rates.

This equilibrium is now under threat, he argues, due to uncontrolled fires, expanding village populations, the construction of new roads and commercial hunting.

To help boost wildlife populations, Asaph is now the vice president of his local conservation group and a wildlife ranger.

“We are trying to conserve this area so that the wildlife will come back.” This will allow him to carry on hunting and feeding his children. “We are trying to educate the youth about conservation,” he emphasises, “so that they know what is good for the environment and the community.”

Millions of indigenous and rural people depend on wild meat for their food and income, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Africa and Asia. The demand for wild meat is also growing in towns and cities where it is consumed as a luxury or by tradition. Hunting wildlife for food is now recognised as a major driver of biodiversity loss. Recent studies estimate that 285 mammal species are threatened with extinction due specifically to this type of hunting. If hunting and fishing for wild species are not contained within sustainable levels, then wildlife populations will decline and rural communities will suffer rising levels of food insecurity.

There is an urgent need to find solutions that achieve both sustainable development goals and wildlife conservation. A consortium of international partners, led by FAO,

launched the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme in 2017. This programme works together with 13 countries, including Guyana, to return hunting

Conservation is important for biodiversity and food security in the Rupununi Region of Guyana. ©FAO/David MansellMoullin

of more resilient species to sustainable levels, reduce urban demand for wild meat and develop alternative sources of affordable and appetising food for rural communities. In many of these countries, there is also a need to revise and improve hunting laws and land tenure systems, which tend to be ambiguous and poorly enforced.

In Guyana, the SWM Programme is working closely with Asaph and other indigenous hunters and conservationists. The aim is to build upon existing community-led projects to maintain healthy fish and mammal populations. After only a year, the programme in the Rupununi region of Guyana has revised a regional fisheries management plan, completed part of an ongoing wildlife census using camera traps, prepared an ecotourism work plan and supported activities with the regional tourism agency, and assessed the potential for livestock development. The hope is that these examples will be replicated elsewhere in Guyana and abroad.

“I would like to see the deer coming back and populating this region again, as they did many years ago,” says Asaph.

“Conservation is the key,” he emphasises.

The SWM Programme is an African, Caribbean and Pacific initiative, funded by the European Union. A dynamic consortium of partners that includes FAO, the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Wildlife Conservation Society and the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development is implementing it. In Guyana, the activities are being carried out by the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission in coordination with CIFOR. The SWM Programme is working to return the balance between food security and conservation. This is necessary to create a sustainable, #ZeroHunger (Food and Agriculture Organization)

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november 10, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

9

Health

you more prone to developing bronchitis.

Complications

Although a single episode of bronchitis usually isn't cause for concern, it can lead to pneumonia in some people. Repeated bouts of bronchitis, however, may mean that you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Prevention

To reduce your risk of bronchitis, follow these tips: • Avoid cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke increases your risk of chronic bronchitis.

• Get vaccinated. Many cases of acute bronchitis result from influenza, a

virus. Getting a yearly flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu.

You may also want to consider vaccination that protects against some types

of pneumonia.

• Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of catching a viral infection, wash your

hands frequently and get in the habit of using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

• Wear a surgical mask. If you have COPD, you might consider wearing a face

mask at work if you're exposed to dust or fumes, and when you're going to be

among crowds, such as while traveling.

Diagnosis

B

ronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.

Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute bronchitis is very common.

Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking.

Acute bronchitis, also called a chest cold, usually improves within a week to 10 days without lasting effects, although the cough may linger for weeks.

However, if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Symptoms

For either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include: • Cough • Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or

green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood • Fatigue • Shortness of breath • Slight fever and chills • Chest discomfort If you have acute bronchitis, you might have cold symptoms, such as a mild headache or body aches.

While these symptoms usually improve in about a week, you may have a nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.

Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts at least three months, with recurring bouts occurring for at least two consecutive years.

If you have chronic bronchitis, you're likely to have periods when your cough or other symptoms worsen. At those times, you may have an acute infection on top of chronic bronchitis.

Causes

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and flu (influenza). Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so this type of medication isn't useful in most cases of bronchitis.

The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of bronchitis include: • Cigarette smoke. People who smoke or who live with a smoker are at higher risk

of both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.

• Low resistance. This may result from another acute illness, such as a cold, or

from a chronic condition that compromises your immune system. Older adults,

infants and young children have greater vulnerability to infection.

