Pepper pot 13 12 2015

Guyana to Botswana,

with love

► Page XIV

- An odyssey in fashion with designer Delayna Scott

Bridal party wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses designed by Delayna Scott

Broadway comes to Ann’s Grove next Saturday ► Page XL

Twin sisters Vuyiswa and Vuyelwa in Delayna Scott’s dresses

II

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Before the Road to Brazil (Part II)

(Reflections on Marronage & the Maroon Experience)

This is just one of five stacks of lumber we found sitting on the Yukuriba access road waiting to be removed from the location. The lumber harvested from our Yukuriba forest reserve, was left over after the squatter completed construction of buildings on the site – including a building to accommodate Brazilian pole dancers.

T

O bring you this column every Sunday reflecting on my years living, researching and writing at Yukuriba Falls, on the Essequibo River, I’ve had to gather the courage to plunge head-first into depths of remembrances of those years before digital documentation by computer was possible; and had that even been possible, there was no electricity to facilitate it.

Most of the story is recorded on paper and stored in cartons and suitcases filled with... (recalling a time when this child found herself sucking away on a big one looking like a shining polished floor; I still have an aversion to roaches, dead or alive) ...will leave that story

alone, ‘cause, yet again, am gagging; my stomach churning... Yours may be doing the same…. Documents in these boxes sprinkled with dead roaches, and moth balls are beginning to become confetti.

NIGHT VISITORS Some of this work was digitised because I’d hired someone to come to my home every day, just to sit on my computer typing. But alas! One night, the thieves broke in; made off with both portable flash drive and laptop, along with my handbag with IDs and money.

Two days later, my back-up hard-drive (mysteriously, I thought) crashed.

Were it not for these cartons and suitcases filled with the memory of the years at Yukuriba, those thieves would also have stolen (and I

would, altogether, have lost) my mind.

That morning, standing there staring at the empty space on the dining table where my laptop rested last night, I defensively began the process of saving my mind; thinking...

Ideas can be stolen; but the best ideas are informed by boundless visions authentic creative minds alone would dare conjure;…is the odyssey of credible emancipated imagination “magically greased…free{d} from the locks and chains of definition” frolicking true…infinite as “the natural mystic”.

Where in such a universe is there a market for creative plunder like this, I thought? ► Continued

on page VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

III

Way of the submarine when he spoke of ‘we’, but he was puzzled as to where this engine-attachment exercise had actually taken place.

“You didn’t answer my first question,” he said, somewhat peevishly.

WILL TO SUCCEED

A

By Godfrey Wray

S they rounded the last bend before reaching the river, former Army Officer Benson held back.

Moored to the derelict wharf were two contrasting vessels: One a weather-beaten trawler, appropriately named The Wreck, and the other a sleek beauty with the lines of a small yacht. Classy Lady was her name.

“Wow! That fancy boat must have set you back a substantial piece?”

“Gotcha! That’s no ordinary boat. It’s a submarine.”

“What! C’mon, man, don’t joke! All ‘subs’ have an oval shape.”

“Not this one. This has a completely new design.

Let’s go aboard; you’ll see for yourself.”

“What about the trawler?”

“Don’t let appearances fool you; that’s a super-fast naval vessel rigged to look like its purpose is to trawl. It’s our means of traversing the rivers and getting the trainees to the next point.

“But we’ll make it appear as if it needs repairs, so it can remain close by, here and at Bartica, until we abandon this camp. There are ten Central and South American recruits aboard. When it gets dark, they can help your boys unload the equipment and food items you requested.”

The last rays of sunshine were etched across the horizon. Benson could not resist a naughty thought.

‘Is this the last light I’ll ever see?’

They were getting ready for a dry run, one that, if successful, could change the course of smuggling from South America, Latin America and the Caribbean into North America and Europe.

He was uneasy; he was never fond of travelling on water for long periods. Now his dislike was compounded, for he was about to embark on an underwater odyssey expected to last at least an hour, according to Hassan. The irony of an underwater dry run was not lost on him. A mini-submarine, for Christ’s sake!

No matter they called it a deepwater submersible, and touted its many safety features, his stomach was already beginning to feel queasy. But Hassan, sitting to his left in front of an elaborate digital dashboard, was all cheer.

“Don’t panic, ‘Bro’, this is a cakewalk. I promise that by the time we return, you will be a convert, looking forward to the next run.”

Benson looked askance at his young partner, his gaze expressing extreme doubt.

Hassan’s enthusiasm knew no bounds. His voice sounded loud in the confined space.

“Here we go for the ride of your life. You’ll remember this forever.”

MURKY WATERS The distinctive gurgling of water flooding ballast tanks could be heard above all else. Soon, the river inched higher on the transparent acrylic pressure hulls, and to Benson’s perplexed mind, it appeared that the murky waters were beckoning them like an open tomb.

Benson felt light-headed. He stared rigidly ahead, as thoughts of the vast emptiness of an endless abyss conspired to paralyze his brain cells. Conversation was a no-no.

