Sunday Times Magazine 11 February 2018

February 11, 2018

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Nikita Innis Aeronautical Engineer 27 year old Nikita Innis has overcome numerous obstacles on the road to her becoming one of the few fe-

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n order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/70/212 declaring 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN has recognised that over the past 15 years, the global community has made a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science.

Unfortunately, the UN also recognises that women and girls continued to be excluded from participating fully in science. According to a study conducted in 14 countries, the probability for female students of graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctor’s degree in science-related field are 18%, 8% and 2% respectively, while the percentages of male students are 37%, 18% and 6%.

"On this International Day, I urge commitment to end bias, greater investments in science, technology, engineering and math education for all women and girls as well as opportunities for their careers and longer-term professional advancement so that all can benefit from their ground-breaking future contributions." the UN SecretaryGeneral, António Guterres stated.

While there have been many notable contributions from women in science the world over, the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine would like to honour several Guyanese women who are pioneers in their field of study.

Mrs. Annette Arjoon-Martins Conservationist, Pilot Mrs. Annette ArjoonMartins is a nationally and internationally acclaimed conservationist; a successful commercial eco-tourism op-

challenges, she is encouraging young women to use the challenges as motivation to achieve their goals. “The most certain way to succeed is always try just one more time,” she urged.

Alluding to the improved

Annette and Green Marine Turtle

erator; a mother of two; and a qualified airplane pilot, who has been a driving force in marine conservation and mangrove replanting projects in Guyana. She was recently awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement, which has added to many other local and international accolades.

Mrs Martins also serves as Chairman of the Mangrove Action Committee (MAC).

Mrs. Arjoon-Martins hails from the Pomeroon. She was born to Carmen Murray, a resident of the Pomeroon with relatives at Moruka, and Mr. Yacoob Ally, a sawmilling businessman.

She attended primary school in the Pomeroon, and then moved to Georgetown for secondary education, which she received at the Dolphin Secondary School on Broad Street, in Charlestown.

She left Guyana in 1977 for Codrington High, an English boarding school for girls in Barbados, where she completed her academic education with distinction in 1982.

Her father was in the timber industry, and around this time, he bought an aeroplane to make his operations more efficient. This incidentally marked the beginning of the domestic airline, now known as Air Services Limited (ASL).

At age 18, Annette undertook training as a private pilot at Briko’s Flight School in Trinidad, which saw her become a licensed pilot. She returned home, worked with the timber business for three years, but found the aviation business more interesting.

She then managed ASL for ten years.”

She explained to the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine that while her career as an Environmentalist and Conservationist has been easy, she has faced the biggest obstacles in the aviation industry, which she pointed out, may be attributed to it being a traditional male dominated industry.

“The challenges have magnified during my tenure as the President of the National Air Transport Association, an association with a mandate of advocacy for equity, account-

ability and transparency in the aviation sector. My tenacity of sticking with facts and deep belief in the truth being my shield has protected me. I am aware that the policy makers who have done their own due diligence and are aware of what needs to be changed will take corrective measures and this gives me satisfaction that I would have made some progress before the end of my tenure,” Mrs Arjoon Martins explained. According to the Aviator, she has overcome these obstacles by being true to herself and the people she deals with and “remaining committed to what is fair and what is right.”

On sharing her vision for the future generations of Women and Girls in Science, Mrs. Arjoon Martins said, “My vision for the future generations of girls in science and in particular, those that are interested in pursuing a career in the aviation industry, is to not limit yourself to administrative duties in reservations or flight despatching. Aim higher as you can also achieve your aeronautical engineering or Commercial pilots’ licence.

The sky is really no longer the limit either as our University of Guyana has recently opened doors beyond what was available in my time and are now offering a diploma in aviation management.”

Equal access She noted too that in Guyana, we are still quite behind in equal access for girls.

She said “A quick review of the women in senior management positions, on boards of our large corporations and in cabinet can attest to this gender deficit. How many regional chairwomen do we have?” She noted that there has been some progress, and she acknowledged the recent positive development of the Department of Environment and our local UNESCO office in encouraging gender balance in their programmes.

“We need to do much more nationally. I must applaud the European Union for making it mandatory that there must be at least 30% of women on the boards of agencies which receive their funding,” she add-

Nikita Innis

male Aeronautical Engineers in Guyana. Growing up in Matthew’s Ridge, Region one (Barima Waini), she saw herself being a future doctor, teacher or pilot. According to Nikita, her career choices were motivated by the needs of the community at that time.

Her childhood days were filled with numerous activities; she recalled being involved in athletics, dancing and camping through her involvement in the President Youth Award of Guyana (PYARG).

With high hopes of giving back to her community, Nikita was afforded the opportunity to study engineering at the Aeronautical Engineering School, a chance she readily embraced.

She revealed that it was her father’s urgings that motivated her to study engineering; although not her first career choice, she embraced the opportunity to work around planes.

During an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, she pointed to the importance of support and said “Draft a few back up plans but don’t get discouraged along the way. If you aren’t blessed to have parental support system that I (and many others) have had, create your own: purposefully seek out mentors who have succeeded despite the odds. Throw out the perfectionist in you; perfection is an illusion.”

While she acknowledged that working in a male dominated profession comes with

access to education and opportunities for girls in such fields of study, Nikita acknowledged

advice that she heard growing up “Just because someone says you can’t achieve something does not make it true. Ignore the naysayers and chase after your goals despite the critics.

Don’t be afraid of failure because failure is imminent; accept and prepare for failure,” the young Engineer added.

Her words of encouragement to young women and girls pursuing their dreams are, “The climb toward success will be gritty and at times so steep that you will cling on for dear life. CLING my dear, this too shall pass. Never stop achieving.”

Nikita has worked as a technician at the local airline, Air Service Limited, and now holds a position at Fly Jamaica.

Dr. Latoya Gooding – Oncologist Born on November 17, 1988, she is the fourth of seven children born to her parents Franklin Gooding and Audrey McKenzie, Dr Gooding attended primary school in Bartica, after which she moved to Georgetown to pursue her secondary education at Central High. It was while still at pri-

Dr. Latoya Gooding

that more emphasis is being placed on female empowerment, as the progress of gender equality has quickened.

This, she explained, has resulted in more women being qualified and employed in male dominated areas.

“I applaud women and young girls who are interested in pursuing careers in science and technology. Yes you will fail, get up and keep fighting!

