Sunday magazine

Sunday March 19, 2017

Times

Star Times Bollywood:

Sonam Kapoor raises funds for children suffering from cancer See story on page 14

Magazine

FREE DISTRIBUTION

Page 3

Historic Monuments in Guyana

Page 7

Page 8

2 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Times Feature

Taan Revitalization

By Dr. Vibert Cambridge, AA

T

his year marks 100 years since the end of the importation of Indian indentured labor to Guyana. This is an appropriate time for us to explore the “spirit of innovative syncretism” that has been associated with Indian music in Guyana.

The late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud and Temple University’s ethnomusicologist, Peter Manuel, have identified Taan as a new musical form that emerged out of the churn of the experience of living in the former colony. Taan is described as a genre of Indian classical and semi-classical music developed and popularized by Indian immigrants in British Guiana, Trinidad, and Suriname.

It is a genre that draws upon the raga - a melodic system that is central to Indian classical music and is based on different times of the day or seasons. The dominant ragas are: Prabhati, Bhairavi, Malkauns, Bihag, Thumri, and Draphud. The documentary, “Taan Singing of Trinidad and Guyana”, produced by Peter Manuel and narrated by Pritha Singh of the Rajkumari Cultural Center, is an invaluable documentation of the origins, growth, and continuing decline of the genre. This two-decade old documentary speaks to the pivotal role of Guyana in the development of the genre as well as identi-

G

uava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit produced by the guava tree, and is very popular in Guyana. It is commonly eaten fresh or made into beverages, jams, and other foods. The fruit, leaves, and juice are also used as medicine.

Maybe you can recall your parents boiling the fruit’s leaves to provide relief from diarrhea. But

Taan singing in Guyana

fying some of the efforts to preserve a folk art for that is intimately associated with the Guyana story.

Encouraged by our three-year effort to heighten awareness of another declining Guyanese folk art, Masquerade, we, the members of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. (GCA), will, over the next three years, facilitate several activities aimed at telling the story of Taan in Guyana and its linkage with India’s musical traditions. We anticipate organizing

the fruit’s benefits include much more. People use guava for colic, diabetes, cough, cataracts, high cholesterol, heart disease, and even cancer. It is important to note, however, that researchers still need more evidence to rate the effectiveness of guava for these uses.

Guava is a source of vitamin C, fiber, and other substances that act like an-

colloquia, workshops, special displays, and the development of a dedicated link on our website to tell this story. We also envision programs that will encourage innovations in performance. The anticipated that the culminating event in this awareness-building initiative will be series of concerts, in Guyana and Brooklyn, which will showcase contemporary performers of the folk-art form.

Through our “Bridgin …” program the updated story of Taan

in Guyana and its diaspora will be shared with the wider Guyanese community.

We are looking forward to working with Guyanese organizations and individuals at home and in the diaspora on this project.

Background of GCA The Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. a non-profit organization, was created in 2001 to document, showcase and celebrate the multiple roots of Guyana’s cultural heri-

tage. Through GCA’s work, members preserve, promote and propagate their cultural heritage and make it available through various channels to inspire future generations of Guyanese at home and in the diaspora.

Its signature events and programs are the vehicles through which the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc., support the study and execution of Guyana’s rich multi-ethnic heritage and advocate for the preservation of this heritage. They also provide an opportunity to celebrate Guyanese achievements and to encourage intergenerational dialogue.

Additionally, these signature events are invaluable to the cultural life of New York, especially for the multi-generational Guyanese community and its networks. The annual Guyana Folk Festival season in Brooklyn is a popular ‘summer’ destination for Guyanese, other Caribbean folk in the Diaspora, and those who wish to learn about Guyana’s multi-ethnic culture.

GCA’s work with Guyanese and Caribbean community organizations, as well as Brooklyn Arts Council, has allowed it to spark change through collaboration, creative and strategic partnerships.

(Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine)

tioxidants.

Antioxidants slow down or stop the harmful effects of oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which oxygen is added to a chemical element or compound.

Guava leaves also contain chemicals with antioxidant and other effects. It is not known how guava works for medical conditions.

Guava leaf tea may also benefit your heart and cir-

Guava leaf tea provides relief for many illnesses

Inside of the fruit can either be pink or white

culatory system, according to laboratory research and a few small clinical studies.

Compounds in the leaves may help reduce blood pressure and heart rate, according to a laboratory study published in 2005 in "Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology" which found that laboratory animals with high blood pressure fed guava leaf extract had reduced blood pressure and heart rates, compared to a control group. Drinking guava leaf tea might also improve blood lipids, according to several small clinical studies reviewed in a 2010 paper in "Nutrition and Metabolism" that found guava leaf extracts may help lower blood cholesterol and unhealthy triglycerides in human sub-

jects, although larger trials are still needed to confirm this.

You can make guava leaf tea by steeping leaves in hot water for five to 10 minutes. Guava leaf tea is considered safe and without significant side effects, although it might cause constipation in some people, and its safety hasn't been established during pregnancy or breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, stick with food amounts until more is known.The tea might also interact with diabetes or anti-diarrhea medications.

Talk to your doctor about guava leaf tea to decide if it might be helpful for you.

Also, it might be helpful to talk with “older folks” who are familiar with the fruit’s benefits.

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

H

Utility poles on Lombard Street, British Guiana circa 1903

ave you ever looked at the towering trees on Main Street or around Georgetown and thought of when tree planting in the capital city began? Or thought of the history of the installation of street lights?

Gas lighting According to the book “The story of Georgetown”

by James Rodway, Stabroek was lighted in early times with lanterns fastened to wallaba posts. The oil used was probably train oil. In 1860 kerosene was introduced and iron lamp posts erected. Rodway also said in his book that gas lighting

had been mentioned many times before it was seriously considered; it was proposed in 1838.

The Town Council back then seriously considered the introduction of gas in 1860. It was spoken of as likely to be a great improvement, but there were doubts as to whether people generally would adopt it. It was not to be supposed that the town lighting alone could support a gas company. However, several persons came forward with projects: the first being T. C. Jenkins, an American Consul. This offer was withdrawn after news of the impending war of secession.

Then came James Appleby, who offered to get up a company in London; his estimate was £4 4s. per street lamp, and 12 shillings per thousand feet for the public. The most serious offer was by S. R. Dickson, who, in 1861, proposed to establish the Demerara Gas Light Company. He asked for a lot of land for the works and offered to light 300 street lamps at $25 per annum and to supply light to private persons at $5 per 1,000 feet. He also stipulated that half the shares should be subscribed in the colony. The result of his action was a petition to the court and an ordi-

Trees on Main Street in early 1900s

Trees decorate the Public Buildings, British Guiana

nance dated August 2, 1862, which stated that the establishment of gas works in Georgetown would be of public advantage. The petitioners were S. R. Dickson, H. I. de Jonge, Jos. Kaufmann and Jas. Brady.

Nothing appears to have been actually done, and in 1864 a new ordinance was passed on the petition of A. W. Perot, F. A. R. Winter, J. S. Hill, J. Kaufmann and others. This also failed or at least did not get into working order in the time given by the ordinance and a new charter was granted in 1870.

The preamble stated that the Demerara Company ordinance having ceased, A. W. Perot and G. H. Oliver, directors of that company, agreed with G. W. Harris, A. Williams, and others in England, to apply for a new ordinance to establish the Georgetown Gas Company.

At last, in March 1873 gas lighting became an accomplished fact. The Georgetown Gas Company did fairly well, and although there were complaints of the high price, still there was small ground for anything like dissatisfaction.

Electric lighting Early in 1889, Julius Conrad, R. Allan, W. S. Turner and R. Dodds applied to the Town Council for a conditional promise to support an electric light company, and as they wanted a monopoly they were referred to the government. Their request for a monopoly for 30 years and for permission to use the streets were considered by the court and referred to the Town Council.

Nothing was actually done until the following year, when a meeting was held at the house of Jacob Conrad on March 25, at which it was agreed to form a company.

On May 5 the town coun-

The impressive Rain Tree on Main Street

cil agreed to refer a motion of Mr. Gibson that a test of 50 electric street lamps should be made to the lighting committee, which ultimately arranged for such a test. At the first general meeting of the company, on August 6, it was reported that 650 private lamps and 50 street lamps had been ordered and works expected to start on January 1, followed by lighting the greater part of High Street from Brickdam to Kingston.

On January 17, 1891, crowds of people filled the street to look at the new lights being turned on. Since that time, electric slowly, but surely, replaced gas, until the gas company was compelled to discontinue its operations and gas lighting came to an end.

Tree planting The first attempt at tree planting in the streets was a short line of Fiddlewood trees, with here and there a bat-seed, Andirainermis, in Commerce Street. These were planted before 1870. A great impetus was given to ornamental planting by the laying out of the Promenade Gardens in 1853, when many

trees and shrubs were imported from the Trinidad Botanical Gardens and elsewhere.

An early attempt to decorate Main Street was by a double line of Oleanders on either side of the canal, but these bushes never looked well due to them being damaged by the public.

An avenue of Mahogany trees in Le Repentir Cemetery dates from about 1870, and the coconut palms near the seawall were planted about the same time.

Rodway in his book stated, “All these were but poor attempts at street decoration, and we must thank the Botanic Gardens for almost everything [regarding trees] we have today.”

A sign on one of the trees, obliquely to Walter Roth Museum on Main Street, reads: “Rain Tree, scientific name: Samaneasaman.

Interesting facts: Native to Tropical America, grows up to 50m tall and spreads as wide as 200 human steps, seeds are chewed for sore throat.” (Information from “The story of Georgetown” by James Rodway)

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Times Feature

K

not-tying has long been a part of Scouting program and for good reasons. It promotes discipline and focus, and it teaches useful skills that can be used immediately. Most people can tie just one knot (the “overhand”); many Scouts know more than a dozen.

Despite technology, knots are still as necessary as ever. All knots have a purpose and it is just as important to understand what that purpose is, and when the knot is used, as having the ability to tie it.Using the wrong knot in an activity or situation can be dangerous.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Enoek Alves, who has been in the Uniform Club, a youth arm in his church, for over 12 years and is currently in the Master Guide program, explained the importance of knot-tying. He mentioned that the Uniform program is divided into three stages: the Adventurer Program caters for children between the ages of 6 to 9; the Pathfinder program caters for children ages10 to 15; and the Master Guide caters for youths who are 16 years old and above.