Hassan, in the meantime, flicked switches, turned knobs, and pulled levers, the consummate undersea captain on a fact-finding mission.

Benson couldn’t bear the strain. He stammered, “Where did you learn to do this?”

This was the signal that Benson had overcome his first fears, and Hassan eagerly began to explain the mechanics of the sub’s buoyancy and other attendant details.

“This is a SeaMarine 1500. It can carry up to a dozen passengers. With the seats removed, a half-ton of any kind of contraband is a manageable cargo. It can operate at a maximum depth of four hundred meters, with a cruising speed of eight knots an hour. Surface speed is double that. It can operate submerged for more than 24 hours, and its range is almost a hundred nautical miles.

“As you can see, the craft is a state-of-the-art submersible, offering panoramic viewing, contemporary styling, hydrodynamic efficiency, extraordinary range, and superb manoeuverability. By the way, it was originally fitted with a 15KW electric motor, but we added a 50KW diesel engine to drastically increase surface range and speed.”

Benson knew to whom Hassan was referring

Hassan smiled like a mischievous schoolboy relishing ill-gotten gains. “Guess I didn’t. But since we are brothers, here goes. I did dives in these small submarines for three months in remote Guyana waters until I became the best navigator among a group of more than 50 trainees. The cocaine bosses out of Colombia and Venezuela are going hi-tech to beat the surveillance of the U.S. Coast Guard. They have the money and the will to succeed.

“As for me, I’ve grown to love the peace and quiet these subs can provide. You’re a loner like me; that’s why I damn well know you’ll feel the same way I do when I’m down there.”

Benson noted the expletive with mild surprise.

Hassan never swore. He had obviously slipped that in for reassurance and effect.

The Arab was now cranking up. “This sub will be officially introduced to the authorities, ostensibly to help boost Guyana’s tourism drive. Last year, passenger submarines carried over two million customers, and enjoyed US$150M in revenue. Which poor country won’t want a piece of that global pie?”

Benson knew an answer was unnecessary to the rhetorical question, so he waited for his partner to continue.

“The profit potential of a tourist submarine operating business is unlimited, and will be eagerly embraced. But the real objective is for the ‘sub’ to make regular clandestine runs to deliver consigned cargo to mother ships in mid-Atlantic. The Americans usually work along with the local customs and narcotics boys; so, once a ship gets port clearance, it is usually smooth sailing thereafter.”

“Who’s going to handle this ‘sub’?”

“I have two radical cousins right here in Guyana, ready to join the cause. They are cane-cutters during the day, and river smugglers at nights. Tomorrow, we make contact in an unusual way.”

“What! You’re from the Middle East! How could you have relatives in this country?”

“Long story; but I’ll make it short another day.”

All of Benson’s underwater fears had evaporated.

Hassan pointed this out to him. “See what I told you? You are as comfortable as I am. But it’s time to head back to port.”

Benson had been paying keen attention to what Hassan had been doing. He felt confident enough to suggest a few moments at the control panel, and the Arab moved aside with exaggerated panache.

They clasped hands, and braced chests.

A button flashed red on the panel, while an interior fog horn squawked. It was time to resurface. They were less than a hundred yards from the once famous berth in the North West area.

And there was a huge pot of intrigue to stir.

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

‘Expressions 3’ and Christmas 2015 D URING the past weeks, there were many events to usher in the Christmas season, some as spectacular as the lighting of giant Christmas Trees in and around Georgetown; others highly commercialised, displaying windfalls (elusive to but a few).

Some were the standard seasonal features that are usually taken for granted; others passed unnoticed, all significant in one way or the other.

To date, two events have captured my interest. For now, I would comment on one: ‘Expressions 3’, an evening of poetry, prose, storytelling and songs for the season.

A LITERARY EVENT I have focused on ‘Expressions 3’, mainly because it was a literary event; and literary events warrant all the publicity they can garner, in order to sustain them. ‘Expressions 3’, produced

by Gem Madhoo-Nacimento, followed in the same vein of ‘Expressions 2’ and ‘Expressions 1’, creating another forum for live literary expressions in prose, poetry, storytelling and songs.

‘Expressions’, by GEMS Theatre Productions, is the latest performance platform for poetry, with a promise of better things to come, especially with the commitment by the producer to remunerate the artistes, another nail in the coffin of the lamentation, ‘starving artist’.

For too long that cry has flooded this land, eroding creativity, thwarting the development and exposition of the creative artist.

It is time to change that sad refrain to a trend of smiling all the way to the bank.

‘Expressions’, an ambitious venture, was launched at the Theatre Guild on Parade Street, Kingston, on Friday May 16, 2014. It sought to become a regular feature on the calendar of events of this country.

‘Expressions 3’, coming at this time of the year, favoured a Christmas theme. However, the selections did not only reflect the merry side of Christmas, but offered some grave concerns of the season.

First, the merry side of Christmas, though not in the same order as the printed programme.