As a girl interested in science and technology you may be tested, labelled (nerd) or bullied. Don’t let it stop you from achieving your dreams,” Innis advised.

She emphasised too that success will require an early commitment which echoes the

mary level that she decided she was going to become a doctor, because of her desire to save lives.

Alluding to her interest in Science, she explained that while she knew she wanted to be a doctor, her performance in Science was not as strong.

Her teachers then encouraged her to fall into the business stream, despite her desire to be in the Science stream.

“I had to literally take my mommy to school to tell them [teachers] that I wanted to do Science and that is how I got accepted into the Science stream and I never regretted that decision,” Dr Gooding explained. Although the mother of one is hopeful that her

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life could be an inspiration to young people unsure of their path in life, she advised, “Success does not come easy; it requires hard work and dedication. Once you believe in yourself you will be able to achieve whatever you put your mind to. I believed I could become a doctor since I was in primary school and look where I am today!”

She explained to the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine that she jumped at the first opportunity to apply for a scholarship offered through the then Public Service Ministry to study Medicine in Cuba. While waiting on approval, she reapplied at the GPHC for a job, and this time was retained as a clerk in the Matron’s office.

Despite the challenges on May 7, 2015, the young doctor joined the barely functioning Oncology Department at the GPHC. The Oncology field for some reason excited her, and so she decided she too wanted to experience the training.

Before proceeding to Cuba in 2006, the aspiring doctor was the holder of a certificate in Basic Oncology Nursing.

Dr. Gooding then founded a Cancer Foundation named ‘The Giving Hope Foundation’ which is located at Ketley and Drysdale Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown, and through which members have been reaching out to persons throughout the country.

Ms Juanelle Marks – Computer Scientist, Instructor

Juanelle Marks is currently an "Instructor" in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Guyana (UG). During an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the young Computer Scientist explained that while she has only held that position for five (5) months now, she is

actively involved in the delivery of the CS based courses at the University.

“My work primarily involves the preparation and presentation of lectures on CS based courses. However, my other duties include, but are not limited to serving on the three-member Final Year Project Coordinators body; functioning as a primary or secondary supervisor to various students who are conducting their final year research and project and serving as an advisor to one or more of the clubs in the department,” she revealed.

Alluding to her early influences, Ms Marks explained that while there is no 'direct' connection between her parents’ influence and her pursuit of the study of Computer Science, their parental mentorship and, most importantly, the personal value systems they embedded all played a major role in influencing her aspirations and resulting successes. “I come from a very humble background.

My parents are not academics per se. My mother is a very modest housewife and my father is a skilled, certified welder,” she shared. My dad, Mr. Michael Anthony, for one, played a very, very instrumental role in encouraging academic excellence as a "girl" into my psyche. So, from a very young age, I’ve always been driven to attain academic success through diligence, self-discipline and hard work,” Marks revealed.

She pointed to several other individuals who inspired and influenced her.

“Marks added that after leaving high school, she entered the teaching profes-

sion, where she served for over nineteen years. “Each head teacher under which I served was a key mentor.

They each grew me in some positive way. My last HM Ms. Vernel Razack-Giles still is one of my go-to persons, especially when i am in doubt and need a source of motivation.” she added.

She said too that during her career as a woman in technology, mentorship came mainly from the lecturers, now her colleagues in the Department of Computer Science, University of Guyana. “They all were a source of great encouragement and support to me.

They still are!” Ms Marks stated.

Vision for the future

Alluding to her vision for the future generations of girls in Science, she explained that while persons generally think of the ‘'Science and Technology' field, it is imperative that they envisage the active involvement of “both boys and girls”.

“During my tenure at the University of Guyana, the ratio of male to female syudying computer science was always high (possibly 6:1). In the year I completed my BSc. Computer Science, I was the only graduating female from my batch of about twenty students. I envision this gap between male and female grandaunts, especially in Computer Science, drastically reducing and possibly balancing out. With the advocacy of women in Science and Tech over recent years, I believe this is slowly becoming a reality,” the Computer Scientist emphasised.

In relaying her message to young women thinking of pursuing studies along the field of Computer Science, she said, "If you are really passionate about IT or CS, don't just "think" about pursuing studies in the field .Do it! Be assured that that there is already a community of women in science and technology out there ready and waiting to welcome you."

whether or not they wish to pursue studies in the field. As computing technology continues to evolve, the world needs more persons skilled and knowledgeable in the various aspects in this field,” Ms Marks said, while she emphasised that females can play a very vital role in driving the spread of Science and Technology literacy among young children and youths. “ Ms. Karen Abrams come to mind,” she added.

Tracy Persaud – Research Scientist, NAREI Tracy joined the institute in 2007 when it was named National Agricultural Research Institute. She began her career at NAREI as a Research Assistant. However, after completing a Masters in Environmental Management in 2015, she was promoted as a Research Scientist. She is now an important member of the Soil Management and Farm Mechanisation Department.

According to information on the Institute’s website, Tracy’s involvement in the other crops sector is no accident. In fact, it appears that she was born to be part of the sector.

Her second encounter with agriculture occurred at the North Georgetown Secondary School, where she wrote Agriculture Science at CSEC. And, as destiny would have had it- Tracy followed in father’s footsteps. She pursued a Diploma in Agriculture at Guyana School (GSA) of Agriculture. Having successfully completed her tenure at GSA, Tracy went on to attend the University of Guyana.

At NAREI, Tracy prepares and implements research projects on rehabilitation of degraded soils, crop diversification; supervises the work of Research Assistants within the department; and supervises the work in the soil chem-

Equal access

Ms Juanelle Marks

She also pointed to the need for the complete eradication of the existing bias against "girls in tech" so that tech is not seen as a "guy thing".

“Equal access will create opportunities for more girls to freely decide/choose

Tracy Persaud

istry laboratory- where soil samples provided by farmers are tested.

According to Ms. Persaud, of all the areas she could have specialised in she chose Environmental Management because it helps to promote behaviours that make a positive impact on the planet, while enforcing regulations and developing solutions to potential environmental issues in Guyana or worldwide.

sponsible for designing, implementing and monitoring programmes that improve K-12 science education. She introduced the Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) pilot project for Primary Schools in collaboration with the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) and UNESCO. Ms. Punalall-Jetoo is a member of CAS and is part of the teacher training team. She is also the country representa-

Ms. Petal Punalall-Jetoo

NAREI emphasises that in a world where there is limited involvement of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the Institute continues to be a gender inclusive organisation.