“Knots are very impor-

tant, especially when you are in the Pathfinder and Master Guide Clubs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church [the church he attends]. The knots are used for building camps and making of camp furniture when

we go camping. The knots are also used in First-Aid and in any form of rescue mission, as the need arises.

At age ten, in the first class of the Pathfinder program, the Pathfinders begin learning knot-tying,” he noted.

Enoek also pointed out that knots in scouting are endless. For instance, the Master Guides must know as much as 40 knots. He said the more knots one knows, the better.

“The Sheep Shank is a knot used to shorten or strengthen a rope.The Sheet Bend is mostly used when tying two ropes of different thicknesses together.

Bowline is a rescue knot used mainly to tie around a person or animal. Clove Hitchis used to fasten the end of a rope to a pole or fixed object and is used for commencing and ending the square lashing [a lashing is a series of wraps tying twopoles together],” Enoek listed briefly.

There is also the Tautline Hitch, which is said to be adjustable and trustworthy. Anyone who uses a tent should know this knot.It is the best way to adjust your lines to the tent-poles, and is considered the most simple of the adjustable knot family.

The Timber Hitch is used to attach a rope to a log. This knot tightens under strain, but comes undone extremely easily when the rope is slack.So it must be kept tight. This knot is also useful for dragging logs back to the camp fire, or clearing forest.

Enoek mentioned that in the Master Guide program,

there is a ‘Knots Honor’.

When doing this honor, the Master Guides have to complete eight requirements, which include knot-tying demonstration and knowing the practical uses of knots. The Master Guides have to complete an assignment which varies based on the choices of the instructor.

Enoek's 'Knots Board'

They must also write a test basedon what was taught, do a practical session of knottying, and must complete a ‘Knots Board’ with about 30 of the knots learned on display. At the end of this honor, the Master Guides would earn themselves an‘honor’ or badge.

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

By Shemuel Fanfair

R

Samantha Lall has been at Wales Primary School for the past 20 years

ecently, we celebrated International Women’s Day, which highlights the many achievements and outstanding goals of women who want to attain true gender parity. However, with the closure of operations of one of the country’s oldest sugar estates, women in several lower West Bank Demerara (WBD) communities have seen their lives significantly altered over the last year.

It has been over two months since the official end to sugar processing at Wales and this, to a large degree, has started to show its impact on the lives of sugar workers and their families with the female population standing to be greatly affected.

However, in the midst of the recent celebration, many women told Guyana Times that in spite of their prevailing challenges, they are not prepared to sit idly by and be consumed.

Rather, they will take charge to support their families as many of their spouses have encountered difficulty in finding consistent employment.

Many noted the expense of paying bills, reduced earnings for shopping and financial setbacks from sending their children to school. Marilyn Weekes, who has been a vendor at a small market in her native village Patentia for the past four years, makes the arduous journey from Stewartville a few times a week in hopes that her customers will continue supporting her. Marilyn, who joined her mother, also a vendor, noted that over the past year, since the closure was announced, much of her produce takes considerable time to be sold. Although

she is unsure of being able to continue to travel such long distances, the mother of two finds it necessary to maintain herself and support her husband.

She said that the reduction in finances has affected her churchgoing. Marilyn added that her mother even assists her financially and would also support her daughter.

Samantha Lall, avendor and a single working woman, offered her perspective on the impact of the Estate’s closure. She mentioned that the estate workers would normally support her by purchasing her snacks. However, due to the closing down of the Estate,Samantha’s only hope is selling to the students of Wales Primary School. She has been a vendor at the school for the past 20 years, taking over the trade from her mother. When Guyana Times sought to interview her, she was busy attending to many schoolchildren. The woman noted thatit would be quite difficult when the school shuts its doors for the holiday season.

“I have been in this business long now, so I’m not finding it so hard unless school close; then I’mout of crop,” Samantha said.

Looking at the Estate, Samanthacommented, “You can see dullness, everything at a standstill.” She, however, pointed out that the women of the area have to utilise their skills to earn for themselves.

“They got to get themselves more involved.

Instead of being home doing nothing, they should try and get themselves organised…they can’t sit down their whole lives, because life takes different turns;

who got them skills, show it out…sewing, knitting,” Samantha urged.

The hardworking woman explained that she tended some cows to support her upkeep on her off-days. In a light-hearted reference, the seller remarked that she may even have to seek out a partner with the forthcoming challenges.

“This time, I probably will have to get a husband and marry,” the vendor quipped.

Gail Garnett, a homemaker from Patentia, high-

lighted the challenges of her family as a consequence of the closure. She explained that her son narrowly escaped the many severance payment-related issues that arose with the closure of Wales Estate. This is because the young man left to work as a prison guard about two years ago.

She, however, added that her husband, Donald,worked with the Guyana Sugar Corporation for the past 28 years as a cane cutter. He still awaits his severance package.

Donald was one of the numerous workers who refused to go to Uitvulgt Sugar Estate, noting that he could not leave his wife and family members alone for hours.

“Since December when the Estate closed, it affecting us [because] our husbands can’t go to work; they threatening to take them off the pay list. It especially affects us who have children to go to school; it really hard,” Gail expressed. She mentioned that the women of the community have no choice but to adjust to the situation that faces them.

“Most of the women will start looking for jobs, doing things to help, because we cannot sit down and wait and nothing ain’t doing. We might get fight down, but we still got to try; we can’t give up so easy. I think if the Estate didn’t close, it wouldn’t be so hard, but it close now and you got to see

Roshini Budhram

Gail Garnett

things in a different way, a different aspect, as now we got to start adjusting to the system with what going on,” Gail declared.

The mother, who described the local economy as “slow, but steady”, holds an optimistic outlook for the future. “One thing for sure is that it will be tough on we in here, but we’re holding up, we’re keeping faith because I believe that with God, all things are possible.”

Another vendor, Jenny Yessuf, has been selling at Patentia Secondary for about two weeks now. She said the majority of the challenges were not affecting her directly, as she lives outside the community. However, Jenny will face indirect consequences due to the closure.

“When you got to the market, it was so packed, but I went recently and you could walk in the stand and pick up anything, because the workers aren’t there; the people don’t have money,” she noted.

Jenny added shedepends on the secondary school to earn a living by selling her snacks.

“As parents, we try to give our best to children, no matter how hard it is,” she declared.

Based on her assessment of the challenges females in the area face, the vendor reasoned that women have no other choice than to seek employment to support their families, rather than just depending on their spouses.

“They got to go out and look for a job; you have nothing else to do. If the husband not bringing enough money, you got to get up to do something,” Jenny posited.

Homemaker Roshini Budhram noted the many

challenges her family has faced owing to the closure of the Estate. She highlighted that it was only this month that her husband of eight years was able to get a job after months of being out of employment at Wales Estate.

She noted that her husband had received an offer to transfer to Albion Estate, but owing to their children’s education, current house loan and having to pay house rent in Albion, they decided to remain at Patentia.

Budhram said her family encountered much difficulty when her husband, Gowtam, was out of work.

“It was tough, because since we start paying the mortgage, we don’t get no big sort of savings, because we got bills, the two kids to look after.”

She also noted that over the past year, she sold broilers at home to offset their expenses. However, with the official closure of the Estate, many persons in the community cut back on their spending, which affected her business.

The mother of two – a toddler and Ravindra, who is seven – noted that women have a future in the world.

“Women got future, women these days don’t sit down because when I had my son alone I used to work,” she said, adding that she opted not to continue working after giving birth to her second child.

It was in early 2016 that the decision to close the Wales Estate was confirmed. As a result, hundreds of workers, their families, and the local economies of several lower WBD communities, including Patentia, Vriesland, Wales, Good Intent, Sisters’ and Bellvue have faced the brunt of the impact.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Times Book World The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

W

omen were always writing but, for various reasons, spawned in and by a male-dominated world; they were not acknowledged and given the recognition they deserved.

Some may have even penned books

or parts thereof, which were credited to their male partners/spouses!

And one day we would be astounded when such evidence is made public.

Scholars are now more aware of hidden literary treasures, especially since two Guyanese

literary treasures were discovered years after they were penned. One of those two gems is the diary from which the book “The First Crossing being the Diary of Theophilus Richmond, Ship’s Surgeon Aboard the Hesperus, 1837-8”

Janet Naidu

Ryhaan Shah

was collated and published. And the other was the discovery of a copy of the first Guyanese short story collection, “Scriptology”,

by Egbert ‘Leo’ Martin first published in 1885.

Women were always featured in the literature written by both male and female, but often they were designed to fill that space in the periphery, clouded in stereotypical fancy. Indian women in Guyanese literature suffered this indignity to an even greater degree. This was the case in the first novel “Lutchmee and Dilloo” by a non-Guyanese featuring Indians, to the first Guyanese novel featuring Indians, “Corentyne Thunder”.

That inequitable situation did not change much until ‘modern’ Guyanese literature came into being when we find examples of writers, both male and female, making an effort to exhibit the true value of women in paying tribute to them. Popular examples come from J. W. Chinapen in his poem, “O Woman, what are you?”; “I love you Woman” by Cleveland Hamilton; “Per aji” by Rajkumari Singh; “Ever waiting” by Shana Yardan – How can you walk into the garden of my life/And trample on the neatly laid out beds of habit?; “A Silent Life” by Ryhaan Shah; and “Coolie Woman” by Gaiutra Bahadur.

The 1960s was a fertile period for writing by women as numerous women writers surfaced, wedging themselves almost imperceptibly into the literary arena. One example of this thrust became evident when they made their presence felt in becoming mem-

bers of literary groups, contributing to a number of publications of the day. Rajkumari Singh, the first major woman writer of Indian ancestry, found herself in company of Sheila King, Evadne D’Oliviera, Cecile Nobrega, Doris Harper-Wills and Syble Douglas.

The literary and cultural work of Rajkumari Singh is worth an article nay a whole book, but that is for another occasion. Suffice it to say she was prolific and versatile in producing works of short fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama.

Lest we forget altogether the lesser acknowledged names, I hasten to include some at this point: Bhagwandai, Janet Jhondorie, Rosetta Khalideen, Ada Debidin, Oma Persaud, Kuntie K. K. Ramdat, Rohanie, Leela Singh, Seeta Mohamed (Dr. Seeta Shah Roath), Parvati Persaud Edwards (Sacred Stones), Rajcoomarie Somir, Leela Sukhu (Scattered Leaves), Zorina B. Ishmael, and Jamila.