The event started quite appropriately. ‘Christmas Wishes’ and ‘The Christmas Song’ were rendered on harmonica by Ron Robinson, followed by Robinson and Max Massiah on saxophone, rendering ‘Joy to the World’. Completing the opening salvo was Massiah doing ‘Silver Bells’.

T.S. Elliot’s ‘Journey of the Magi’ was read by Elfrieda Bissember, and followed by A.J. Seymour‘s ‘Composition in December’.

In my fabulous December/ Shinning eyes of children Grasping the toy-happy season /Tight in their little fists, …

Groups of laughing boys /Dash pell-mell in their yachtings Chasing along crowded pavements … Limber girls/ Flaunt their shapely banners…

Along the avenue/Under a floating cloud of hair Fabulous Monument/ of the Cathedral,/ after the sun Withdraws its white stare/Listens to the vespers When advent doves/Twitter/High in the gloomy rafters Of its brain O death has no place here /Only laughter…

I discover crystal raindrops/Float-falling/ On the heavy rhythmic cars/Lurching/Around the War Memorial A tiger moth/With wondering benediction, In its wings/ Flaps slowly/From the saman trees/To condemn hysteria…

And moss sleeps/On a stone...

A FINAL PLUG A final plug for Christmas was the performance of a skit, ‘Christmas Eve is where the action is’, written by Jennifer Thomas and performed by Thomas and Leon Cummings.

As for the not-so-merry side of Christmas, there was ‘Night Before Christmas’ by Clement Clarke Moore, and performed by Derek Gomes.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

Another was Ian McDonald’s ‘The Matchbox’. ‘a little box…treasure carried everywhere at Christmas time/it is what she has and she’ll get nothing more’ So, too, was ‘Cracks in Christmas’, written and performed by Petamber Persaud.

Christmas falls in December prices RISE as early as November; Children are crestfallen parents stumble over those high rises fall breaking promises; Children are crestfallen Christmas falls Like a sledgehammer On promises Shattering dreams; Children are crestfallen Christmas falls in December prices RISE; as early as November Children are crestfallen HOLIDAY CRACK ‘Holiday Crack’ by A. C. Sanford was performed by Randolph Critchlow. ‘Silent Night’,

by Tamara Rodney had a very interesting slant to it.

A celebration cannot be pure unless it is equal. ...This Christmas, Set aside your wish list just for a while and make a compassion list For those you can help Give gifts of hope and assurance This Christmas, let prayers go up in silent night Let our thoughts remember children deserving of hope And a people who long for the joy of Christmas, No more silent nights of hunger and pain and selfishness But we will awaken our hearts to bring joy to the world in our realm of possibilities.

So did ‘Tis the Season’, written and performed by Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett.

'Tis the season of a litany of things Even Jesus is on hire purchase Reason flows like a river of green notes Out of weary ATMs Worth is wrapped up in bows and ribbons And doled out as props to our status We drink eat and are merry Laying like the fatted calf on a platter of new things Helpless to the wrath Of January’s bill collector The evening ended with the awesome voice of Kimberly Samuels, accompanied by Orette Samuels on keyboard rendering ‘Star of Bethlehem’ and ‘I dreamt a dream...’

All the performers for this seasonal showcase were seasoned actors, actresses and readers.

The master conductor was Gem Madhoo-Nacimento, who did everything right for the show, though it was a struggle, again, to get enough people to attend a literary event.

Poor Guyana! (To respond to this author, either call him on (592) 226-0065 or send him an email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com)

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

V

Raising the standard

I

THINK we can all agree that 2015 has been a year of sweeping change. The government has changed after 23 years, and efforts are being made to “restore Georgetown to its former glory”.

In fact, the change has even been extended to the Guyana Chronicle with its recent facelift.

Hooray for change, right? Well, maybe not so fast.

In the midst of celebrating the neat queues in the bus parks; the brightly coloured waste receptacles that you can’t possibly miss; and the open spaces now available to the public, let us take a moment to consider the root cause that has led to such a breakdown in the first place, and how it has affected our position regionally.

in effectively shutting ourselves out of those conversations. After all, we cannot, in all seriousness, expect to be included in those dialogues alongside countries that are leaps and bounds ahead of us, when we are still working in the dark.

This might seem like a harsh critique of the work that has been done up to this point, but I’m not discrediting any of it; nor am I looking for a person or group of persons to blame.

What I’m saying is that as a country that was once at the helm of arts and culture within the region, there is absolutely no reason why we should be so far behind in 2015, given all the resources we have at our disposal.

CORE ISSUES While all of this change is happening, there remains a few core issues that, in my opinion, persist and have contributed to Guyana’s exclusion from any serious regional arts and culture discourse.

Now, I am by no means an expert on anything that is not related to the actual making of art, but I have been exposed to regional models and networks that have found ways to sustain themselves, and gain momentum as well as international support over time.

And from my observation, there has been very little to no participation from Guyana, for whatever reason. This is the part where everyone will have a theory, and they may or may not be legitimate, but I’m writing to share opinion on the matter.