Ms. Petal Punalall-Jetoo National Science Coordinator (NCERD)

Ms. Petal PunalallJetoo is the National Science Coordinator and heads the Science Unit within the Ministry of Education NCERD, Guyana. She is re-

tive for the Caribbean Science Foundation.

She coordinated the development of a television series that focused on Biodiversity Awareness and Climate Change. Ms. Punalall-Jetoo led the reintroduction of the use of the Microscience experiments kits for biology, chemistry and physics through collaboration with UNESCO for secondary schools.

Prior to her career in science education Ms. PunalallJetoo worked with the Guyana Sugar Corporation Incorporated – GuySuCo as the Regional Process Technologist (Demerara). She was responsible for sugar production and quality in the four Demerara Estates.

In addition, Ms. PunalallJetoo coordinated the establishment of GuySuCo’s Quality Management System which achieved ISO 9001 certification in 2005 for its Blairmont Sugar Estate. As an Associate Consultant with Delphi Consultants, Trinidad she provided the technical support that led to the establishment of the Quality Management System which is certified to ISO 9001:2008 requirements for the Guyana’s flour milling company – Namilco. She is a trained lead auditor in ISO 9001 and ISO 22000.

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uyana is the first country in the Caribbean to have a national policy which emphasises the importance of science education.

‘The purpose of science in the context of sustainability is to understand and clarify the dynamics of what is required to prevent ‘the human system’ – individual and collective, physical, social, economic, cultural and psychological – from destroying the environment on which it depends (Maiteny and Parker, 2002 p. 15).

‘Technology seeks to provide instruments and means for achieving particular human aims, wants and purposes in line with the prevailing norms and values of the society concerned’ (Maiteny and Parker, 2002 p. 24). Additionally, engineering will be required in the application of scientific knowledge and to make adjustments in its operations to accommodate sustainability. Education in mathematics teaches critical thinking for addressing the issues of sustainability and making adjustments for it.

This integration of STEM is essential to the development of sus-

Champion trophy and their school – Abram Zuil Secondary School – received US$5,000. Their project, the Paddy Husk Particle Board, was also judged to have the Best Presentation and to be Most Relevant to Sustainable Communities.

The establishment of STEM clubs as “challenge labs” and experimental spaces opens up new pathways of thinking and acting, and especially invites youth to engage and lead in a multitude of ways.

UNESCO’s Global Micro-science Experiments Programme

One approach used by UNESCO to make a difference in science education is its Global Micro-science Experiments Programme which provides developed and developing countries alike with new teaching tools. This Global Micro-science Experiments Programme is an affordable, hands-on science education project that gives primary, secondary and tertiary education students the opportunity to conduct practical work on a microscale in physics, chemistry and

Sagicor Representatives and Regional Winners from Left to right: Anderson King, Vice President, Corporate Communications & Marketing, Sagicor Life Inc, Barbados; Susan Browne and Sasha McDowell - 1st Runner Up Barbados; Athina Indar and Jerome Rampersaud - Regional Winner - Guyana; Maria Pech and Wilson Mendoza - 2nd Runner Up - Belize; and Marlene Chin, Manager, Corporate Communications, Sagicor Life Inc Trinidad & Tobago. (photo

courtesy sagicorvisionaries.com)

lifelong learning through the ESD learning pillars.

As a result of the successful implementation, Guyana’s model is being adapted and expanded with great success by other Caribbean

First Lady Sandra Granger is pictured with students from Friendship Primary School who participated in one of the ICT programme last year , facilitators and Coordinator of STEM Guyana project, Karen Abrams

tainable solutions for schools and communities. Therefore, education in the scientific method allows students to be more mindful of their lifestyles and the ways in which they contribute to issues of sustainability, while equipping them with the tools to fix this. Guyana participated in the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge (SVC) 2014, the aim of which is to encourage secondary school students to utilise STEM, in whatever way they can, to develop effective, innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges facing their communities or schools. This is intended to stimulate national awareness and enthusiasm among secondary school students, teachers and parents as we seek to enable tomorrow’s leaders to build a more sustainable Caribbean. This approach facilitates the participation of all citizens and stakeholders in sustainable development driven through education.

Team Guyana was announced the Regional winner from a field of eight competitors. Teacher Jerome Rampersaud and student Athina Indar collected the Regional

biology, using micro- science kits that require small amounts of resources and energy. These kits are accompanied by manuals for both teachers and students which detail the experiment procedures in clear and concise language for the most effective utilisation of the resources. The implementation of the UNESCO Micro-science Experiments Programme was intended to address the dire shortage of science laboratory space and equipment in many poor developing countries.

In 2011, Guyana was selected as a pilot country by UNESCO to implement its Global Microscience Experiments Programme.

The Micro-science Programme was merged with the Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) approach. IBSE mirrors the scientific method. This implementation promotes the development of competencies such as critical thinking, imagining future scenarios and decision- making in a collaborative way. This approach fits well with Education for Sustainable Development which seeks to deliver quality education and promote

territories such as Belize, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago.

The above initiatives in education show that Guyana has already begun to work toward Education for Sustainable Development, and thus, is not starting from a zero point with this Policy. This Policy provides the framework for the integration, expansion and monitoring and evaluation of these initiatives. As factors that influence sustainability change, Education for Sustainable Development would also require change.

Monitoring and evaluation of these changes becomes vital. This process of monitoring and evaluation would identify areas for improvement which will lead to the review of this Policy for appropriateness and suitability over time.

Guyana has recognised that STEM subjects are core subjects to a complete secondary education.

Consequently, an attempt is being made to have all students become familiar with the STEM principles (Science and Technology Policy, 2011). According to the Ministy of Education, the foundation laid at

the pre-primary and primary levels will be reinforced and expanded at the secondary level. This will facilitate learning that will equip students with functioning knowledge of the issues relating to sustainable development, including climate change, the environment and social realities.

Secondary education will seek to build capacity to develop solutions for these issues in an integrated manner by understanding and applying the social, physical, psychological, cultural and scientific principles involved. The use of STEM to solve problems in schools and communities will be encouraged, along with the application of research and inclusive decisionmaking. Students will learn to recognise their obligation to the human species and other life forms threatened by unsustainability, and become active agents of change. In keeping with the wholeschool approach to ESD, students as well as teachers will engage in and lead ESD practices in their schools and communities.