And the post-independence period saw a flowering of writing by women and the birth of the novel writing tradition by women. Many of these women have attracted world attention, some winning international, Commonwealth and Guyana literary prizes. Some of the women are Shana Yardan, Mahadai Das, Jan Lo Shinebourne, Parvati Persaud-Edwards, Janet Naidu, Narmala Shewcharan, Oonya Kempadoo, Paloma Mohamed, Ryhaan Shah, Elly Niland, Julia Kanhai, and Ashley Anthony - the first Guyanese woman writ-

Oonya Kempadoo

er to publish a novel of speculative/fantasy fiction.

In the novel writing tradition, focusing on the Indian presence in Guyana, Ryhaan Shah has three novels to her credit: “A Silent Life”, “A Death in the Family” and “Weaving Water”.

In the area of drama, there are a handful of Indian women writers who have published their work through performance, but not in printed form: Janet Naidu, Radha Singh, Dr. Seeta Shah Roath and Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

There are many reasons for coughing up such a short list of women writers in the pantheon of Guyanese literature, and there are many other reasons for the much shorter list of women writers of Indian ancestry.

In the last 50 years, women-writing has developed with flair as such only women can add to any aspect of life, and it is imperative that we take note. In the last 50 years, women writers have added to the shaping of Guyanese literature; we look forward to more from their pens.

At the time of writing, there are many other Indian women writers awaiting publication and acknowledgement, waiting to add their voice to the fuller experience and the fuller enjoyment of the continuum of life.

We salute you, Woman!

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening: Coming soon - A new pocketbook, “Guyanese Writers of Indian Ancestry”

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

St. George's Cathedral

A

1763 Monument

monument includes any building, structure, object or other work of man or of nature whether above or below the surface of the land or the floor of the sea within the territorial waters of Guyana and any site, cave or excavation.

Monuments are as varied as their creators. They represent the hopes or aspirations of the people, built to withstand the sands of times. In Guyana, national monuments are the vested responsibility of the National Trust and are gazetted as such, after cabinet has approved them. At present there are nine gazetted national monuments in Guyana.

The 1763 Monument Situated at the eastern end of Brickdam, the 1763 monument was unveiled by former President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham on Guyana’s 10th independence anniversary celebrated on the May 23, 1976. It commemorates the 1763 slave rebellion; the first revolt that came close to success.

Cuffy, as the leader of that insurrection, has been declared to be one of our national heroes. His legacy has been immortalized in bronze. This monument was described by Guyanese painter Aubrey Williams

as “the greatest standing sculpture of the Caribbean”.

It was constructed at a cost of $38 000. Philip Moore was the sculptor of this impressive work of art. The monument, which stands 18ft high and weighs 2.5 tons, was cut into sections and the moulds were cast and reassembled through welding. The plinth, on which the monument stands, was designed by architect Albert Rodrigues. It symbolizes the struggle of the Guyanese people for their liberation.

Umana Yana and the African Liberation Monument The African Liberation Monument was unveiled by the former President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham on Namibia Day, August 26, 1974, in memory of those who have struggled and continue to struggle for freedom from human bondage.

Geroge Henry was the architect of the monument, which consists of five tall ‘bull forehead’ greenheart poles encased in a jasper stand on a granite boulder. The varying height of the logs are representative of the different ages of the martyrs, the slab of granite is indicative of the strength of the freedom movement and the pebbles at the base of the monument symbolise the millions of people involved in the fight against

human bondage. The monument is located in the compound of the Umana Yana.

Fort Nova Zeelandia and the Court of Policy Fort Island, located approximately 16km from the mouth of the mighty Essequibo River, is home to two historic structures: Fort Zeelandia and the Court of Policy or Dutch Church.

Fort Zeelandia was constructed in 1744 to protect the interests of the Dutch West India Company from European rivals, including the English and French who frequented the eastern coast of South America in search of the spoils of war. This brick fort, which replaced a wooden structure, was constructed in accordance with a design submitted by the then Secretary of the Colony of Essequibo, Laurens Storm Vans Gravesande (the colony’s longest serving Dutch Commandeur 1738–1776) to conserve funds.

The Court of Policy dates back to 1744 when construction of the brick edifice commenced under Governor Laurens Storm Vans Gravesande, who had appealed to the Dutch West India Company for permission to construct a church for the colonists of Essequibo.

This structure measures forty feet in width and sixty feet in length. The Court of Policy served multiple

The Umana Yana with the African Liberation Monument (right)

functions. It was a store and at the same time a church, court, seat of government and a sales office; today it houses the Dutch Heritage Museum. Inside the Court of Policy are the tombs of three Dutch officials.

It is the oldest non–military structure in Guyana. To this day, church services are held there.

Fort Kyk–Over–Al Kyk–Over–Al, meaning “to see over all”, is a small island, approximately 1.5 acres in size, which is located at the junction of the

Indians who brought cotton, tobacco, annatto, balsam copaibo, and others to satisfy the demands of the Dutch.

Fort Nassau Fort Nassau, constructed in 1627 by Abraham Van Pere (a Dutch merchant) and his colonists, is located approximately 88km from the mouth of the Berbice River. This was the seat of government in Berbice, which was governed as a separate colony prior to the unification of the three colonies, Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice, in 1831.

plastic. These were sculpted in the countries from which the founding leaders originated. They are mounted on a concrete plinth with a base made of quartz stone from the Mazaruni district.

Four jasper rocks from the Orinduik waterfall adorn the front of the monument in a pool decorated with colourful stones from the riverbeds of Guyana.

St George’s Cathedral This Gothic cathedral holds the distinction of being the tallest timber church in the world, standing at 143ft

State House

Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers in the Essequibo. This was erected at Cartabo Point in the Essequibo River; various historians have related differing dates of construction.

Jan Jacob Hartsinck claims that work on the Fort commenced in 1613 and finished about1623, while Major John Scott claims that its works commenced in 1616.

It is reported that the building was finally completed between 1623 and 1627. The ruins of the Fortsuggested that it was not a very large edifice. The ground floor was used as a storehouse and a magazine for food imports, goods received from the Indians and ammunition. There were three rooms on the top floor: one for the soldiers, one for the Commander, and one for the Secretary. All that remains of this fort is an arch. There were provision grounds around the Fort and benabs for the conduct of trade with the indigenous

The Non–Aligned Monument The Non–Aligned Monument is strategically located in the Company Path Garden. This monument commemorates the 1972 Conference of Foreign Ministers of Non-Aligned countries when it was held in Guyana from August 8-11, 1972.

The monument was unveiled by His Excellency, Mr. Arthur Chung, the first President of Guyana, in honourof the foundersof the Non-Aligned Movement: President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, President Pandit Jawaharlall Nehru of India, and President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia; the leaders who initiated the conference of Afro-Asian countries.

There are four busts sculpted to the likeness of the founders of theNonAligned Movement; three are of bronze and one of

tall. The cathedral was built between 1877 and 1892. Its foundation stone was laid on November 21, 1889 and it was consecrated on the 50th anniversary of the Bishop on St. Bartholomew’s Day, August 24, 1892.

At a cost of $160,000, the cathedral was designed

by Mr. Arthur Blomfield of Montague Square, London.

The church was opened on March 26, 1893. Constructed from greenheart and English oak, the original edifice had an Elizabethan look before its studs and bracing were covered with greenheart siding. The church has a beautiful wrought-iron chancel screen, rose window and stained glass panels on the easternside of the building.

The cathedral is the fourth building constructed by the Anglican Diocese in Guyana.

It is built in the shape of a cruciform of greenheart wood. The nave and roofs Continued on page 8

8 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Times Travel & Tourism

A Jabiru Stork standing at the edge of a pond at the foot of the Kanuku Mountains near Parikwaranau Village, Region Nine

G

uyana boasts an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty, pristine rainforests, immense waterfalls, and amazing wildlife blended with a vibrant indigenous culture and rich heritage.

Some are very honoured to see this natural beauty on a daily basis; one such person is Matt Hallett.

Matt is a Wildlife Biologist, PhD candidate and Research Assistant at the University of Florida. He has been researching and exploring Guyana’s biodiversity for many years. He is also an affiliate of the Rupununi Learners Inc. and has been volunteering his time and knowledge in giving back to indigenous villages.

His recent project is to document the number of jaguars that are in the Guyana’s Kanuku Mountains Protected Area. This he does by setting up remotely triggered cameras in Guyana’s deep jungle.

Matt has also been photographing breathtaking areas in the Rupununi region. Sunday Times Magazine features a few of his scenic landscape photos of Rupununi.

For more information on Matt’s projects in Guyana, visit Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit on Facebook. Cover: Dugout canoe docked along Awarikuru Lake along the Rupununi River near Yupukari Village

Breathtaking scene in the Rupununi

Vaquero Rickford Bartholomew leads the way marching across the flooded Cajuero side of Karanambu Lodge during the rainy season

Pirara River, Region Nine

Waking up to this view never gets boring

from page 7

are sustained by iron columns in Gothic style reminiscent of the cathedrals in London.

Red House (Kamana Court) This building with its distinctive red colour is situated on High Street in Kingston, between Young and Barrack Streets.It is built of timber (pitch-pine) and is covered with red wallaba shingles. It is not certainwhether the verandah and the ground floor were part of the original building. The Colony of British Guiana acquired the Red House in 1925. Sir Eustace Woolford, a Speaker of the Legislature, was one of the

early owners of the house.

Between 1925 to1953, numerous Colonial Secretaries resided there.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan also lived there from 1961 to 1964 while he served as Premier of British Guiana.

Subsequently from 1965 to the early 1990’s, the Red House was used as government offices, for instance the Public Service Ministry.

The house was left vacant until 1999 when the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre was established in the building.

State House This house, with its 100 windows, was built during the 1820s on land belonging to the Anglican

Church in British Guiana.

Several governors, including Governor Lyght and Governor Barclay, resided there. A rent of 240 pounds each month was paid by the governors who resided there.

In 1852 and 1863, ordinances legislating the purchase of the building to establish a home for the British governors were passed. The original building had two storeys and a double stairway and faced Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Over time, many changes were made to the building. By 1894, the present building’s main entrance was in Main Street. Known as “the Grande Dame of

Non-Aligned Monument

Main Street”, this elegant wooden building exhibits fine wooden architecture.