STILL STRUGGLING How can it be that since 1972 when we hosted the very first CARIFESTA, Guyana is still struggling to present a cohesive or at least uniquely identifiable cultural image that is not desperately trying to mimic the Americans or Jamaicans?

How is it that we have managed to slip so far down the ladder that Guyanese would prefer to spend US$2000 playing Mas in Trinidad than pay a mere fraction of the cost to celebrate our own Mashramani at home? What this points to, in my opinion, is years of systematic conditioning and the belief that anything from “outside” is better and therefore more worthy of our support, be it financial or otherwise. And although this belief is rampant across the Caribbean, Guyana seems to have been especially stricken with a terrible case of it. But I digress.

IN THE DARK Before casting aspersions, I think it is crucial to examine the role we, as Guyanese, have played

WORKABLE SOLUTIONS In next week’s conclusion to this article, I will be highlighting and discussing areas that can work

Dominique Hunter is an independent visual artist who recently graduated from the Barbados Community College with a Bachelor of Fine Art (First Class Honours.

(Part I)

to strengthen the way we engage with each other, as well as our Caribbean neighbours, with regard to the arts and culture.

While I don’t feel like the list will contain any groundbreaking ideas, it is straightforward and timely. The bottom line is that there are simple things that can be done, but are very often overlooked in the chaos of trying to create change.

These are things that are applicable to everyone: Artists, entrepreneurs and government workers. So, rather than each person trying to recreate the wheel, let us work as a collective to build an image that every Guyanese can be proud of.

It is time that we re-establish our position regionally, and show everyone how much we’ve grown since 1972.

VI

Treating bacterial infection

A

T least eight out of every 10 patients who seek dental treatment do so as a consequence of some kind of infection.

Most, if not all, expect that if that person’s face is swollen, then their dentist will automatically prescribe medications. But, many times, an immediate extraction is required.

A bacterial attack can manifest as a condition which may range from a simple carie (tooth decay) to an acute facial abscess.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

The Grinch

M

TWO METHODS There are two basic methods to control an infection: Prevention and treatment. In both cases, non-pharmacologic (not using drugs) efforts are of considerable importance.

Dr. BERTRAND In prevention, one must be concerned with R. STUART, DDS. eliminating those factors that lead to infection: Bacterial plaque, oral debris, decayed teeth, etc.

The incidence of post-surgical infections can be reduced by proper wound closure, and the use of aseptic (sterile) and atraumatic (conservative ) techniques.

In the treatment of infections, one must provide indicated local treatment (scraping, incision, drainage,etc) and supportive care (ensuring adequate rest, nutition, and fluid intake).

The use of antibiotics is only a part of the treatment for infections. The other major part is the removal of the cause of the infection.

ACUTE OR CHRONIC It means, therefore, that in order to solve the problem of a dental abcess, the first step is to decide if the condition is acute or chronic.

Acute abscesses must be drained and/ or de-inflammed before instituting medication. It often happens that persons with facial abscesses consult physicians instead of dentists for treatment.

While the physician can only prescribe an antibiotic, the dentist, by necessity, can also remove the aeitologic agent (which is crucial) of the infection, in addition to

prescribing the appropriate antibiotic.

Someone who acquires a swollen face with a painful area, as a result of a decayed tooth, is suffering from the first stage of a paradontal abcess. It is important for the dentist to carefully examine and decide whether he/she should do the extraction immediately.

Depending on the stage of the infection, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy may be prescribed for at least five days. If an attempt is made to extract the offending tooth without first applying this treatment, two things may happen: The pus surrounding the tooth may disseminate to adjacent tissues or enter the bloodstream, thus exacerbating the situation.

At this stage, due to the acidity of the swollen tissues, the anaesthetic may not work sufficiently, and so the patient would have a very painful extraction.

ANTIBIOTICS The need for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent sub-acute bacterial endocarditis in patients with rheumatic heart disease, who are to experience procedures which are likely to precipitate bacteria in the blood stream, is well known.

The recommended dosage for most patients is 600,000 units of procaine penicillin G, mixed with 200,000 crystaline penicillin G administered intra-muscularly one hour prior to the dental procedures, and once daily for two days following that.

A second aspect of prophylactic antibiotic coverage relates to the use of antibiotics to prevent infections after any dental operation. Studies show that apart from rheumatic heart disease, as stated above, there is no need for someone to take antibiotics before having any kind of surgery, whether it is a simple extraction or periodontal surgery.

Most bacteria that cause dental infections are within the antibacterial spectra of penicillin G, penicillin V, phenethicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracyclins, lincomycins, clindamycin and the cephalosporins.

Penicillin is the safest and most powerful antibiotic for severe infections. However, it should not be abused; it should only be used in severe infections, when the body‘s defences are impaired, where drug toxicity is particularly significant, as in infants, small children, the elderly, the debilitated, pregnant women and those with liver and kidney disorders.

Y husband and I have been married 25 years. I have two children from my first marriage who have grown up with my husband.

They were young when we married, but saw their dad and lived with us.