• Exposure to irritants on the job. Your risk of developing bronchitis is greater if

you work around certain lung irritants, such as grains or textiles, or are exposed

to chemical fumes.

• Gastric reflux. Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate your throat and make

During the first few days of illness, it can be difficult to distinguish the signs and symptoms of bronchitis from those of a common cold. During the physical exam, your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen closely to your lungs as you breathe.

In some cases, your doctor may suggest the following tests: • Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray can help determine if

you have pneumonia or another condition that may

explain your cough. This is especially

important if you ever were or

currently are a smoker.

• Sputum tests. Sputum is the mucus that you cough up from your lungs. It can

be tested to see if you have illnesses that could be helped by antibiotics. Sputum

can also be tested for signs of allergies.

• Pulmonary function test. During a pulmonary function test, you blow into a device

called a spirometer, which measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can get air out of your lungs. This test checks for signs of asthma or emphysema. (Mayo Clinic)

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Sunday Times Magazine 11

Recipes

Two-Bean Sloppy Joes Inspiring Living Room Decorating Ideas

INGREDIENTS • 1 can each black-eyed peas and red

kidney beans • 1 1/2 cup marinara sauce • 1 can no-salt-added diced tomatoes

in juice • 1/2 cup each frozen cut green beans

and chopped green bell pepper • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp red-wine vinegar • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder • 4 hamburger rolls

Whether it's a complete overhaul or a quick refresh, spice up the family's favorite room with these pro tips.

Colorful Light Fixture Update an unattractive, outdated light fixture with a few coats of paint, round bulbs and pom-pom fringe for a whimsical touch. Strong colors overhead pull together the room's eclectic vibe.

Tilted Mirror

For a laid-back look on your mantel, rest a sturdy style against the wall – no hammering required.

DIRECTIONS Bean Mixture: Bring all ingredients to a boil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, partially cover skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes until green pepper is tender. Spoon onto roll bottoms; replace tops.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup low-sodium cottage cheese • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese or Parmesan • 2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest • 4 oz mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1 1/4 cup) • 1 10-oz. pkg frozen broccoli, thawed, squeezed of excess moisture and chopped • 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 3 cups marinara sauce • 16 large shells, uncooked • Green salad, for serving

Lush Leaves

Fill any underused nook or corner with a big, ol' houseplant and it can instantly become the personality-packed focal point of the room. Tuck the pot in a cute basket for an extra punch.

Slate and Copper

Mix metallic accents (we see you, adorable end table) with traditional wood pieces for added depth to your living room decor.

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Romano, lemon zest, and

1⁄2 cup mozzarella; fold in the broccoli, spinach and parsley.

2. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine 2 cups marinara and 1⁄2

cup water. Fill the shells with the cottage cheese mixture (about 3

tablespoons per shell), using the side of the spoon to push and pack

in the filling. Place the filled shells in the slow cooker, then spoon the

remaining cup of sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining

mozzarella and cook, covered, on low until the shells are tender, 2 to

2 1⁄2 hours.

3. Spoon on to plates and serve with a green salad, if desired.

Cheesy Stuffed Peppers with White Beans INGREDIENTS • 4 bell peppers • 2 tbsp. olive oil • Kosher salt and pepper • 1 large onion • 3 cloves garlic • 1 package fresh spinach • 1 can small white beans • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice • 4 oz. part-skim mozzarella • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 oz) • 1 cup marinara sauce DIRECTIONS 1. Heat broiler. Cut the peppers in half through the stem and discard

the seeds. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the peppers with 1 Tbsp

oil and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper. Arrange cut-side down and

broil for 3 minutes. Turn and broil until beginning to soften, 3

minutes more. Pour off any accumulated liquid. Reduce the oven

temperature to 425°F. 2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining Tbsp oil in a large skillet over

medium heat. Add the onion and cook, covered, stirring

occasionally, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook

for 1 minute.

3. Add the spinach and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper to the skillet

and cook, tossing, until beginning to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove

from heat and fold in the beans and lemon juice, then the

mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. Spread the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-in. baking

dish. Dividing evenly, fill the peppers with the bean mixture (about

1/2 cup each), then place on top of the sauce in the baking dish.

Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese has melted, 4 to

6 minutes.

Velvet Sofa

Make the living room feel airer (and infinitely bigger) by replacing a bulky sectional with pretty seating.

Besides, what feels more luxe than velvet?

Navy Walls

Give beige a break.

Dramatic hues can drench a large living room, like this inky wallpaper. The deep blue provides a surprisingly neutral backdrop.

Chic Storage

Need space, stat? Swap boring shelving for more decorative options, then load up on fabric boxes or baskets to hide an overflow of knick knacks.

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Puzzles

ACROSS 1 6 10 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 36 37 40 41 42 44 48 49 50 53 55 56 58 59 61 63 64 65 66 67 69 70 71 74 75 78 81 82 83 84 86 87 89 93 94 95 96 97

Lifeboat hoist Tarzan's transport Pop up Beauty's companion Protein-building acid Interlaced Finds a tenant Dragon puppet Cow's feet Emmy or Oscar Twitter Lariat Fragrant shrub Martial art Good seance holder (2 wds.)

Sturdy envelope Seize forcibly Tribute in verse Hobgoblin USN rank Blond shade Mineral find Yawn-provoking Formal vote Sticky fruit "Who loves ya, --" Newsstand Guanabara Bay port Garage squirter Pay-stub acronym Flakes off Local movie theaters Like some prospects Wahine's welcome Felt grateful Take back Voice mail unit "Tres --, monsieur!"

Vitality Be gloomy Speaker pro -Robert Urich TV role Longest lasting Honor society letter Seafood choice Nth deg.

Refs' cousins Was in front Boss Utter delight Grant foe "Fret" and "worry" (abbr.)

Hearth fuel Bohemian Vast

100 102 103 104 108 109 110 111 112 113 115 116 117 118 120 121 123 124 125 127 129 131 136 138 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

For some time Wee parasite Night watchman Where pews are Prepare shrimp Bat's navigation system Joule fractions Gerbil or chipmunk "Ulalume" poet Light incense to Pretend to be Outlaw Non-creepy creeper Margarita rim Taiga denizen Hot tub Links goal Deep black "Norma --" Fishing net "Amadeus" subject Moves to rap The best dishes Down the road Half diameters Perch Alpha opposite Enter traffic Model's need Gambling game Solitude enjoyer Extreme edge No rocket scientist Welles or Bean To be, to Brutus Davis of "Evening Shade" Author Roald -Pierre's "Mine!"

Baroque instr.

Disgrace Puccini opera Alphabet five Trump ex Brain, maybe Provide capital Foot parts Discuss some more Clumsy Ladder rung Glimpse from afar Tired of it all "Forgot" a letter Jai -In -- (as found) Dogsled pullers

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- HAMSTER (HAMSTER HAM-ster: A Eurasian rodent often kept as a pet.)

Average mark 55 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 62 or more words in HAMSTER? TODAY'S WORD -- HAMSTER

hare harem harm hart haste hate hater hear heart heat hers ahem arms aster mare marsh

mart maser mash masher mast master mate math meat mesa mesh same sate seam sear seat

seta sham shame share shear smart smear star stare steam stem stream tame tamer tare team

tear term them therm tram trash tsar earth east rase rash rate ream rest

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

21 31 33 35 37 38 39 42 43 45 46 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 57 58 59 60 62 64 66 68 69

Kind of hours Family members Herr's refusal Starfish arm TGIF party request Maurice's eye Freighter hazard Apply gold leaf Selene's sister In a suave manner Mortgage, e.g.

Going around in circles Like some furs Library sect.

Joint problems Moo companion Nancy Drew author Mournful tolls Checked in Afire, in a restaurant Sharp ends Wool sources Police sch.

Between ports Examine a case again Walked purposefully Fasten a rope

71 72 73 76 77 79 80 82 85 88 90 91 92 94 98 99 100 101 102 103 105 106 107 109 111 114 115

Dashboard info Gloating cry Wind toy Tinker with Kings and queens Upper house mem.

NFL scores Spiny cactus Beowulf's drink Mattress part Mutinied ship Tijuana Ms. Not mine A whole lot Hamster's digs Barge -- -Deadly snakes Cowboy shout Mindy's boarder Earth, in combos Leaf's rib Begrudge Charon's river Note before la -- avis Lockbox document Poor review

116 119 121 122 123 124 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 137 139 140 141

Rummage sale Teaches an animal Deals with (2 wds.)