Many of the ornate designs of the interior of the building are credited to Caesar

Castellani, one of the most prolific architects of the colonial era.

Restored to its former glory, this house is now the official residence of

the President of Guyana.

(Excerpts and photos from National Trust, http://nationaltrust.gov.gy)

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

tween sleep loss and lower pain threshold. Unfortunately, being in pain can make it hard to sleep.

Researchers have found that getting good sleep can supplement medication for pain. If pain is keeping you up at night, there are also medications available that combine a pain reliever with a sleep aid.

Boost energy with a protein-rich breakfast nclude protein at breakfast.

Our bodies repair during sleep, and this takes energy, which needs replacing.

“You’re already waking up at a deficit,” says Debra Basch, a registered holistic nutritionist from Toronto. She suggests including Greek yogurt, flaxseeds or hemp seeds.

Flax seeds have been consumed as food for around 6,000 years and may have very well been the world’s first cultivated superfood! Flax seed benefits could help you improve digestion, give you clear skin, lower cholesterol, reduce sugar cravings, balance hormones, fight cancer and promote weight loss…and that’s just the beginning!

I

Snack smart for an energy boost Snacking can sustain energy levels, Basch says, provided you’re reaching for nutritious foods. Try apples or nuts; the fibre and protein will help hold you over until you next eat.

Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

Avacados to boost energy

dreaming occurs.

REM sleep is important because it is the restorative part of our sleep cycle. Typically, you begin the sleep cycle with a period of non-REM sleep followed by a very short period of REM sleep. The period of non-REM sleep is made up of stages 1 to 4. Each stage can last from 5 to 15 minutes.

Boost energy by banishing stress Stress is an energy zapperfeeling sluggish might be your body’s response to tension. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests activities like meditation, yoga and tai chi to help with agitation.

Workout fads come and go, but virtually no other exercise program is as enduring as yoga.

It's been around for more than 5,000 years. Yoga does more than burn calories and tone muscles. It's a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation. There are more than 100 different forms of yoga. Some are fast-paced and intense. Others are gentle and relaxing.

Fight fatigue with physical activity A little workout goes a long way when it comes to boosting your energy. A 2008 study from the University of Georgia revealed that after only 20 minutes of low-intensity exercise on a stationary bike (comparable to a leisurely walk), participants who had initially reported persistent tiredness had 65 per cent lower fatigue scores.

The benefits of exercise extend far beyond weight management. Research shows that regular physical activity can help reduce your risk for several diseases and health conditions and improve your overall quality of life. Regular physical activity can help protect you from several health problems including Heart Disease, Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Obesity and Depression among others.

Don’t look for an energy boost in a bottle Skip the nightcap. While alcohol reduces the amount of time it takes to nod off, studies have shown that it interferes with REM sleep, the restorative stage in which memories are stored and

Not all fat is bad fat At mealtimes, “your best source of energy is fat,” says Dr. Jonny Bowden, a nutrition specialist based in California and coauthor of Smart Fat. Incorporate such foods as avocados and walnuts into your diet.

Yoga helps banish stress

Occasionally, add an avocado to your salad. It's a great source of monounsaturated fat, which is linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Boost your energy with a belly laugh Laughter may well be the best medicine. Research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that exposure to humour, even 12 short minutes of it, can increase your energy. Have a funny online video on standby to get you through that afternoon slump.

Laughter increases your immunity. Negative stress causes chemical reactions in your body that decrease your immunity, making it more likely you will get sick. A hearty laugh fuels your immune system with diseasefighting powers that will help you stay healthy and energetic.

Stay well hydrated Dehydration - severe or mild - leaves us feeling tired. Drink plenty of fluids and eat fresh produce such as cantaloupe, which contains high concentrations of water.

In the world of thirst quenchers, watermelon weighs in as a major contender. Based on its name, it’s no surprise this fruit is made up of 92 percent water! But its salt, calcium and magnesium are what make it ideal for rehydration, according to a 2009 study at the University of Aberdeen Medical School. It is also a good source of potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Reconnect with nature for an energy boost To reboot, get outside. A study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology suggests that being surrounded by elements like trees and fresh air, for as little as 15 minutes, is linked with greater feelings of vitality.

Research indicates that spending time in nature supercharges the benefits of exercise, a proven stress reliever. Doctors recommend that patients seek out green space to optimize their mental and physical wellness.

Soak up some rays Research published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives states that the vitamin D from sunlight can improve not only your energy, but also

your mood and sleep quality.

Vitamin D levels lower than 40 ng/ml, (now considered “normal “ since the widespread use of air-conditioning), cause sleep disorders: insomnia, sleep apnea, REM related apnea, unexplained awakenings to light sleep, inap-

Boost your energy with caffeinated tea If coffee makes you jittery, try caffeinated tea instead. The drink’s combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that has a relaxing effect on the brain without causing drowsiness, can make tea both energizing and calming.

Tea contains fluoride, which has a well-established link to dental health. Studies have shown that tea can provide up to 70 percent of the fluoride you need. It’s also thought that antioxidants in tea may help inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause plaque.

Chew a stick of gum Gum may do more than just freshen your breath. In 2012, a group of researchers at Coventry

Watermelon to stay well hydrated

propriate body movements during sleep.

Boost energy by getting more sleep Fatigue and lack of nighttime rest go hand-in-hand. “Everybody has a baseline sleep requirement that is non-negotiable,” says Dr. James MacFarlane, the Torontobased director of education and clinical consultant at MedSleep clinic. Most of us need somewhere between 6.5 and 8.5 hours of sleep to remain alert throughout the day.

If you have chronic pain or acute pain from a recent injury getting enough sleep may actually make you hurt less. Many studies have shown a link be-

University in England put individual participants in a dark room for 11 minutes on three separate occasions. In the first instance, they chewed gum; in the second, they didn’t; and in the third, they mimicked chewing. Chewing gum reduced the extent of daytime sleepiness. This might be because the act causes “heightened cerebral activity” or due to the “arousing effects” of mint flavour. Now, that’s something to chew on.

Psychologists say that chewing gum can help in improving memory and enhance cognitive powers. They found that people who chewed throughout tests produced significantly better scores than people who did not. (Readers Digest)

Flaxseeds

10 Sunday Times Magazine

MARCH 19 , 2017

Times Fashion

A

ward-winning Guyanese designer Sonia Noel recently showcased a chic all-white collection at the Hilton Barbados – and it was a showstopper.

The collection outshone at the prestigious fashion show, Eye Catcher 11, which was produced by legendary Barbadian fashion icon Betty West.

“The audience went crazy for the all-white collection from Guyana. This was my first big show in

Barbados. Fifteen years ago, I was with this phenomenal woman [Betty West], who I respect so much.

It felt great to be part of this prestigious production,” Noel said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Outfits featured today are available at Makin’ Style Boutique located at the Courtyard Mall. Call 684-8129 for more information. (Photos by Stephan Squires)

guyanatimesgy.com

Sunday Times Magazine 11 MARCH 19 , 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Star Times Hollywood

L

inkin Park is an American rock band. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album Hybrid Theory (2000), which was certified diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries. Their following studio album Meteora continued the band's success, topping the Billboard 200 album chart in 2003, and was followed by extensive touring and charity work around the world. In 2003, MTV2 named Linkin Park the sixth-greatest band of the music video era and the third-best of the new millennium.

Having adapted nu metal (a form of alternative metal that combines elements of heavy metal music with elements of other music genres such as hip hop, alternative rock, funk and grunge) and rap metal to a radio-friendly yet densely layered style in Hybrid Theory and Meteora, the band explored other genres in their next studio album, Minutes to Midnight (2007). The album topped the Billboard charts and had the third-best debut week of any album that year. The band continued to explore a wider variation of musical types in their fourth album, A Thousand Suns (2010), layering their music with more electronic sounds and beats. Their fifth album, Living Things (2012), combines musical elements from all of their previous records. Their sixth album, The Hunting Party (2014), returned to a heavier rock sound. Their upcoming album, One More Light, is expected to be released May 19, 2017. The band has collaborated with several other artists, most notably with rapper Jay Z in their mashup EP Collision Course, and many others on the remix albums Reanimation and Recharged. Linkin Park has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and has won two Grammy Awards.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Times Hollywood

Demi Lovato thanks fans as Former 'Power Rangers' she marks five years sober star pleads guilty to murder

D

emi Lovato has thanked her fans as she marks five years without an alcoholic drink.

The singer posted a heartfelt Instagram message alongside a progress tracker from the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

"So grateful. It's been quite the journey.

So many ups and downs," she wrote.

The 24-year-old has been open about her struggles with substance abuse, eating dis-

orders and depression.

The former Disney Channel star says she turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the pressures of fame.

In 2010 she checked herself into rehab after a violent argument with a friend and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Since then she's found help and has become a spokesperson for mental health awareness.

She was honoured with the Artistic Award of Courage earlier this month in LA for her work as a mental health advocate.

Demi's also released a book and a documentary about people who struggle with mental health problems.

"So many times I wanted to relapse but sat on my hands and begged God to relieve the obsession," she continues in the Instagram post.

"I'm so proud of myself but I couldn't have done it without my higher power (God), my family, friends, and everyone else who supported me.

"Feeling humbled and joyful today.

Thank you guys for sticking by my side and believing in me." (BBC)

Black Eyed Peas and Marvel to release graphic novel

R

icardo Medina Jr., a former actor who was famous for his role as Lion Wild Force Ranger in "Power Rangers Wild Force" series, has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. The 38-year-old admitted that he killed his roommate, Josh Sutter, with a sword back in January 2015. He entered his plea in Antelope Valley Court on Thursday, March 16.

Medina's attorney, Stanley Friedman, said that it made sense for his client to plead guilty. "It was an offer that was definitely worth it for him to take," he said. "It mitigated his risk of potentially getting a life sen-

tence."

Medina was arrested in 2015 but then released because there wasn't enough evidence to build a criminal case against him.

Medina at the time claimed that he acted on self-defense. A year after he was released and free from any charges, the case was opened again in 2016 and he was charged with first-degree murder, but apparently there was still not enough evidence to put him in jail.

The investigators said that the "Power Rangers" alum killed his roommate after Sutter barged into Medina's room while they had an argument about the way Medina's girlfriend had parked her car.

Out of anger, Medina stabbed Sutter's abdomen multiple times with a sword he kept in his room.