We were invited to my sister-in-law's house for Christmas. My husband's family lives in the same area as my son. When my kids were growing up, they often went to her house on Christmas. My son is now grown with three, well-behaved children.

I asked my sister-in-law if they could come over also, as we are travelling several hours to her home and have limited time to see everyone. I was embarrassed and hurt when she said no.

She had several minor excuses: Not enough room (though the house is quite big and we used to have multiple people attend years ago) and she just doesn't like to have so many, now that she has gotten older. She and I are the same age: 58, youthful and healthy.

I guess I somewhat understand, but I feel like we are all family. And this is my son, not some friend. I felt hurt and slightly embarrassed for asking.

However, I don't feel like I'm the one who should be embarrassed. My husband is on my side, and says he is ashamed his family acts this way.

I didn't want to cause a big flare-up, so I remained polite on the phone with her until the conversation ended.

Anyway, now I'm on the fence about what to do. If we don't go to her house, it could hurt my mother-in-law and my step-son. And his family will be there. I don't want my son to know he's not invited; the whole thing feels awkward, and makes me a little angry.

I am a good person, and try to be forgiving and kind. However, I want

his family to understand that my kids are part of our family. If my son's not welcome, then I am not sure I am either, if you know what I mean.

Please advise. Thank you.

Mary Jo Mary Jo, PEOPLE have a right to invite who they wish to their own home. When a guest list grows too long, people can decide who to remove from the list.

But... your sister-in-law having the right to make her choices gives you the right to make your choices. She chose to host an event where your son and his children would be excluded. That was not her only option; in the same way, attending that gathering is not your only option. If you are travelling far and have only a short period of time, why not spend the time with your son and his family. Call your sister-in-law and tell her you can't make it for dinner. With so little time available, you don't have time to do both. Sorry; one has to give.

Don't worry about your mother-in-law, step-son and the others. It should be obvious to them your son and his family were not invited.

Surprise! Surprise! Mary Jo took offense to that! Your sister-in-law should have known she was creating "a situation". There is no sense discussing good manners with adults.

People often make too much of the holidays; everything is more intense and so fraught with meaning. We are supposed to treat the people we care about well every day, and the holidays are no exception.

Though your sister-in-law was within her rights to say no, at Christmas, everyone gets invited; it is not a time for splitting the family, but a time for uniting it.

Two spirits spoke to your sister-in-law: One said include everyone; the other said include only my blood. She made the wrong choice.

Call her and tell her you and your husband can't make it for dinner.

Wayne & Tamara

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

VII

Convicted rapist freed by judge’s misdirection - Unsworn child allowed to corroborate sworn evidence

C

ONVICTED burglar and rapist, Boodram Lall, who, in 1967, was found guilty on the unsworn evidence of a child that corroborated sworn testimony of the mother, appealed and was freed by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

That court constituted by Chancellor Kenneth Stoby and Justices of Appeal P. A. Cummings and Victor Crane, found that the trial judge had erroneously told the jury at the trial that the child’s unsworn testimony was capable of corroborating the mother’s evidence.

As a result, the appeal was allowed and the convictions and sentences were quashed.

The facts of the case disclosed that the appellant was indicted on two counts, firstly, for ‘burglary with intent to commit rape’ on K. , the mother of K.R. , a nine year old girl.

The trial judge questioned the child and recorded the opinion that she was of sufficient competent understanding to give evidence but he did not permit her to be sworn as he did not think she understood the nature of an oath and, as a result she gave unsworn evidence.

Her testimony , If admissible and if believed , afforded strong corroboration of her mother’s evidence.

The jury were directed that the rule of practice was to look for corroboration of the mother’s evidence. Quite properly he told them that they could convict on the uncorroborated evidenced of the mother but he also told them over and over again that K. R.’s unsworn evidence corroborated the mother’s testimony.

That court held (i) the unsworn evidence of a child could not be used to corroborate the sworn testimony of another person; (ii) the directions were of such a nature that it was impossible to say whether the jury relied for their verdict of “Guilty” on the uncorroborated evidence of the mother alone coupled with the warning that they were entitled to do, or, on the evidence of the child as corroborative of the mother’s testimony.

That court which allowed the appeal – quashing the convictions and sentences – had made reference to nine cases.

Queen’s Counsel Mr. J. O. F. Haynes had represented the appellant while Mr. N.A. Graham, Senior Crown Counsel appeared for the respondent.

Delivering the judgment of the Court, Chancellor Stoby said that the Jury trial took place in April,1967 at the Demerara Assizes.

After a trial which lasted 2 days the accused was convicted on both counts and sentenced to concurrent terms of imprisonment of seven years.

According to him, at the trial, a nine-year-old-girl, K.R. was called by the Crown, as a witness.

The judge questioned the child and at the conclusion of the questioning recorded that in his opinion she was of sufficient competent understanding to give evidence. The judge did not permit her to be sworn as he did not think she understood the nature of the oath, and in the result she gave unsworn evidence . Her evidence if admissible, and if believed , afforded strong corroboration of her mother’s evidence.