Emphasis will be placed on STEM education for girls since it is well known that women are an underutilised resource and consistently disadvantaged by misguided traditions. Students should develop an understanding of how today’s decisions affect the viability of tomorrow’s society.

The aforementioned efforts cannot be implemented without adequately educated and trained teachers in STEM. All teachers must have a basic understanding of STEM to relate to sustainability. Teacher training institutions must implement a flexible and locally relevant curriculum. This curriculum must be revised to reflect currency of development in knowledge pertinent to sustainability. Tertiary-level institutions must facilitate the transition of new knowledge in ESD which reflects the changing issues of sustainability and furnish constant curriculum reform.

The STEM initiative, which is being implemented in schools all across Guyana, runs parallel to the President’s National Endowment for Science and Technology (NEST) programme.

The programme has its genesis in

the presentation of $1M cheques to several schools in 2016, including Berbice High School, Queen’s College and President’s College, to improve computer and science laboratories, as part of the Head of State’s push to promote STEM education through investment. In June 2017 $1M cheques were presented to 13 secondary schools under NEST. According to the subject Minister, Nicolette Henry the focus on STEM education, though in its early phases, is beginning to bear fruit. She noted that students are now exposed to hands on interactive experiences in the classrooms enabling them to better relate to the new areas of knowledge.

The success of the STEM Guyana team at the 2017 First Global Challenge is testimony of the value of these kinds of investments by Government and the Private Sector for the development of STEM education. The team placed tenth out of 165 competing countries.

But STEM education is not just for the secondary level. The $50M Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) that was introduced in the 2017 National Budget caters to young people who wish to advance their creative ideas in the field of science and technology. The programme, which focuses on both in and out of school youth, is in keeping with the Government’s ‘green’ agenda and will focus on solutions for the reduction of fossil fuel usage and the STEM programme.

Under YIF, young people across Guyana can begin to tap into their creative abilities with the use of modern technology to explore how they can contribute to the development of ‘green’ technology and the increased use of clean energy.

The in-school component is aimed at raising awareness among primary and secondary level students by having them participate in competitive activities that will challenge them to create solutions to address current global challenges, while utilising STEM subjects.

Out-of-school youths will be required to submit proposals of projects, which they believe can benefit their communities. (Excerpts from www.education.gov.gy)

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First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger is pictured with members of the STEM Guyana team

nformation Technology (IT) Technician and Coordinator of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana Project, Karen Abrams explained that the main mission behind the local Project is to 'unlock the world class potential of Guyanese youth'.

“We understand clearly that if our young people are not prepared to contribute to a world driven by technology, they will simply be left behind. There is a sense of urgency today that is driving the same level of youth preparation activity throughout the entire developing world. We are adamant that Guyana will not be left behind,” Ms. Abrams announced.

Alluding to the collaboration behind the Project, the Coordinator explained to the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, that the STEMGuyana programme has many stakeholders whose response has been overwhelmingly positive.

She said too that, although

the team has endured many challenges, the overall support received has “dwarfed” the obstacles.

“The Ministry of Public Telecommunications has supported our mission by loaning students laptops during our 2016 inaugural robotics camp, to donating to the cost of sending the Guyana team abroad to providing internet service to our clubhouse where we expose young people to robotics and coding. The MPT also recently co-sponsored our recent Training Seminar where we prepared 50 persons to be STEM coaches in their own communities,” she explained.

Ms. Abrams also lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Education for co-sponsoring the new Grade six practice test mobile app which STEMGuyana created.

“We’re also working with the Education Ministry’s NCERD Science Department to rollout STEM competitive leagues nationally (robot building and programming and

Scratch Programming)” she added.

While pointing to the benefits of the initiative, with regards to removing the barriers and encouraging women to work and study in STEM fields, Ms. Abrams said, “I can only speak to STEMGuyana's work; we have seen excellent representation of female interest in our robot building programmes, our last year technology exhibition and in the recent training seminar for STEM club programmes”. She also expressed the hope more girls would participate in the leagues and try-out for the national robotics team.

Empowering young women and youths

Meanwhile, the STEMGuyana Coordinator emphasised that participating in STEM activities is important for young girls, as females make up fifty per cent of the population and the vast majority of future jobs will involve technology on some level. “If half of the population is not prop-

Frist Lady, Sandra Granger and Co-founder of STEMGuyana, Karen Abrams, with two Grade Six students displaying the app on their tablets. The students were among the 60 that tested the beta version of the app in phase one of the app roll-out last year (Photo courtesy DPI)

erly prepared to participate in the technology industry at all levels, then Guyana's productivity and future development will be seriously handicapped,” she said, while pointing out that it would be “impossible to properly develop any nation with 50% of its brightest resources under-utilized, marginalized or socialized out of the development process”.

She said too that a primary focus is to encourage girls in STEM by getting rid of gender stereotypes and roles which are strong influences on the behaviors of both boys and girls in our society.

“Let us enroll our girls and our boys in STEM clubs, let us highlight and applaud

girls who perform well in Math, Science and Technology arenas. Let us highlight the Co-founder of STEMGuyana, Ms Karen Abrams current in Science, Technology, work of women in STEM fields and Engineering, Mathematics make them role models. (STEM) and Robotics, aimed Let us protect girls against at equipping them with techsexual and other assaults nological skills, which would and make learning environ- assist in providing modern ments both in and outside of solutions to the challengschool safe for all students,” es of transitioning Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Ms. Abrams urged.

In addition to the many Seven) to the first model benefits of the programme, ‘green’ town in Guyana and she noted too that it is es- the Caribbean. The training pecially important for chil- was a collaborative effort bedren in historically under- tween the Office of Climate performing schools to be Change (OCC), Ministry of given access to opportu- Education, the Ministry of nities which could change Public Telecommunications the trajectory of their lives. and STEM Guyana.

Karen Abrams is the CoShe added that, while STEMGuyana is well aware founder of STEMGuyana, a that not all youth will be in- non-profit entity responsiterested in technology, their ble for unlocking the worldgoal is to ensure that for class technology potential of those who have the interest, Guyanese youth. Her goal the opportunities are avail- is to bring programming, able to them. “I am espe- robotics and math enrichcially happy about the com- ment to every community munity internet hubs where of youth in Guyana so that young people can go to orga- young people in Guyana will nise themselves into tech- be able to live up to their ponology clubs, and use the re- tential. STEMGuyana is a sources available to learn, 50- membership Diaspora compete and prepare them- group, which partners with selves for the future,” she local stakeholders to prepare young people to use stated.