The victim's sister, Rachel Kennedy, admitted that she was relieved to hear Medina finally admitted his guilt. "This was the first step in maybe getting some of my life back," Rachel said. "We just want him where he belongs, and to start trying to live again.

That's what Josh would want."

According to Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Medina faces up to six years in state prison when he is sentenced on March 30. (AceShowbiz)

Selena Gomez gets approval from The Weeknd's mother

S M

arvel and The Black Eyed Peas have teamed up to create a "retro futuristic zombie thriller".

The graphic novel is called “Masters of the Sun - The Zombie Chronicles” and will be released later this year.

It's all about aliens, zombies and hip-hop in Los Angeles.

Peasfrontman will.i.am wrote the story and said: "We've been working on this original story for years and partnering with Marvel to bring this book to life is more than a dream come true."

The graphic novel centresaround the character Zulu-X, a hip hop lover in LA.The city is under attack from an ancient alien god sent to earth to turn its inhabitants into zombies.

Zulu-X and his crew go head-to-head with a nefarious ancient order to settle a score thousands of years old.

Artwork is by Damion Scott, who has worked on the Marvel series “Deadpool” and “Spider-Man” in the past, while the story is co-written by producer and writer Benjamin Jackendoff and will.iam.

According to Marvel, the graphic novel "fuses together the genres of music and comics and tells the complete tale of a retro futuristic zombie thriller."

"Few artists have done more to embed hip-hop in popular culture than will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas," says Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso.

"So we are thrilled to present this deeply personal story that speaks directly to hiphop aficionados, comic book fans and the intersection of those communities."

The comic itself was created by the Black Eyed Peas, while Marvel is acting as the distributor. (BBC)

elena Gomez just got an approval from The Weeknd's mom Samra Tesfaye. Right after he finished his "Starboy: Legend of the Fall" Tour in Europe, the "I Feel It Coming" hitmaker jetted to Toronto, Canada, along with his lady. The "Hands to Myself" crooner was then introduced to the "Earned It" singer's mother and they definitely loved each other.

"The Weeknd's mom lives less than an hour away from downtown Toronto and yes, she and Selena have met," said a source to HollywoodLife.com. "They absolutely adore each other," the source added. "She treated them both to a homemade Ethiopian dinner."

The insider went on saying, "She also got a chance to meet some other family members, and a couple of close friends." The source shared, "Selena hopes to spend more time with his family, especially his mom, when Abel [The

Weeknd's real name] returns for a couple of shows in May." Selena and The Weeknd were recently spotted during a movie night in Toronto. The Weeknd reportedly rented out an entire VIP section of the movie theater so he and his

girlfriend could watch a private screening of comedy horror film "Get Out".

An eyewitness told eTalk, "She was super cute with him, arms around his neck," before adding that the couple kept showing affection during the private viewing.

(AceShowbiz)

Shaquille O'Neal helps dog attack victim S

haquille O'Neal has bought furniture for the family of a girl who was mauled during a dog attack in America.

The former NBA star invited Syrai Sanders and her parents to a Rooms to Go store in Atlanta after the five-year-old was released from hospital.

She spent two months being treated for injuries she received.

Syrai's classmate, six-year old Logan Braatz, was killed in the attack, which took place while they were walking to their school bus stop.

The family of Syrai Sanders,

who needs to be fed through a tube, told Fox 5 News in Atlanta that Shaquille O'Neal has been involved with the family since the attack took place in January.

It's unclear why Shaq offered to buy the family new furniture.

Syrai Sanders and Logan Braatz were followed and attacked by a group of dogs owned by a man named Cameron Tucker.

He was charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Children who were with the pair tried to pull the dogs off.

Police shot and injured one of them, a border collie, while a pit bull mix was captured and taken to an animal control centre.

A crackdown on irresponsible dog owners is being considered in Atlanta.

After leaving hospital, Syrai told local TV news station WGCL-TV that she'd tried to cling on to her cousin but couldn't manage to get away.

"The dogs made me fall on the street. And then they bite me on my head and my ear. I said, 'Help, help, somebody help me.'" (BBC)

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Star Times Bollywood

R

iya Sen is an Indian film actress and model. Riya, who comes from a family of actors including her grandmother Suchitra Sen, mother Moon Moon Sen and sister Raima Sen, began her acting career in 1991 as a child actress in the film “Vishkanya”.

Her first commercial success in her film career was with “Style”. Some of her other notable films include producer Pritish Nandy's musical film, “Jhankaar Beats” (2003); “Shaadi No. 1” (2005) and Malayalam horror film “Ananthabhadram” (2005). Riya was first recognised as a model when she performed in Falguni Pathak's music video “Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi” in 1998.

Since then, she has appeared in music videos, television commercials, fashion shows, and on magazine covers. Riya has worked as an activist and appeared in an AIDS awareness music video with the aim of dispelling popular myths about the disease. She also helped raise funds for pediatric eye-care.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Times Bollywood

Sonam Kapoor raises funds for Priyanka Chopra: ‘I’m very secure children suffering from cancer in who I am, the work I do’

S

onam Kapoor, the brand ambassador of Cuddles, a charity foundation that helps meet the nutritional needs of children afflicted with cancer, has taken a step further to promote the cause. Sonam hosted a charity gala dinnerto raise funds for children suffering from cancer.

Sonam was recently spotted at Tata Memorial Hospital, spending time with the kids at the children’s cancer ward. A source says, “She spent a lot of time, reading out stories, poems and distributing gifts to the kids. She is actively involved with the doctors and nutritionists to ensure that these kids get the best of the facilities available.

To take things into her own hands, she decided to host a charity gala dinner, which was a fund raising event that will help the foundation gather funds to help cancer patients.”

Talking about it, the “Neerja” actor says, “We end up taking things that come easy to us for granted, including the food we eat.

When I heard about the work the foundation is doing, it made me realise how important correct nutrition is during cancer treatment.

This dinner, I hope will shed light on all

H

their work at the foundation and also raise funds for these little fighters. (Hindustan Times)

Lata Mangeshkar: ‘The soul is missing from songs nowadays’

W

hether it was “Lag jaa gale” in 1964 or “Luka Chuppi” in 2006, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar’s renditions have touched generations of music lovers who continue to enjoy her golden tracks. But she says she finds the “soul” missing from today’s music.

“I think playback singing has a lot to do with voice acting. I would suggest to all the youngsters to understand the character, situation and the story behind the songs. That is when you can add soul to the rendition which, I think, is missing in today’s music,” the 87-yearold said in an interview at her Prabhu Kunj residence in Mumbai.

She observed that “perhaps that is why people still love to listen to retro songs, and new songs are going out of listeners’ memory faster”.

“As a singer, you have to bring the soul to the song,” said the industry veteran, hailed by many as the Nightingale of India.

One of the most decorated singers in India, Mangeshkar has been awarded the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award and multiple National Film Awards, among others.

Adding to her portfolio of awards was an honour by radio station Big 92.7 FM, which announced a listeners’ choice award -‘Hit Thhe Hit Rahenge’ -- to commemorate the magic of Indian cinema by remembering and appreciating the evergreen movies and iconic stars in five categories.

Mangeshkar won the ‘Best Singer’ award and her song “Lag Ja Gale” won the ‘Best Song’ award.

Mangeshkar says awards are a token of respect. “More than the trophy, it is the love and affection that people shower on me by listening to my songs years after years, that touches me. For me, awards are a token of respect that people are giving me. So no matter how many awards I am receiving, I always feel emotion-

al,” said the melody queen, dressed in a beautiful white sari and with her trademark bindi on her forehead.

While her musical journey is too well known to the world, it is interesting to know that Mangeshkar is not only a food connoisseur, but also a good cook. “I love eating food and cooking for others. Unfortunately, my food habit has changed due to age and health issues and I am not allowed to eat most of my favourite dishes, specially hot and spicy food.

I must tell you that I cook very good ‘mutton pasanda’ that I learnt from Majrooh Sultanpuri’s wife.

“These days, whenever I get time, I cook for my grandchildren,” she said.

(Mumbai)

ollywood has opened its doors to many Indian stars who are bagging noticeable roles in various projects. A case in point is Deepika Padukone.

Priyanka Chopra, one of the most popular exports to Hollywood from India, says gone are the days when actors used to feel insecure with others’ success.

“That is such an age-old stereotype and definitely not in my DNA,” said Priyanka when asked if actors today have become more open when it comes to appreciating the work of their colleagues, unlike the common perception that they have cat fights due to jealousy.

“I’m very secure in who I am and the work I do. These are my friends and colleagues, and I like to share in their achievements and happiness. Good work should be applauded.

I believe that there is enough work out there for everyone. We don’t live in the dark ages anymore,” she added.

Priyanka’s journey in showbiz started at the age of 17 when she was crowned Miss World. It was followed by her Bollywood debut in 2003 with “The Hero: Love Story of a Spy”.

She later bagged the role of FBI agent Alex Parrish in “Quantico” for which she won the People’s Choice Award -- the first South Asian actress to do so. The “Quantico” fame also got her a role in “Baywatch”, a mov-

Salman Khan to fight wolves in new movie D

irector Ali Abbas Zafar is leaving no stone un-turned in the making of “Tiger Zinda Hai”. The film, which is currently being shot in Austria, has on board a full-fledged Hollywood stunt-and-action crew led by “X-Men” and “The Dark Knight” stunt director Tom Struthers.

According to recent reports, this coming week“Tiger Zinda Hai”, starring Salman Khan, will be shooting an action scene where he will have to fight off a pack of wolves.

An insider close to the film's production told DNA, "It is producer Aditya Chopra's vision that the film matches with an international standards of action and the crew is going the extra mile to ensure that the spy drama ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ delivers on that vision.

Salman will be seen fighting off a pack of wolves in a high-octane action scene in the snow laden forests of Austria."

Ali Abbas Zafar has ear-

Shahid Kapoor: ‘Vandalism on ‘Padmavati’ set unfortunate’ S hahid Kapoor says it is unfortunate that the set of his upcoming film “Padmavati” was vandalised in Kolhapur district.

The set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film, which also stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, was vandalised by unidentified persons at Mhasai Pathar in Kolhapur.

Around 20 unidentified

people torched the costumes and the animal feed kept there for the horses featuring in the period drama, the police said. “I am aware there has been some disruption that happened, I am aware that a certain amount of costumes got burnt, I am aware everybody is safe and nobody got harmed.