The main ground of appeal, said the Chancellor, is whether the trial judge was correct in directing the jury that the unsworn evidence of a child could corroborate sworn evidence.

The Chancellor explained, “The manner in which the law developed to permit the unsworn testimony of witnesses is not without interest. In early times all evidence had to be given on oath and on the Gospel; no one but a Christian could testify.

Competency to testify depended upon acceptance of the witness’ belief in the Gospel .

Non-Christians and children of tender years were deemed to be ignorant of the nature and obligations of an oath, they were not allowed to be sworn and so could not testify; Such was the state of the law until the celebrated case of Omychand v. Barker, (1744) 1 Atk 22 in which the depositions of Indian witnesses of the Gentoo religion taken by Order of Court according to the local ceremonies on commissions in the East Indies were admitted and read in evidence after being objected to.

In the report of this case at page 29, LORD CHIEF JUSTICE LEE remarked that it was determined at the Old Bailey upon mature consideration, that a child should not be admitted to give evidence without oath; and LORD CHIEF BARON PARKER in the same case said that it was so ruled at Kingston Assizes before LORD RAYMOND, where, upon an indictment for rape, he refused the evidence of a child without oath .

The old cases of R. v. Powell (1775) 1 Leach 110 and R. v. Braster, (1779) 1 Leach 199, both emphasize the fact that though there was no precise or fixed rule as to the time within which infants are excluded from giving evidence, the testimony of an infant was not receivable under any circumstance except under oath.

After reviewing a number of cases, and perusing the directions of the trial judge, the

George Barclay

Chancellor declared, “It is impossible for us to say which of these two alternative situations the jury accepted - whether they relied for their verdict of “Guilty” on the uncorroborated evidence alone coupled with the warning as they were entitled to do, or on the evidence of the child as corroborative of the mother’s.

Indeed, the jury having been told that it would be dangerous for them to act on the uncorroborative evidence of K. alone may very well, it is contemplated, have heeded the judge’s warning and convicted with the help of the evidence of the child which was repeatedly suggested to them as being capable of corroborating the mother’s.

“It seems to us that the likelihood of a verdict of “Guilty” returned in such circumstances without the proviso (14) being explained to them is unsafe, and founded as it is on a non-direction which amounted to a misdirection in law ought to be set aside in the interests of justice.

“The appeal is allowed and convictions and sentences quashed”.

Justices of Appeal Cummings and Crane concurred.

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Before the Road to Brazil ► From page II These are some of the structures erected by the squatter on Yukuriba Heights; all were demolished before he left Where would one go with stolen ideas? The charlatans who assume the role of custodians of our culture, never knowing the difference, will sell these ideas; will go on pronouncing on the worth of such creative fare, whether original or plagiarised and bastardised for disguise in the mass marketplace, but...

This thought leads me eagerly to this week’s ‘Letter From Yukuriba’, which is all about my reflections on the state of marronage in the 21st Century matrix.

OBSESSION For the greater part of the past 23 years of the Jagan/ Jagdeo/Ramotar PPPC administration, I’ve been obsessed with the need to establish a ‘quilombo’ at Yukuriba Falls. A quilombo, from the Kimbundu word, kilombo, is a Brazilian hinterland settlement founded by Maroons, those runaway slaves who established independent communities and re-created African societies in a new environment.

For more than four centuries, these communities of Maroons existed wherever slave plantations were found in the Americas, from Brazil to Peru and the United States. With other names such as palenques, mocambos, cumbes, mambises or ladeiras, these new societies ranged from tiny bands that survived less than a year, to powerful states encompassing thousands of members that survived for generations and even centuries.

The Maroon culture survives still in independent communities in many parts of the world, including Suriname, French Guiana, Jamaica, Colombia and Belize.

PALMARES Perhaps the most famous quilombo, Palmares is described as “a pre-nineteenth century phenomenon,” according to Wikepedia (if you want to take it from that source, which is sometimes apt to share misinformation). “…no contemporary document calls Palmares a quilombo; instead, the term ‘mocambo’ is used. Palmares was home to not only escaped enslaved Africans, but also to mulattos, caboclos, Indians and poor whites, especially Portuguese trying to escape forced military service.”

The quilombos posed a serious threat to the Portuguese plantation; they provided sanctuary for maroons. Over two thousand of these rural Afro-Brazilian communities still exist in Brazil today.

I was influenced by those stimulating stories of Palmares, the ‘Negro Republic of Brazil’ in Pernambuco, and the most famous of the Brazilian quilombos.

For nearly the entire 17th Century, between 1672 and 1694, Palmares stood up to an average of one Portuguese expedition every fifteen months, and its impressive record of heroic accounts inspired the study of African History in modern Brazil. Thus, Palmares is significant in any study of both Brazilian and African history.