Just last week, twelve their creativity, brilliance, teachers from Bartica, along and innovative spirits to with community stake- create technology solutions holders underwent a one- for problems in their comday training workshop munity.

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Travel and Tourism

A view of the Ranch

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t is removed from the vehicular sounds of Lethem but close enough to enjoy the Savannahs and sights of the Kanuku Mountains.

It is also known for being a stop on the Rupununi birding circuit where several types of birds can be spotted.

Manari Creek flows a few steps from the Ranch itself and offers up a refreshing swim or boat ride. So whatever, your preference Manari Ranch welcomes you.

Margaret Orella (nee Melville) was the daughter of Rupununi Ranching pioneer HPC (Harry Prideaux Colin) Melville. Her father Harry Melville, a Scottish man born in Jamaica, had come to Guyana and settled in the Rupununi in 1890, with a small herd of cattle he bought from a Dutchman named De Rooj. There he developed a flourishing ranch at Dadanawa and had two Wapishana wives, Mary and Janet and between them 10 children.

Margaret was born to Janet in Deep South at the source of the Rupununi River on 27th November 1902.

Margaret Orella (nee Melville)

herd was hard hit by foot and mouth disease in 1961, Margaret found alternative solutions to keeping the ranch going by making its spacious rooms available for the accommodation of

Rupununi savannah could be explored.

Rupununi Music and Arts Festival After three years of being hosted at Rock View and following discussions with colleagues in Government, sponsors, local residents and the Festival Team, the 4th Annual Rupununi Music and Art Festival will be held at Manari Ranch, near Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) this time around. The three-day event is scheduled for February 16-18.

According to the Team, Artistes from Guyana will be joined by performers from Brazil and Suriname; the lineup will include Gavin Mendonca , a young Guyanese Musician, Feed the Flames (FTF) , a Heavy Metal band based in Georgetown, Ruqayyah who is a Musician, singer-songwriter of both Guyanese and Surinamese heritage, Nachgana Academy of Dance group and performances from Jazz and Poetry One Stool (Japos), a social entrepreneurship / movement among many others.

The Rupununi Music & Arts Festival is an outdoor camping music event taking place in the lush grasslands of the Amazon in Guyana, South America. It lasts three days and allows space to unwind and enjoy traditional, folk and contemporary music in a stress-free environment. It offers the space to chill; it’s a ‘wicked’ weekend of music and dance, celebrating the beauty of human existence. The Festival team is encouraging patrons to “come with an open mind and spirit to have a wonderful time” and share a positive attitude bringing to life our belief in Guyana’s motto. (Cover photo: The area is teeming with amazing wildlife, photos courtesy Visit Rupununi)

A picturesque view of the Manari Creek

Image of the facilities in the early days

When Roman Catholic Bishop Galton and Fr. Cary-Elwes made their first visit to the area in 1909 all the Melville children were baptized.

In 1926 Margaret Melville married Theodore Orella, a man from Spain and they settled at Manari seven miles from Lethem and they too developed a flourishing cattle ranch.

Her husband died in 1947 and the responsibility for running the ranch fell to her alone. A gentle, but strong and determined character, she went on managing the ranch. When her cattle

guests, and so the Manari Guest House was born.

Margaret Orella died at her Manari Ranch on August 6 after a long illness.

She was hospitalized in St. Joseph’s Mercy hospital and requested to be taken from her bed back to Manari where she had lived for 50 years, refusing to leave the earth so far away from her beloved home.

Today her legacy lives on through her descendants. Manari Ranch, now run by Lissa Orella still provides excellent accommodation and a base near Lethem from which the picturesque

Approaching the Ranch

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Valentine Recipe

Ingredients 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, once around the pan in a slow stream 1 tablespoon butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 shallots, minced

1 cup chicken stock 1 can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces) Coarse salt and pepper 16 ounces pasta, such as penne rigate 1/2 cup heavy cream 20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn Crusty bread, for passing

Add touches with some accent pillows and lights to create the perfect atmosphere

Directions Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic, and shallots.

Gently saute shallots for 3 to 5 minutes to develop their sweetness. Add chicken stock, tomatoes. Bring sauce to a bubble and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

While sauce simmers, cook pasta in

salted boiling water until cooked to al dente (with a bite to it). While pasta cooks, prepare your salad or other side dishes.

Stir cream into sauce. When sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from heat.

Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil leaves. Pass pasta with crusty bread.

Total:25 min Prep: 5 minCook: 20 min Yield: 4 servings

Greatest Cooking Tips

A simple table setting can help to set the tone for Valentine Add a pop of red to your bedroom Décor

• 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 an easy weeknight meal, save and freeze leftover sauces from previous meals in ice cube trays. The cubes can be reheated in a sauté pan when you need a quick sauce.

• Do not use oil in the water when boiling pasta: It will keep the sauce from sticking to the cooked pasta.

• For perfect vegetable soup, start with diced carrots, onions, peppers and tomatoes sautéed in oil or butter before you add any liquid. This brings out the taste and caramelises the sugars.

Home Help • For safety, put a wine cork on the tip of a knife before putting the knife in a drawer.

• Invest in parchment paper for lining pans. It makes all of your baked goods super easy to remove, and it makes clean-up a dream (no butter-flour mixture or errant batter to scrape off) • Use a plastic caddy, not valuable shelf space, to store cleaning supplies for surfaces and floors.

Keep it locked away if you have small children • Empower your kids to get organized; give them their own alarm clocks and post morning checklists for them.