The shooting has wrapped up and the team is coming

back,” said Shahid.

“What I am not aware of is who has done it. It is unfortunate that something like this has happened for the second time. As soon as there is some more clarity, the production house will respond to it. But no principal actors were there (when the incident happened),” he added.

Following the incident,

ie alongside Hollywood A-listers Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

It’s not just films she is busy with, but brand endorsements too. Priyanka was announced the newest global brand ambassador of hair care brand Pantene.

Priyanka says she prefers to be careful about choosing the brands she endorses. “I have to believe in a brand to endorse it. I look at products that I endorse as a consumer...

Is it something I would use, do I like what it offers? If my name and brand are being used to advertise a product, then it’s something I believe in,” she said. (Hindustan Times)

the film’s crew was provided police protection, Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home Deepak Kesarkar said yesterday.

In January this year, some members of Karni Sena, a Rajput community group, had attacked Bhansali and stalled the film’s shooting at Jaigarh fort in Jaipur. (Hindustan Times)

lier directed Salman Khan for the epic blockbuster “Sultan” for Yash Raj Films.

Four years prior to “Sultan”, Salman starred in Kabir Khan's spy thriller “Ek Tha Tiger”, produced by Yash Raj Films.

The source further added, "The international action crew is taking all cautionary measures to ensure

the wolves are taken care of by their trainers, who have been working with the team for several days now, and the action sequence will follow all guidelines."

“Tiger Zinda Hai” will see Katrina Kaif reprising her role from “Ek Tha Tiger”.

The film has a tentative release date of December 22, 2017. (India Today)

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

15

Times Feature

Trending NOW

Star of the week

F

ashion is always changing and this season, it's all about the bell sleeve.

Throw on a cream or white top with some faded denim and you're working the trend to be seen in at the moment. It's a pretty versatile trend too as you can keep it simple, opting for a muted tone or experiment with fabrics, patterns and texture.

Below are some styles that should give you some inspiration as to how to style your own bell sleeve look.

I

nspired by the love for his homeland and mother, a passionate conservationist, Alex Arjoon aims to help Guyanese, through his popular television show ‘Round Town, to appreciate their “identity” and country. You may know Alex as an award-winning national squash player. His accomplishments in the sport include multiple junior national squash titles in every age group, as well as five senior national titles. Though he does not play professionally at the moment, his love for the sport is still present.

However, the enthused conservationist’s focus right now is to “create awareness, tell stories and get Guyanese to appreciate their identity” via his show, ‘Round Town, aired on E1 on E-Networks. ‘Round Town highlights the “culture and beauty of Guyana in a new and unique way, bringing to light topical issues within Guyanese society”. Alex mentioned he is “still learning a lot on video production” and that the process has helped to put his “life in perspective”.

To learn more about Alex’s hit TV show, visit https:// www.facebook.com/alexroundtown/

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Times Art

O

verseas-based Guyanese artist Suchitra Mattai’s artwork examines the general themes of identity and globalization through landscape.

Mattai was born in Guyana and also grew up here, but migrated to the US as a child. She now lives and works in France.

The artist received an MFA in painting and drawing, and an MA in South Asian art, both from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

She has exhibited her work in Philadelphia, New

York, Washington, DC, Minneapolis, Denver, Austin, Berlin, Germany, and Wales, United Kingdom.

Her paintings have appeared in the publication “New American Paintings”.

Additionally, she just completed a residency at RedLine Contemporary Art Centre, Denver.

Suchitra often appropriates found objects to create mixed-media drawings, paintings, sculpture and installations. Her disconnected landscapes are created from history, memory, travel and pop-culture, and Artist Suchitra Mattai

invert the familiar in order to complicate assumptions about race and gender.

Currently, the artist is working on a series, “El Dorado”, thinking of her homeland, Guyana, as the idealized ‘El Dorado’. Her new mixed-media work is “all about re-imagining the past”. She is presently working on creating two bodies of work.

“I am currently living in France and have access to European historical documents. I am particularly interested in the period of European colonialism. The ‘Untitled’ piece with the ‘colonized’ woman bound by threads comments on the struggles of colonized peoples. The woman melds into the background pattern. This body of work investigates the position of women during this period,” Suchitra explained in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Her second body of work

"Surface tension" (2016). Mixed-media on vinyl

“references landscape, particularly bodies of water and idealized places”.

Suchitra pointed out that she has always been interested in the relationship of the natural world to the built environment. Hence, her artwork “Surface tension” depicts reflections of nature in a pool. Lately, she has become “obsessed with the idea of El Dorado and the search for an idealized place or home”. Having left as a child, Guyana is now her “remote idealized homeland”.

“Art has always been a way of living for me. My father wrote in my baby journal that I only wanted to draw since I could pick up a pencil. I have always made art. Painting and

"Clearing" (2017). Gouache and watercolour on contact paper

Untitled (2017). Watercolour and gouche on paper

"Lost' (2017). Watercolour and gouche on paper

drawing have always been close to my heart. I spent a lot of time by myself, as my sisters are much younger than me. This time led me to internalize experiences in a peculiar way and art has proven to be the best path for me to express my thoughts and attitudes. I also had one artist role model as a child – our family friend and a fellow Guyanese, Suresh Hanuman, was a source of inspiration,” Suchitra recalled.

The artist mentioned that she is the happiest when using her hands to create. Creating not only brings her joy, but also allows her to communicate the ideas she wants to voice.

For 13 years Suchitra has taught art to university students, but chose to resign from teaching “in order to focus on making art”.

She plans to continue to

pursue exhibiting her work across the globe so that she can continue to be part of “this worldwide art conversation”.

Her advice to young artists is to “follow your dreams in any way that you can, but realize that every life experience contributes to your success as an artist. Develop your technical skills, but really think about what it is that you need to say through your art. It is the marriage of form and content that produces the most amazing artwork. It took me many years to be a ‘professional artist’, but I always created art. Initially, I studied statistics and mathematics in an effort to be practical, and then art history, but in the end I have pursued my passions. Being an artist comes with struggles and sacrifice, but the path is entirely worth it!”

"An Education" (2017). Thread and gouache on 19th century European print

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

Accessibility on iOS

W

ith built-in accessibility features, Accessibility APIs, and a host of developer tools and utilities, iOS provides an extraordinary opportu-

Tech BYTE

nity to deliver a superior mobile experience to every customer, including those with special needs. Awardwinning features include VoiceOver—the revolution-

ary screen reader for blind and low vision users, Switch Control, playback of closed captioned or audio described video, Guided Access, Text to Speech, and more.

Captioning and Audio Descriptions iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch support captioned or audio described videos across a range of apps. iOS allows users to configure captions and audio descriptions, and apps to display either during video playback. Apps that use AVFoundation have support for captioning and audio descriptions during playback through those APIs. Display Customization iOS supports a range of features to customize the display including Larger Dynamic Type, Bold Text, Button Shapes, Reduce Transparency,

Darken Colors, and Reduce Motion. Using the Visual Accommodations API accommodates a range of low vision and other customer needs.

Speech iOS devices can read selected text from your app out loud in over 30 languages, and you can adjust the voice’s dialect and speaking rate. The AVSpeechSynthesizer class produces synthesized speech from text on an iOS device, and provides methods for controlling or moni-

toring the progress of ongoing speech.

VoiceOver VoiceOver is a screen reader that interacts with objects in your apps so users can drive the interface even if they can’t see it. Ensure that the user interface elements in your apps are accessible and useful.

Guided Access Guided Access helps people with autism or other attention and sensory challenges stay focused on the task at hand. A parent, teacher, or therapist can

limit an iOS device to stay on one app by disabling the Home button, and even restrict touch input on certain areas of the screen.

Implementing the Guided Access protocol in your apps allows you to specify which portions of your apps are functional depending on the user’s need. Caregivers will be able to easily control access to sensitive areas, like Settings or Help, that can make it hard for students to remain focused. (https://developer.apple.com/)

Teenagers build app to tackle bullying Tech news

Ludacris loves his iPhone

I F

our students have created an app to help teenagers talk about being bullied and get access to counselling.

For Me was originally a school project but the NSPCC's Childline has turned it into reality.

"I hope that young people now realise they have somewhere to go," one of the creators, Laura Hindle, tells Newsbeat.

The app features a private "locker" area where users get a daily mood tracker and can write down their thoughts.

It also lets users chat with a counsellor.

"I can't believe this app is a reality and is out there for people all over the country to access and use," Laura tells Newsbeat.

"It's absolutely amazing that we've been on this journey and been involved in this process.

"I hope people find it useful and they

I

can get the support they need when they're going through troubled times.

"I hope that young people now realise they have somewhere to go and with the support they need they can overcome their problems."

"We've always said there should be an app for adults as you can only use For Me until you're 19," Laura explains.

"Problems don't stop once you become an adult - they're around your workspace wherever you are.

"It would be amazing if there was an app like this for adults.

"It would be pretty amazing to see that happen."

The app is now available as a free download from the iOS app store and an Android version is due to be released in the coming weeks. (BBC)

Indie games get a permanent home on the App Store

ndependent games have always been a crucial slice of the iOS app market.

Now, Apple is adding a new section to the App Store to better highlight these games from smaller studios, which can sometimes get lost in the shuffle of bigbudget titles and free-to-play behemoths.

The new Indie Game Showcase will feature new games and also highlight older titles, and will be curated by Apple’s editorial team in a manner similar to other featured apps on the store. In addition to the individual app showcase, Apple is also

adding a permanent sub-section for indie titles to the App Store.

It’s an important move on Apple’s part given today’s app economy, which is heavily tilted toward bigger developers who can afford the marketing budgets to promote their games in a way that smaller dev teams typically can’t match. Apple’s new indie section could help provide a more level playing field for new independent developers, similar to the early days of the App Store when the market wasn’t so crowded.

(The Verge)

t should come as no surprise that Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, one of the stars of the “Fast & Furious” movie franchise, isn’t a fan of self-driving cars.

“I honestly feel that no one can ever take the place of a human being when it comes to actually driving, especially when it comes to that last-minute instinct if something happens to go wrong,” Ludacris, 39, told CNET during a cover shoot in his hometown of Atlanta.

“The same way computers crash every now and then, I feel like cars that are gonna drive people, there’s a slight chance that it may crash,” he said in December, ahead of reprising his role as tech guy Tej Parker in “The Fate of the Furious,” also known as “Fast & Furious 8”.