SEARCH FOR CLARITY In my continuing search for clarity, I will be reviewing

This is the state in which the squatter left the Yukuriba access road. here with you today those years of being hounded; stalked; blocked and/or discouraged… Am recapturing the experience of the life that led to the spring of a discontent that awakened thoughts of marronage from the recent Plantation that was Guyana. (Incidentally, t’would be remiss if, for the historic record, I do not note here that even in these “more times”, it seems that the unrelenting plantation whip is still wielded by contemporary overseers. I can testify that this post-manumission abuse is far more painful; it inflicts deeper wounds on the mind of a Maroon than could ever have scarred the back of the enslaved... Am speaking for myself here.)

While searching for clarity, ideas that confluence with my muse on marronage, I stumbled onto some more food for thought; a philosophic (Joy James) treatise on ‘Afrarealism and the Black Matrix Maroon Philosophy at Democracy's Border’.

“Five hundred years of flight from captivity into communal and conceptual wilderness, created the maroon philosophers’ natural habitat at the boundary of democracy... Through black radical feminist-womanist, queer theories, Afrarealism confronts theoretical limitations and political practices in conceptualizing freedom...

“Infrarealism recognises two coterminus phenomena: De-

mocracy as a boundary, defining freedom through captivity, and Maroon philosophy at the borders reimagining freedom through flight.”

That then, in a goubi, ‘twas the necessity to essentially “re-image freedom through flight”... informing my passion to establish a quilombo at Yukuriba Falls; fuelling the preoccupation with the whole idea of sanctuary and peace through marronage; a quillombo, i.e., taking flight, for the sake of survival, from the contemporary plantation that was gathering energy in Guyana at the time.

In retrospect, I’ve acknowledged this compulsive drive as no less than an obsession which led me, at the turn of the century, to introduce myself to a conference of The 2000 Summer Institute Fellows in Washington DC, as: “A 20th Century Maroon escaping a 21st Century plantation”. This was immediately before making a presentation to teachers participating in the D.C. Area Writing Project co-ordinated

by Howard University, D.C. Public Schools and the Network of Educators on the Americas.

I could never have guessed at the time, how very prophetic that introduction would turn out to be, even though I’d already begun to live the Maroon experience at Yukuriba Falls.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

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The value of the cultural memory

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HE ancient African people of Kemet, called Egypt by the Greeks, had inscribed on their temples the theme, “Man, Know Thyself”.

This simple term came to mean a lot to me and my colleagues over the years. The theme embodies a wealth of meanings, as we proceed to interpret relevant circumstances in our journey that constantly implies an absence of foresight by they who went before, creating severe obstacles where clarity should have been.

As we approach our first 50 years of independence, which is equivalent to the early realisation of ‘growing up’ -- so, in the context of Nationhood, we’re around eighteen; young adults -- it’s time we explore, ‘Man Know Thyself’.

JOURNEY IN TIME I wish to share a journey that brought me into proxy encounters with the essence of that ancient statement.

In the early eighties, I had begun the scripting and illustration of Tommy Payne’s ‘The 1834 Abolition Story’. I badly wanted to authentically capture that era.

How was the governor attired? What was his dress wear; his official wear; that of his coachman?

Then the troops. What regiments? What was their mode of dress? Where were they barracked? Where was Fort Wilhelm Frederick, and what did it look like?

I had by then deserted my post at the Walter Roth Museum, finding it impossible to live on the State’s stipend for persons in training. I, however, still had a healthy relationship with Dr. Denis Williams, whose advice I hurriedly sought, desperate that my searches at the National Archives and the Museum did not yield any fruit.

Dr. Williams explained to me that during Independence, or a little after that, “an English gentleman of means in the field had proposed the illustrating of all the British Forces stationed in British Guiana during their possession of the colony.”

I eagerly awaited his direction to where this collection was stashed. To my surprise and disappointment, he concludes by explaining that the then minister of education had declined the offer, as she couldn’t see how it would be relevant.

It was unbelievable! I was depressed, and found

solace, after explaining to my friends my predicament, in the old saying that she was nothing but “an educated j******.”

NEW INTERESTS I was also able to find some comfort in the ‘Arms and Uniform Series’ by Liliane and Fred Funcken, at the National Library.

I would end up purchasing their WWII series at the then GNTC (Guyana National Trading Corporation), and the Napoleonic series Online a few years ago.

These books gave general imagery, but little details on armoury. I didn’t know this up to the time of illustrating the ‘1823 Demerara Rebellion’ for The Emancipation magazine, then published by now President David Granger.

Whether the English were using the India-patterned firelock or the Baker Rifle, that clarification would have

to wait until I discovered ‘The Osprey Military’ series in the late 90s.

But my experiences didn’t end there. Much later, in 2005, I got the chance to publish a book, ‘An Illustrated History of the Pork Knockers’, which I’d begun to work on since

1982.

With confidence, I called the T&HD (Transport and Harbours Department) people, and was directed to a female authority with a very pleasant voice.

I enquired of her about the boats that had traversed the old ‘Gold Bush’. I was specifically looking for pictures of boats; the names of possibly still living boatmen. I asked whether the T&HD had an in-house museum? The answer was, ‘No!’ A picture collection, perhaps? Again, ‘No!’ I was again disappointed, and had to wait for some months of checking around to find private books with boats to conclude that art work.