Engine part Wild silk Not us Go fly -- --!

Kilt wearers Quebec school Demeanors Stallone role Carpet nail Hit the ceiling First orchard?

Guthrie of folk music Koh-i- -- diamond Med. plans Goddess of strife Hindu god of fire Hockey feint

See Solution on page 14

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Sunday Times Magazine 13

Fashion

14 Sunday Times Magazine A

ctor Ranveer Singh is known for his quirky and fun persona but his wife and actor Deepika Padukone knows there is more to him than meets the eye. In a recent interview with Vogue magazine, Ranveer revealed that he is actually an intense and serious person and even Deepika wonders why he hides that side from the world.

Asked about his bold style, Ranveer said, “I was brought up by strong women. My soul is feminine.” He added, “I know I can be a very intense person. A serious person. A while ago, my wife asked me why I hide this side of myself. I had no answer for her then.”

Ranveer, however, added that he loves ‘being the clown’. “But I am also that person I project. I enjoy wearing those clothes. I enjoy being stupid and being the clown. I can laugh at myself.”

Deepika and Ranveer

got married in November last year in Italy’s Lake Como.

They dated for seven years before tying the knot in a very private ceremony. Before that, they worked together in four films--Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Finding Fanny.

The couple will soon be seen together in Kabir Khan’s ‘83. The film is based on India’s first cricket World Cup victory in 1983. Ranveer plays former team captain Kapil Dev while Deepika plays his wife Romi. 83 also features Tahir Raj Bhasin, Ammy Virk, Hardy Sandhu, and Chirag Patil among others. The film is co-produced by Reliance Entertainment, Phantom Films and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.

Ranveer will also be seen in Karan Johar’s Takht and

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I

Jayeshbhai Jordaar.

Deepika, meanwhile, will be first seen in Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak, which releases on January 10.

Deepika plays an acid attack survivor in the film, which also stars actor Vikrant Massey. She also has the Mahabharata movie, in which she plays Draupadi. It will release on Diwali 2021. (Hindustan Times)

t is hard to imagine the Munna Bhai series (2003 and 2007) without Circuit. And undoubtedly, the credit to make this character a household name goes to Arshad Warsi. The actor, who won the hearts of the audiences with his comic timing and dialogue delivery, has clearly carved a niche for himself in the industry and especially in the genre of comedy.

Even though Arshad has been a part of the industry for almost three decades now, things took a turn for the good in the recent years.

Ever since his portrayal of Circuit in Munna Bhai MBBS (2003), he has done a number of films, but almost all of them in the same genre — comedy.

Ask him if he was at any point nervous of being typecast, and he says, “No body offers me anything apart from comedy. I have been here in the industry for a

while now and I really don’t care of being typecast. I am going on and on and I won’t stop. It really doesn’t matter to me.”

He further adds that actors should not be worried about being typecast, but about their acting skills. “I think an actor should have a problem only if he/she doesn’t know how to act. If you know how to act, you should never worry about being typecast. As long as they are casting you it’s fine,” he says.

Arshad, who has been a part of multi starrer movies too, will be next seen in Anees Bazmee’s Pagalpanti.

The Golmaal (2008) actor says that he loves working with and ensemble cast.

What does he think of the current state of comedy in Bollywood? He says, “I am sorry to say this, but it has become worse. There are very few writers who write original comedy. Most

W

hat is it that drives the multitalented superstar Lady Gaga to keep reinventing herself to entertain the masses?

“I have a responsibility to the world,” the Grammy and Oscar winner tells Oprah Winfrey in the December issue of Elle magazine. “I recognized very early on that my impact was to help liberate people through kindness.”

The 33-year-old entertainer also opened up about her struggles with mental health, adding, “I kept going, and that kid out there or even that adult out there… I want them to know that they can keep going.” (Page Six)

of them source it straight from the internet, which is just sad. Besides, I feel comedy has become very ‘chichori’. That is another aspect which I wish wasn’t like that. You should write more intelligent comedy. I wish we had done better. Instead of working harder, we have become very convenient.”