“I don’t think it’s for me.”

That’s not to say he’s leery of tech. While

not quite the techie he plays on screen, Ludacris says his house has all sorts of gadgets he controls through his iPhone apps.

He also relies on apps to help him with his music. But the hip-hop artist also thinks we should put our tech down every once in a while. “There’s a time to disconnect,” he says. “There’s nothing like actually interacting with other human beings.” (CNET)

Separation from your phone 'makes you stressed within minutes'

P

sychologists have found that the answer is probably only a few minutes - at least among people aged 18 to 26.

In a study, people whose phones were taken away from them were more likely to show "stress behaviour" than those who had their phones on them.

Participants who were given another mobile showed less signs of stress too, even though it wasn't their own phone.

The comfort from the mobile phone is a substitute for real human interaction, say the researchers.

They even compare it to how a baby can be comforted with a blanket when they are away from their parents.

The study was conducted by scientists from Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary and is published in the journal Computers in Human Behaviour.

Veronika Konok, one of the authors, says: "Objects can be the subject of attachment, like photos of important people, or toys.

"The mobile phone is special because it's not only an important object, but also represents our other social connections."

The study was done with a group of 18 to 26-year-olds, who were filmed and whose heart rates were monitored.

Half of the group had their phones taken away and put in a cupboard.

Each of the 87 participants would sit in a room on their own and asked to do sums and puzzles on a laptop.

In the three-and-a-half-minute break between activities, those without their phones were more likely to hover around the cupboard where their phone was, and within that time showed signs of stress such as a change in heart rate variability.

Those without phones were also likely to fidget, touch their faces or scratch - all signs of stress, according to the psychologists who ran the experiment.

The subjects were also tested for their reactions to emotive words, and were found to respond more to words to do with separation, for example "break up" and "loss".

The fear of being apart from your phone has even got a name - it's called nomophobia, which is an abbreviation of "no-mobile-phone phobia". (BBC)

18 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

By Cindy Yanasha Angulo

N

obody wants to spend countless hours tilling up land. Raised bed gardening is an easy way to take the toil and trouble out of gardening.

Ingredients 4 rustic potatoes 5 tablespoons butter, melted 3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 cup panko breadcrumbs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Salt and pepper to taste Cooking oil spray for the pan

There's no limit to how large a raised garden can be

Method

Preheat oven to 425Ëš. Cover a glass Pyrex dish with foil and spray to coat with cooking oil.

Put the garlic cloves inside the butter so they begin to infuse.

Wash and dry potatoes, then take them one by one to cut on a cutting board. You're going to want to lay two chopsticks on either side of the potato to avoid cutting straight through the bottom (so the potatoes fan out like the picture above).

Cut about 1/4 inch thick slices through the entire potato (until your knife hits the chopsticks). Do the same for all four potatoes.

Place the potatoes into a bowl of cold water as they are finished being cut. This

Raised gardens can also be quite lovely. Check out this stone bed for some inspiration

T

Greatest Cooking Tips

he simplest and most immediate way to deal with overripe fruit is to puree and freeze it. Cut away any soft or spoiled areas, zip it through a blender or food processor, then freeze it in ice cube trays.

When you deep-fry, hold each piece of food with long tongs as you add it to the oil. Hold it just below the oil's surface for five seconds before releasing it. This will seal the exterior and stop it from sticking to the pot or the other food.

For best results when you're baking, leave butter and eggs at room temperature overnight.

S You don't need open fields to garden. Here’s a raised garden made of bricks

will wash out some of the starch from inside the potato before you bake it. Make sure they are dry before baking, though.

Arrange the potatoes in the Pyrex dish and fan them out slightly with your hands.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper as desired.

Brush the garlic butter mixture on top of each potato. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Take the potatoes out of the oven, uncover them, and then brush more of the butter mixture on them.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of each potato, trying to get some inside the little slits. Brush with more butter and bake again uncovered for another 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and cooked through. (www.yanashaskitchen.com)

Home Help

pray your plastic ware with non-stick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces for no more stains.

To remove marks left by wet glasses on wood furniture, mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil and apply it with a soft cloth while moving with the wood grain. Use another clean, soft cloth to shine it.

Using clean foam meat trays between each plate of fine china when stacking for storage will help prevent scratches.

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

W

JOKES

D

Did You Hear?

ID YOU HEAR about the judge who demanded order in the court?

The defendant asked for a hamburger on a roll with mustard, and a drink as well.

DID YOU HEAR about the absentminded professor?

He poured ketchup on his shoelaces and tied knots in his spaghetti.

A

family that spent their vacation on a farm the year before wanted to return. But the only thing they thought was wrong with the farm was the noise made by the pigs. So they wrote to the farmer to ask him if the pigs were still there.

The farmer wrote back: “Don’t worry.

We haven’t had any pigs on the farm since you were here.”

J

ames and Josh decided to explore the hills on a two-seater bicycle. As they reached the first hill, the going got hard, especially for Josh at the back. At last, they reached the top.

Short of breath and perspiring, Josh said, “That was tough! But we finally made it!”

“Yes,” said James. “Luckily, I had my hand on the brake. Otherwise we would have rolled all the way down!”

T

wo mountain climbers had reached the end of their exhausting climb. At the point of collapse, they made it to the top!

“It almost cost us our lives to climb this mountain,” the first climber gasped, “but just to plant our country’s flag on the top here is worth it. Our people will be proud; this is the proudest moment ever in my life! Please hand me the flag.”

The second mountain climber stared at him in surprise. “I thought you had it!?”

hile fruit drinks, sodas, and other sweet beverages bear the brunt of the too-much-sugar finger-wagging, new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that food choices can contribute significantly more addedsugar calories to your child's diet than beverages. That is why reading labels carefully is so important. Additionally, avoid foods with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving. Some sneaky sugars you may have missed: Low-Fat Peanut Butter Manufacturers take out the fat out of low-fat peanut butter, but to give it the texture and taste of regular peanut butter, they add sugar. The fat that is

naturally occurring in peanut butter is healthy, so go with the regular peanut butter.

Cereal Some children's cereals contain a lot of sugar. Ideally, you want to select a cereal with 5 grams of sugar or less per serving. Or you can mix a healthier low-sugar cereal with a pre-sweetened one.

Packaged Fruit The little bit of sugar you get from eating whole fruit is a good thing, since it's also packed with nutrients and fiber, which helps fill you up. With canned fruit, however, the good-for-you element is less beneficial and the sugar is higher—especially if you're buying

the syrup-packed variety. Always look for water-packed fruits. If you accidentally get the syrupy one, thoroughly rinse the fruit in water.

Flavoured Milk Keep this to an occasional treat.

Instead of premade varieties, make your own with skim milk and Ovaltine or Carnation Instant Breakfast, both of which have additional vitamins and less sugar.

Yogurt Since milk already contains sugar, thanks to naturally occurring lactose, added flavours can really up the quota.

Your best bet is to buy plain or vanilla and add your own sweetness by way of berries or banana chunks.

STORY TIME

O

ne day, Jack the monkey asked the King to marry one of his daughters.

The King told him, “If you want my daughter, you have to catch the biggest caiman and then you will marry her.”

So Jack went to try his luck and found a big caiman floating on the river.

“Hey, what you want?” the caiman asked.

“I want a partner like you,” said Jack.

“A partner like me?” wondered the caiman.

“Yes, I want you and me sleeping together,” responded Jack.

The caiman and Jack now went on the land to sleep.

“I can’t sleep just like that you know.

I need a piece of wood as a pillow for my head,” said Jack. And he went in search for a piece of wood.

After the caiman fell asleep, Jack took the piece of wood and knocked the caiman on his head, but he missed. The caiman woke up in shock, “What you doing, man?”

“That wasn’t me,” responded Jack, “a tree fell in the middle of the night.

Look, it nearly hit me too”.

“If it had caught my dead spot, I would have been dead,” shouted the caiman angrily.

“So where’s your dead spot?” asked Jack cleverly.

“Right behind here,” the caiman pointed at a spot on the side behind his eyes.

“Ah!” thought Jack excitedly, dis-

covering the caiman’s dead spot. Jack gave one blow to the caiman’s dead spot while he was asleep, which instantly killed the caiman.

Jack then tied the caiman’s feet and took him to proudly present to the King.

He said, “King! King! I caught the biggest caiman, now I can marry your daughter!”

Jack was dancing up and down because he was so happy.

“Ok,” said the King, “but I want you to do more thing: catch for me the biggest kamudi (tinki in Makushi).”

The next day Jack carried a canister into the forest and put it underneath a tree. He climbed up the same tree and waited until a huge kamudi passed by.

“You want anything?” asked Jack from the top.

“What I want? I want you!” responded the snake.

“Me? No man, but I got a nice canister for you there. You could go there.

I want to give you something,” Jack told the kamudi.

“How am I going to fit in that canister?” the kamudi asked.

“That going to fit you nice, you know. You just got to curl up,” Jack said convincingly. So the kamudi crawled inside, curled himself and his whole body disappeared into the canister.

Jack jumped off the tree and quickly closed the canister.

Then he ran to the King’s palace and shouted, “King! I caught a pet for you. I caught the biggest kamudi!” he said.

“You lie!” replied the King. “No, I am not lying, now I can get the girl,” responded Jack.

So the King’s workers went to collect the heavy snake. It really was the biggest kamudi they had ever seen.

And the King said, “Ok, you can have my daughter.”

But when the King presented his daughter, she was so disappointed at the sight of Jack that she started crying.

“Oh no! Not him please,” she cried out. The monkey tried to convince her, but with no luck; the girl didn’t want him. Screaming, she said that she did not want a monkey!

Seeing that he could not change her mind about him, the monkey disappeared, weeping.

That is why, until this day, we have the ‘weeping Capuchin monkey’. (By Guyanese storyteller Abigail Buckley, with the help of her daughter Shania; www.pantaniblog.org)

T

he trio of their, there, and they’re can confuse writers at all levels. The confusion stemming from these words is that they are homophones, meaning they have the same pronunciation, but differ in meaning and derivation. Let’s explore the differences between the three.

Their is the possessive case of the pronoun they, as in: “They left their cell phones at home.” Their is generally plural, but is increasingly accepted in place of the singular his or her af-

ter indefinite singular antecedent, such as ‘someone’: “Someone left their book on the table.”