Create a Valentine’s nook with old photos and inspirational quotes

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2018

Puzzles

Crossword

ACROSS

92 Rights-movement word

1 Panache

93 Argentine cowboys

6 Lofty abode

95 Bleaters

11 Delhi nannies

96 Carried on about

16 Sumptuous repast

97 Opera voice

21 Walk a bicycle

98 Bring into accord

22 Senator in space

99 Desert nomads' garb

23 Lake rental

100 Dens or burrows

24 Baseball's -- Banks

101 Penny pincher

25 Expound at length

102 Parched (hyph.)

26 Adversary

104 Forum speech

27 Saturn's features

105 Drag race participant

28 Hits the books

106 Fabulous diamond

29 Turnpike pull-off (2 wds.)

109 Belief prefix

31 Port in a storm

110 Long suit

33 Inform, sometimes

111 Wool yarn

35 Down with a cold

115 Thurman of "Henry &

36 Political thaw June"

37 Tempts

116 Leaf/stem angle

38 Mandala builder

117 Dauntless

39 Not in harbor

118 Extremely variable

40 Caviar, actually

119 Swamp critter

41 Join the interstate

121 Proof of ownership

42 Bunch of flowers

123 Provide capital

44 Drab, as colors

125 -- renewal

47 Mary -- (ill-fated ship) 126 January, to Juan

48 Candle lover

127 Happen next

49 Soothed

128 Metamorphic rock

53 "If -- -- a Hammer"

129 Loses some

54 Finicky

130 Above the horizon

55 Leaves before opening 131 Faked out the goalie

56 Bar sing-along

132 Used a keyboard

57 -- chi ch'uan

133 Buying frenzy

58 Anwar of Egypt DOWN

59 Scoundrels

1 Excalibur

60 The Moon

2 A crowd, maybe

61 Store-bought hair

3 Brewer's supply

62 Objects

4 Made a sign

64 Golf scores

5 Beatles' "-- Rigby"

65 Tumults

6 See eye-to-eye

66 Comic-strip hyena

7 Essay byline

67 Bratty kids

8 Give it the gas

68 Potter's oven

9 Pressed for time (3 wds.)

69 Freud contemporary

10 Blow up a picture

70 Small towns

11 Surveyor's units

71 Badges and such

12 Foremost

72 Explorer's job

13 Ms. Jillian

74 Tripod part

14 Nonsense

75 Gets frizzy

15 Flavorful seed

78 Great dog?

16 It's older than the dinosaur 79 Bay

17 Prior to

80 Portentous

18 Writer -- Nin

84 Be compliant

19 Move crabwise

85 Turpentine source

20 Physicist Nikola - 86 Marseilles Ms.

30 AAA suggestion

87 1990's dance craze

32 Plunging neckline

88 San Francisco hill

34 Roomy sleeves

89 Electrical units

37 It's the -- I could do

90 "You said it!"

38 Zillions

91 Green sculptures

39 Auel heroine

41 Geologic formations

42 Drowses off

43 Mystique

44 Raga instrument

45 Pat Morita show

46 Worms and minnows

47 Guys

48 Flood residues

50 Berth preference

51 Just scraping by

52 Painter of ballerinas

54 White-water peril

55 Hull huggers

56 -- fu

58 Oodles

59 Tranquil

60 Ding-a- -- (airhead)

63 With aloof disdain

64 Utter shrilly

65 View from an oasis

66 German pistol

68 69 70 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 80 81 82 83 85 86 87 89

90 91 94 95 96

Welles' "Citizen --" Fast-talk Early VCRs Provides staff Rheinland city Added brandy Chain dance WWII craft (hyph.)

Disprove a point Softens the light Slowly vanishes Chops down Pool resources Repair-bill item Mythical bird Fr. ladies Connoisseur Disappointed cry (2 wds.)

"Hi-yo Silver, --!"

Farr of "M*A*S*H" Mince Spanish river In a despicable way

97 99

Landing field "Sweet" girl of song

100 Crop yield

101 Plunders

103 Cut, perhaps

104 Mauna - 105 Army off.

106 More gargantuan

107 Yemeni neighbor

108 Gourmet appetizers

110 Let loose

111 Impressed

112 It flowed past Ostia 113 Overjoy

114 No rocket scientist

116 "East of Eden" brother

117 Down in the dumps

118 Show of hands

120 Vein contents

122 "My, my!"

124 Skip stones See Solution on Pg 14

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- PINNACLE

(PINNACLE: PIN-uh-kul: The highest point.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 56 or more words in PINNACLE?

pace pail pain pale pane panel panic panne peal pecan

pelican penal pencil pica pile pine pineal place plaice plain

plan plane plea plie inane nail nape neap nice nine

acne alien alpine anile cane canine cannel cape clan clap

clean clip lace laic lain lance lane lean leap lice

lien line linen elan epic epical

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

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Literary Corner

Black History Month Series:

Guyanese Writers of African Ancestry, part one

Don’t give up on love Don’t walk away from me my darling, You are my brilliant sunrise in the morning.

Don’t give up on my love to make me cry, Whisper like the wind our love will never die.

Never give up on my love when I am far away, Your name is an eternal memory when I pray.

I will cross the sea, mountains and ice cold snow, Your pristine beauty like a tree will always grow.

You are the rainbow kissing the evening skies, The moon beam kisses your sacred eyes.

You capture me in the messages of your heart, Two hearts beating as one will never part.

Give your soul to me and always be mine, Our love is a token that’s immortal and divine.

You will love me still even after death, Your name will always be on my last breath.

With these scared words to you my sweet darling, You are my elegant valentine rising every morning.

T

here are as many ways to celebrate as there are appropriate ways to celebrate. The tenor of Black History Month should be celebrated with books. Here’s a short (but by no way a comprehensive) list of Guyanese works and their authors which could be used to commemorate the above.

Ivan Van Sertima

They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America, written by Ivan Van Sertima, published 1977, was one of those controversial books that stabbed at misconceptions about Africans. Van Sertima knew what he was

doing when he set out on that scholarship ‘many people feel a certain kind of happiness when they read my book. A certain kind of shadow lifts. The psyche of blacks is raised. No man who believes his history began with slavery can be a healthy man. If you lift that shadow, you help repair that damage’.

Educator, researcher, critic, writer, poet, Ivan Van Sertima was born in 1935, in Kitty Village, British Guiana. He competed his early schooling in Guyana and entered the world of work as a Press and Broadcasting Officer, Government Information Office. For higher education, Van Sertima attended the

By Gideon Cecil

Female Energy

"S

he's more than the reflection that she sees in the mirror.

Her physical aspects are quite flawless, with dimensional structures and melanin that glows. Her eyes as deep as the galaxy showing evidence that she's one with the universal elements, seeing the things that which are formulated within her mind form right in front of her very eyes. Her nose fits her face perfectly so that she's capable of smelling the tropic and it's different scents. Her lips, teeth and tongue work well together to speak and formulate words that can heal, break and repair. Kisses that can have you soaring above the Earth's atmosphere… But within her, she's a creator, a part of GAIA, quite phenomenal."