(Hindustan Times)

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Sunday Times Magazine 15

Tech

X

iaomi unveiled the CC9 Pro, the first phone to use the 108-megapixel image sensor the company co-developed with Samsung. The CC9 Pro won’t be sold outside of China, but on Wednesday Xiaomi announced that a near-identical phone called the Mi Note 10 will.

The Mi Note 10 was revealed in Spain and will likely make it to the UK, other European countries, and India. There doesn’t appear to be any difference in the hardware, but as you’d expect the Note 10 will run MIUI atop Google-approved Android, with the CC9 Pro using Xiaomi’s own apps and services in China.

Xiaomi often gives its products different names and release schedules around the world — just look at the saga of the ex-

A

mazon’s truly wireless Echo Buds earbuds are excellent for their $130 price, to the point that they were the elephant in the room when we reviewed Apple’s new AirPods Pro. And they managed that resounding feat without one of their biggest rumored features — the ability to double as a fitness tracker and measure the calories you’ve burned.

But don’t rule out fitness tracking just yet, because CNBC and The Verge both

cellent but confusing Mi 9T/ Redmi K20/Redmi K20 Pro/ Mi 9T Pro lineup. This time the two phones are at least being announced within a day of each other.

Here are the key specs, as a reminder: • Q u a l c o m m Snapdragon 730G processor • 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage • Five rear cameras: 108-megapixel f/1.69 wide, 12-megapixel f/2 2x telephoto, 5-megapixel f/2 5x telephoto, 20-megapixel f/2.2 ultrawide, and 2-megapixel macro • 32-megapixel selfie camera • 6.47-inch curved OLED screen with integrated fingerprint sensor • 5,260mAh battery with 30W fast charger included • USB-C and head-

spotted a new “Fitness” tab in the Echo Buds section of the Alexa app.

It’s not clear how well the Echo Buds would work as a fitness tracking device.

They’re advertised as “exercise ready” with IPX4 water and sweat resistance, but many modern fitness trackers and smartwatches use heart rate monitors to improve their accuracy beyond what simple accelerometers can estimate. The Echo Buds don’t appear to have a heart rate monitor built in.

(The Verge)

phone jack The Mi Note 10 won’t be quite as fast as flagships running a Snapdragon 855 — the Redmi K20 Pro included — but otherwise it sounds like a pretty compelling phone, and we’re certainly looking forward to checking out the camera.

While the CC9 Pro starts at around $400 in China, the Mi Note 10 will be priced at 549 euros. It’s not clear exactly when and where the Mi Note 10 will be available, though. (The Verge)

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Fun Times

Archie

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Explore what life has to offer. Check out a place you might like to live, or research the possibility of picking up more skills or education. Make love a priority.

Emotional matters will TAURUS push you to make a change.

(April 20- Before you jump into someMay 20) thing, consider the possible results of your actions. Be smart and do what’s right.

Personal gain should be GEMINI your intent. Whether it’s a (MAY 28- physical, emotional or relaJune 20) tionship change you make, ensure that your motives are just and your plan is feasible.

Talks will lead to unusual opportunities. Relationships (June 21- should be at the forefront of July 22) any decision you make. Work well with others to encourage success and a bright future.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Take care of your health and well-being. If you look and feel your best, you will excel.

Plan something special with a loved one. Don’t make impulsive decisions or purchases.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Participate in something you believe in and make a difference. A personal problem you face at home or with someone close to you should be handled carefully. Don’t judge others.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Taking a day trip or attending a reunion is favored.

Don’t let jealousy set in if someone brags about his or her successes. Be proud of who you are.

Don’t turn down an opporSCORPIO (Oct. 24- tunity to show someone what Nov. 22) you have to offer. Update your resume, add to your qualifications and make your dreams come true. Celebrate with a loved one.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Calvin and Hobbes

Open your door to friends and family. Make improvements to your home and to meaningful relationships.

Take advantage of an opportunity to collaborate with someone and make a difference to your community.

Emotions will surface, causing distress and anger if you don’t approve of what someone else does. Give others space. Keep the peace, do your own thing and excel.

Follow the rules, do AQUARIUS what’s best for you and avoid (Jan. 20- meddling in other people’s Feb. 19) affairs. Refuse to let anyone lure you into a debate that could upset you and its audience Look for a good investPISCES (Feb. 20- ment or a better way to save, Mar. 20) or make a change that will help you cut corners. Take better care of your health by limiting decadent behavior.