There is an adverb that means “in or at that place,”

as in: “She is there now.” In this sense, there is essentially the opposite of here.

There is also used as a pronoun introducing a sentence or clause, as in: “There is

still hope.”

They’re is a contraction of the words ‘they’ and ‘are’, as in: “They’re mastering the differences between three homophones!”

If you find yourself coming up blank when trying to determine which one to use, take a hint from the spelling of each: Their has the word ‘heir’ in it, which can remind you that the term indicates possession.

There has the word ‘here’ in it. There is your choice for talking about places, whether figurative or literal.

They’re has an apostrophe, which tells you that it’s the product of two words: they are. If you can substitute they are into your sentence and retain the meaning, then they’re is the correct homophone to use!

20 Sunday Times Magazine

MARCH 19 , 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Sunday Puzzle

I

n each sentence below, two words are incomplete. The two words end in the same three letters, so they look like they should rhyme, but they don't. See if you can figure out the missing letters in each sentence.

Example: One symptom of bronchitis is a ro___ co___. (The two words are: rough, cough.)

1. Now that I can fly a kite, I don't m___ the w___.

2. Children in Alabama could be called the Deep So___ yo___.

3. That bully must ce___ to te___ his fellow students.

4. By his 18th birthday, the prince had gr___ into his cr___. see ANSWERS on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

T

he brown hoplo, Hoplosternum littorale, is nearly unmistakable with its plate-like armour consisting of two rows of large bony scales running along the length of each side of the body. The armoured appearance of this animal gives it the alternate common name armoured catfish or ‘hassar’ in Guyana.

Individuals range in colour from dark brown to black. Two pairs of long chin barbels (a slender, whisker-like sensory organ near the mouth) are present.

This fish species is widespread in South

GEOZONE

America, east of the Andes and north of Buenos Aires, including the Rio Orinoco, Trinidad, coastal rivers of the Guianas, Rio Amazonas basin, Rio Paraguay, lower Rio Parana and coastal systems in southern Brazil.

Males build floating nests in vegetation near shore that consist of bubbles covered with plant material. Eggs are released by the female below the nest. The male fertilizes them and then takes them into his mouth and blows them up into the floating nest. The eggs hatch in about four days.

Amazon River basin

S

outh America has three important river basins: the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Paraná.

The Amazon River basin has an area of almost 7 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles), making it the largest watershed in the world. The basin, which covers most of northern South America, is fed by tributaries from the glaciers of the Andes. Every second, the Amazon River empties 209,000 cubic meters (7,381,000 cubic feet) of freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Orinoco River flows north of the Amazon. The Orinoco flows in a giant arc for more than 2,736 kilometers (1,700 miles), originating in the Guiana Highlands of northern Brazil and discharging in the Atlantic Ocean in Venezuela. The Orinoco

Word Search

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.

River basin covers an area of about 9 4 8 , 0 0 0 square kilometers (366,000 square miles) and encompasses approximately 80 percent of Venezuela and 25 percent of Colombia.

T h e Paraguay/ P a r a n á River basin covers almost 2.8 million square kilometers (1,081,000 s q u a r e miles), which is much of southeastern Brazil and Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. The Paraná River includes Iguazu Falls, a massive series of waterfalls that extend for 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles).

Along with the Uruguay River, the Paraná River empties into the Rio de la Plata estuary between Argentina and Uruguay. The Rio de la Plata is the most populated region of both countries. The capital cities of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay, practically face each other across the estuary.

The Paraguay/Paraná River basin supplies water to the plains biome, or Pampas, of South America. The Pampas have rich, fertile soil and predictable rainfall patterns. They are the most important grazing and cropland areas on the continent.

22 Sunday Times Magazine

MARCH 19 , 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 23

Times World

New playing pieces in the Venezuelan bakers arrested for making brownies latest version of Monopoly

F

T

he boot has been booted, the wheelbarrow wheeled out, and it's thumbs down for the thimble in the latest version of Monopoly.

In their place will be a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a penguin and a rubber ducky.

The switch has come after a worldwide public vote over which tokens to save, as part of the brand's "Monopoly Token Madness" campaign.

The original pieces have been a staple of Monopoly boards around the world since the game was launched in 1935.

It's the second time a piece has been re-

moved from play following public consultation.

The iron made way for a cat back in 2013.

The remaining pieces, including a battleship and a boot, all trace their roots back to the Great Depression.

Thimbles are used to prevent pricking a thumb with a sharp needle while sewing.

Choices for the new pieces included a hashtag, an emoji, a flip-flop and a rubber duck.

Games featuring the new piece will be available in August 2017. (BBC)

Bhutan puts happiness before prosperity M

ost countries focus on industrial output to measure their worth,

boasting their high GDPs (Gross Domestic Product). But that's not the case in Bhutan, a

Brain Teaser Answer 1. mind wind 2. south youth

3. cease tease 4. grown crown

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

tiny Himalayan kingdom tucked between India and China. Bhutan focuses instead on a concept they call GNH, or Gross National Happiness.

Often cited at the 'most authentic country in the world,' Bhutan is often seen as "a magic time machine," and it has a long history of isolationism in attempts to preserve its unique identity. After defeating Tibetan forces and feuding warlords in the 16th century, Bhutan's leader unified the country and cultivated a unique culture to differentiate itself from warring powers. A distinct Bhutanese identity emerged which emphasized a communal relationship with nature and a lifestyle centered around Buddhism.

Bhutan avoided globalization and preserved its society in isolation for centuries. As the rest of the world modernized, Bhutan still had no currency, telephones, hospitals, or paved roads. It wasn't until the late 1960s that Bhutan cracked open its doors to the outside world and started to focus on development. But instead of hurriedly adopting western reforms, Bhutan's beloved Fourth King Jigme Singye Wang chuck invented Gross National Happiness to guide his country's progress. (Discovery News)

our bakers have been arrested in Venezuela for illegally making brownies and other pastries.

It's part of a crackdown by the government, which now requires 90% of the country's wheat to be used in loaves rather than cakes.

sants and other products.

Two more bakers were taken into custody for making brownies with out-ofdate wheat.

This is all part of the government's attempt to combat shortages and long lines for basic products during a

week: "Those behind the 'bread war' are going to pay, and don't let them say later it is political persecution."

The group representing bakers, Fevipan, has asked for a meeting with Nicolas Maduro, saying most shops can't make ends meet with-

President Nicolas Maduro has threatened to take over bakeries in the capital Caracas as part of a new "bread war".

He's sent inspectors and soldiers into more than 700 bakeries this week to enforce the rules.

V e n e z u e l a ' s Superintendency of Fair Prices said two men were arrested because their bakery was using too much wheat in sweet bread, ham crois-

three-year economic crisis.

The ruling Socialist Party claims businessmen are hoarding products and pushing up prices.

Critics say the government's to blame because of failed price policies and currency controls.

Breadmakers are blaming politicians for a national shortage of wheat, saying 80% have none left in stock.

President Nicolas Maduro said earlier this

out selling higher-priced products.

New rules brought in mean bakeries in Caracas must use 90% of flour to bake savoury bread and only 10% for pastries and cakes.

They are also required to provide a constant supply of bread throughout the day from 7am to 7pm and make sure there's bread the next morning by holding over loaves from the previous day. (BBC)

Man dresses as a parrot to sell house

T

his man is trying to sell a house by dressing up as a parrot, but no-one knows who he is.

The mystery man appears in every image of the property in the Blackrod area of Bolton, England.

With bright green legs and coloured feathers, we see him relaxing inside the ÂŁ225,000 home and even using a barbecue on the patio.

It's on the market with local estate agent Platinum Properties who say the homeowner was "up for a

laugh".

Estate agent Steve Laycock tells Newsbeat "the parrot has requested anonymity but he tends to squawk rather than tweet".

"It's a macaw showing off the decor."

The three-bedroom property also features "a gloss black kitchen with granite work surfaces".

There's also a "magnificent outdoor entertaining area, featuring a granite terraced patio with decked seating area".

This odd approach to marketing seems to be working.

Steve told the Bolton News: "We've already done a couple of viewings.

"We always like to think we do some of the best photography of the estate agents in the area."

There's also parking, a terraced patio and stainless steel fencing to keep both children and parrots safe "while giving the whole area a continental feel". (BBC)

24

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 19 , 2017

Fun Times

Archie

Taking a day trip or attending a conference that (March 21will help inform you about April 19) something you want to pursue is favored. Enjoy yourself with a loved one. Romance is highlighted.

ARIES

Make changes to your TAURUS agenda, finances or health (April 20- regimen. Taking care of busiMay 20) ness will help you move forward with other pursuits.

Don’t make a fuss and just do what needs to be done.

Partnerships will not be GEMINI as they appear. Ask questions (May 21if you want to avoid being June 20) surprised by someone’s position. Choose peace and love over discord and chaos.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Demands will be put on you if you are too passive.

Make choices instead of letting others railroad you into situations and pursuits that aren’t in your best interest.

Bypass anyone giving you a difficult time. Don’t give in to pressure or unfair demands. Focus on fun, indulgence and romance. Enjoy the bright side of life.

Get organized and be ready to work alongside others to bring about change. A positive mental and physical attitude will chase away opposition.

LIBRA Put work aside. Don’t try (Sept. 23- to change something that can’t Oct. 23) be changed. Look for unique ways to stabilize your current personal situation. Positive change is within reach.

Peanuts

Vocational uncertainty SCORPIO (Oct. 24- will give you reason to rethink Nov. 22) what you want to do next.

Assess your skills and qualifications, and redirect what you do best to suit current trends.

Look at any situation you SAGITTARIUS face rationally. Refuse to let (Nov. 23- emotional deception, accuDec. 21) sations or uncertainty create problems or cause jealousy. Offer understanding and a helping hand to those you love.

Calvin and Hobbes

Emotional problems will CAPRICORN crop up if you make a prom(Dec. 22- ise you cannot deliver. Make Jan. 19) your gestures clear, and put what you are willing to do in writing. There is no room for error.

An unexpected encounAQUARIUS ter will change your life. You (Jan. 20- will receive a gift or winFeb. 19) ning, or a lost item will be returned to you. Celebrate your good fortune with a loved one. Romance is highlighted.

Delays can be expected if PISCES (Feb. 20- you travel or deal with peoMar. 20) ple who are emotionally unstable. Take a step back from any situation that appears to be heading in the wrong direction.