Written and sketched by Guyanese, Annastaysha Marcano.

Notice to Readers

If you have a poem and/or short story you would like to publish on our Literary Corner page, please email to timessundaymag@gmail.com. Kindly include your correct name and a contact number in your email. If you have any questions, please call 223-7230 or 223-7231.

London School of Oriental and African Studies, London, England, where he studied African languages and literature and during which time he also he learned to speak Swahili and Hungarian fluently.

Norman E. Cameron

Educationist, mathematician, historian, poet, dramatist, sportsman, cultural activist and social reformer, Norman Eustace Cameron was born in New Amsterdam, Berbice, in 1903, not far from the birthplaces of Edgar Mittleholzer and Wilson Harris. Although Cameron was blessed with a ‘light but pleasant tenor voice’, he was a trailblazer, pioneer and pacesetter. All of this due in no small way to the fact that his father’s great thirst for knowledge rubbed off on him and his mother’s wonderful organising ability grounded in religious tenets was foisted on him.

As a trailblazer, pioneer and pacesetter, Cameron did what had to be done, filling the lacuna in many areas.

His magnum opus The Evolution of the Negro a subject shunned by thinkers on the British colonial portion of the world, published while yet in his 20s was one such significant feature of his contribution to society.

‘Dark Ancestor: The Literature of the Black Man in the Caribbean’, Louisiana State University Press, 1981.

His work experience influenced his writing: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, assistant professor, 1959-63; University of Ibadan, Nigeria, associate professor, 1963-6; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Milton Magai Training College, 196770; University of Sierra Leone at Njala, English Department, chair and professor of English literature and Black literature, 196770; Yale University, visiting professor, 1970; Howard University, Department of African Studies, professor, 1970-1; University of Wisconsin, Department of Afro-American Studies, professor, 1970-1; Ohio State University, Department of English, professor,

Jan Carew

‘The Gentle Revolutionary: Essays in Honour of Jan Carew’ edited by Joy Gleason Carew and Hazel Waters is the book paying tribute to a man who lived and worked in many places, with the singular fixation to right wrongs of discrimination, marginalisation and even gender inequity, fighting the ‘same cause’ by re-writing and righting history.

Carew is best known for his novel Black Midas, first published 1958. As a cultural historian, he wrote Rape of Paradise, Moscow is not my Mecca, Ghosts in my Blood, Grenada, the Hour will Strike Again and Fulcrums of Change; setting history right, contrary to Euro-centric bias designs previously forced upon us.

O. R. Dathorne

Dathorne is better known for his novels Dumplings in the Soup, and The ScholarMan, describing the academic world in Africa but he also published academic works including the following: ‘The Black Mind: A History of African Literature’, University of Minnesota Press, 1974.

‘African Literature in the Twentieth Century’, University of Minnesota Press, 1976.

Department of Black Studies, professor and co-director, 1971-7; University of Miami, Caribbean, African and African-American Studies Program, director and professor of English, 1977-87; University of Kentucky, English department.

Beryl Gilroy

Writer and educator, Beryl Gilroy was born in 1924, in Springlands, Berbice, Guyana, later becoming the first black head teacher in Britain.

Beryl Gilroy who gained her doctorate in counselling and ethno-psychology wrote two historical fiction books Steadman and Joanna(1991) explored the history of the Caribbean and the African Diaspora in the period of slavery and Inkle and Yarico 1996. Gilroy is better known for her novel, Black Teacher.

In part two, we would take a look at the works of contemporary Guyanese writers of African ancestry who are still at work.

Responses to this author please telephone 226-0065 of email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2018

Bollywood/Hollywood

M

Mrunal Thakur and Hrithik Roshan on set of their new film.

runal Thakur, who rose to fame as a parallel lead in the TV show Kumkum Bhagya is making her Bollywood debut in the film Super 30. The starlet joined the 44-year-old superstar Hrithik Roshan

for the first shot. “The shoot started after 2 pm on Tuesday with a pooja sequence on the banks of Ganga. After that, Hrithik and Mrunal filmed at Ramnagar fort. A part of the fort has been converted to look like a coaching institute

for the shoot,” a source was quoted as saying .

Mrunal, who portrayed the female protagonist’s sister on the show before calling it quits in 2016, reportedly plays Hrithik’s love interest in the film. While Super 30 marks her big Bollywood break, the actress played the titular lead in an international film, Love Sonia. Directed

by Tabrez Noorani, Mrunal plays a young Indian village girl whose life changes when she is entrapped into the global sex trade network.

The film is expected to release later this year. She was also seen a participant on the popular dance reality show Nach Baliye 7, for which she had paired up with her thenboyfriend, TV show writer Sharad Chandra Tripathi.

(Hindustan Times)

F

ormer One Direction performer, Zayn The 25-year-old singer took to his Instagram page Malik, has shared a throwback picture and shared a vintage picture of his dad posing on his Instagram account, and it made with Dilip Kumar (Times of India)(Photo Credit: Instagram) his Indian fans really happy. In the photo, terview. He said, “I personally wasn’t a huge Zayn Malik’s father is posing with Bollywood fan until I met him. I realised how humble he actor Dilip Kumar. is – really saw a different side to him. He alThe 25-year-old singer has recently record- ways came across as slightly arrogant in the ed for his first Hindi song in Bollywood. The movies to me, but when I met him in real life, song is expected to have an Arabian influence. he was so nice. He just completely changed my He talked to a fashion magazine about his ex- opinion of him.” perience. He said, “It’s one of the first songs On the other hand, Dilip Kumar has reI’ve sung in full Hindi, so it’s going to be cool to cently celebrated his 95th birthday. One of the see what the response is.” biggest stars of the Hindi film industry, Dilip Zayn Malik is fond of Bollywood star Shah Kumar ruled Bollywood during the 60s and Rukh Khan. He talked about Khan in his in- 70s.

K

umar’s acclaimed Super 30 venture, which coaches a batch of about 30 engineering aspirants from poor families free of cost every year, has during the past 15 years sent 450 candidates to prestigious technical institutes in the country, 396 of them to the coveted IITs. Mathematician Anand Kumar expressed great pleasure over look of superstar Hrirhik Roshan in the biopics made on him which almost matches his appearance during university days. Kumar lauded the first look of the biopic being made on him which has been shared on the social media by cine actor Hrithik Roshan who plays the Super 30 founder in the Bollywood movie being directed by national award winner Vikas Bahl.

“I was delighted and pleasantly surprised to see the first look wherein Hrithik sports

Hrithik Roshan, Anand Kumar and Vikas Bahl discussing the film’s idea.

a rugged, bearded look. I had been told that at present the shooting was being done of my college days. I took out an old photograph of mine, of the time when I was studying at Patna University. I found the resemblance to be uncanny”, said Kumar.

“The movie is at present being shot in Varanasi, where I have spent a considerable part of my early life. I have been told that the crew will visit Patna too for shoot-

ing. Looking at the hard work and dedication involved in the project, I am confident it will turn out to be a biopic that does full justice to the theme and the ambience. Hrithik deserves kudos for mustering the courage to appear in a deglamorised look. He has also hired a speech trainer from Bhagalpur to get the Bihari accent right.

Hats off to the star and the entire unit”, the Super 30 founder added. (Hindustan Times)

A

new trailer for "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" was released during Super Bowl LII live broadcast. Sharing some new footage, the approximately one-anda-half-minute video sees Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing's (Bryce Dallas Howard) attempts to save dinosaurs in Isla Nublar from extinction.

At one point, Owen is shown trying to convince Blue to follow him and leave the island. The dinosaur is apparently wounded as Daniella Pineda's character, a member of the Dinosaur Protection Group, is seen performing a surgery on Blue.

In between shots of Owen and Claire struggling not to get themselves killed by the wild animals, Eli Mills (Rafe Spall) is heard saying, "Jurassic World, the island, all of that is in the past. I want to show you the future."

"What is that thing?" Claire asks, as a growling is heard from off-screen. "They made it," a kid responds as some people are seemingly stunned by something they see in a cage.

There's also a glimpse of Toby Jones' character on a podium as he appears to proudly present something.

According to the official description of the

Owen and Claire's attempts to save Blue and other dinosaurs in Isla Nublar as some capitalists create a new and scarier dinosaur.

movie, "it's been four years since theme park and luxury resort Jurassic World was destroyed by dinosaurs out of containment. Isla Nublar now sits abandoned by humans while the surviving dinosaurs fend for themselves in the jungles."

"When the island's dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event. Owen is driven to find Blue, his lead raptor who's still missing in the wild, and Claire has grown a respect for these creatures she now makes her mission. Arriving on the unstable island as lava begins raining down, their expedition uncovers a conspiracy that could return our entire planet to a perilous order not seen since prehistoric times."

B.D. Wong reprises his role as Dr. Henry Wu, with James Cromwell, Ted Levine, Justice Smith and Daniella Pineda taking on new roles. Jeff Goldblum also returns as Dr. Ian Malcolm. Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, the "Jurassic World" sequel is heading into theaters across the nation on June 22. (Ace Showbiz)

Justin Timberlake performing at the Super Bowl

J

ustin Timberlake explained why he wanted to pay tribute to Prince during his Super Bowl halftime performance later Sunday night. Appearing on NBC's The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Timberlake didn't directly address the criticism surrounding the tribute, but did explain why he wanted to incorporate it into his performance.

"It's a moment for me, and if I'm being quite honest, it's because he's always been the pinnacle of musicianship," Timberlake said. "And when we decided that the serendipity and synergy [of being] in Minnesota — he's such a special thing here aside from what he is all over the world. I just felt like I wanted to do something for this city and something for him that would just be the ultimate homage to what I consider the GOAT [Greatest of All Time] of musicians."

He also noted that Questlove, who is Fallon's bandleader, approved of the performance. "Questlove is the encyclopedia on music, but I also feel like a gatekeeper on Prince, so if I got the thumbsup from Questlove, I'm good," he said, to which Questlove responded: "Yeah, it was good."

Many Twitter users mocked

the tribute, which included a performance of Prince's "I Will Die 4 U" and a projection of the artist, who died in April 2016, behind Timberlake as he performed. Otherwise during the halftime show, the singer-songwriter ran through some of his biggest hits, including "Rock Your Body," "SexyBack" and "Suit & Tie," as well as a single from his new album, Man

of the Woods. Some noted that the late artist himself would not have appreciated the tribute: "Prince didn't like Justin Timberlake... it's kind of rude to use his image for this performance," Affinity magazine tweeted, while user Adam Best wrote, "Prince specifically said he didn't want that, right?" (Ace

Showbiz)

Crossword Solution

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

FEBRUARY 11, 2018

Fun Times

Archie

You'll have to rely on your ARIES knowledge and experience to (March 21- guide you if you encounter April 19) someone using manipulative tactics. Question any proposed changes that you feel may jeopardize your reputation.

TAURUS Make travel plans or sign (April 20- up for a seminar that will May 20) raise your awareness about what's available to you. It's time to change your direction.

GEMINI Financial growth should (MAY 28- be your priority. Invest in June 20) something that will give you a tax break, or save for something you'd like to pursue in the future.

Your emotions will lead to interesting decisions regarding (June 21- your lifestyle, relationships and July 22) professional goals. An opportunity will arise if you attend a function with people from unusual backgrounds.

CANCER

LEO

Look over your personal papers and bank accounts.

(July 23Adjusting your spending habAug. 22) its or looking for low-risk investments will encourage greater stability that will help you reach your financial goals.

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

If you share your ideas with the people you love, together you will come up with a plan that will encourage good relationships and a better future.

Socialize with people you find uplifting and avoid those who bring you down. Make choices that are healthy and lead to positive changes.

Walk away from bad habits.

SCORPIO You'll figure out the best (Oct. 24- way to move forward. Your inNov. 22) sight and originality will bring

Peanuts

you closer to a dream you've wanted to accomplish for some time. Romance is on the rise.

SAGITTARIUS Aggressive behavior will (Nov. 23- be met with opposition. You Dec. 21) are best off using your intelligence if you want someone to compromise or bend to your way of thinking.

Calvin and Hobbes

Review your past and CAPRICORN reconnect with people you (Dec. 22- haven't talked to in a long Jan. 19) time. A reunion will be uplifting and will encourage you to revisit old interests.

Romance is in the stars.

If you offer suggestions

AQUARIUS that will encourage positive (Jan. 20- change, you will make a difFeb. 19) ference. When helping others,

you will discover something that will be of personal use.

You've got the discipline, inPISCES (Feb. 20- sight and determination to see Mar. 20) matters through to the end.

Don't give up when you should be getting started. Romance will improve a relationship with someone special.