M y g r a n d f a t h e r, C h r i s t o p h e r ‘ C h r i s t o ’ ► Continued on page IX

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

T&T gov’t buys Cazabon originals off Christie’s

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ORD out of Trinidad and Tobago is that the government has acquired several original paintings done by the late Trinidad and Tobago artist, Michel-Jean Cazabon for around TT$2M. Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie is quoted by the island’s CNC3 as saying that the paintings were being auctioned at Christie's Auction House in London on October 29 this year, but that the government felt it was best to have the paintings acquired as part of the country's heritage.

He said the government is making arrangements for the paintings to be stored locally, and that they will form part of an exhibition in 2016, where all the works will be unveiled.

The paintings, which number some nine in all, are: 1: Maracas Valley, Trinidad: GBP 32,500 2: Canon, North Post, Diego Martin, Trinidad: GBP 21,250 3: Landscape, Trinidad: GBP 10,625 4: Five Islands from Carenage: GBP 20,000 5: Thatched Hut on a Cocoa Estate, Trinidad: GBP 22,500 6: Dry River, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad: GBP 25,000 7: Tomb, Maracas Valley, Trinidad: GBP 22,500 8: Sunlit Diego Martin from Fort George, Trinidad: GBP 43,750 9: Governor's Residence, St Anns: GBP 21,250 At the news conference, the Minister had also announced the following three paintings on his list: 10: Landscape with figures and horse by bridge: GBP 16,000 11: Navigating shallow waters in the Caribbean: GBP 27,500 12: View of Trinity Church from Laventille Hill: GBP 50,000

One of the Cazabon paintings reportedly bought from Christie’s by the T&T government

That took the sum to approximately TT$3.16M. The Ministry of Communications would later send a statement correcting the Minister's error.

It stated, "Today, Thursday December 10, at the Post Cabinet press conference, the Honourable Maxie Cuffie, Minister of Communications indicated that Government had acquired the paintings of Michel-Jean Cazabon. These ten paintings, which were acquired via auction in the United Kingdom, were purchased at a hammer price of £191,500.

CORRECTION Contrary to the earlier statement made by Minister Cuffie, the paintings “Navigating Shallow Waters in the Caribbean” and “View of Trinity Church from Laventille” were not acquired by Government at this auction."

The press release made no mention of the painting, "Landscape with figures and horse by bridge for GBP 16,000".

Checks to the Aution House showed that 11 paintings were sold on that day, including the two the Minister said the Government was unable to acquire.

CAZABON Michel-Jean Cazabon (September 20, 1813 – November 20, 1888) is regarded as the first great Trinidadian painter, and is Trinidad's first internationally known artist.

He is also known as the layman painter. He is renowned for his paintings of Trinidad scenery, and for his portraits of planters, merchants and their family in the 19th Century.

Cazabon's paintings have left a clear picture of the many aspects of life in Trinidad through much of the 19th Century.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Legends of Christmas

By Clifford Stanley ‘O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging; ‘O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

‘Such pleasure do you bring me.’

The poinsettias, the junipers all decorated and lit up, are here again as visual delights symbolic of the season of Christmas.

These popular plants add the “Christmas touch” to homes and offices like nothing else can.

And they each have a story dating back to the early days of Christianity.

The poinsettia was discovered, in 1800, by the first US minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was also an avid botanist.

THE POINSETTIA There is also a legend about the poinsettia which comes out of Mexico.

It tells of a girl named Maria and her little brother, Pablo. They were very poor, but always looked

forward to the Christmas festival.

Each year, a large manger scene was set up in the village church, and the days before Christmas were filled with parades and parties.

The two children loved Christmas, but were always saddened, because they had no money to buy presents.

They especially wished they could give something to the church for the Baby Jesus. But they had nothing.

One Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for church to attend the service.

On their way, they picked some weeds growing along the roadside and decided to take them as their gift to the Baby Jesus in the manger scene.

Of course, other children teased them when they arrived with their gift, but Maria and Pablo said nothing, for they knew they had given what they could.

Maria and Pablo began placing the green plants around the manger, and miraculously, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals, and soon the manger was surrounded by beautiful starlike flowers.

THE JUNIPER In the case of the juniper, many who cultivate the tree decorate it at Christmas time in honour of Joseph, Mary and the Baby Jesus, and at significant moments in the lives of the Holy Family.

The unique symbolism of the juniper tree is rooted in one of the many stories told about the flight of the Holy Family from Bethlehem to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod.

Paranoid about the birth of a new King, Herod had decided to kill all the children in the village of Bethlehem under two years of age, and by this means eliminate the threat to his throne.

Warned about the imminent slaughter, the Holy Family fled Bethlehem, but with Herod’s soldiers in hot pursuit.

In the legend, it is said that the juniper bush saved the lives of Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus during their flight into Egypt.

The story goes that as the soldiers pursued them, the Holy Family hastened through fields of peas and flax, and thickets of various shrubs with hardly any cover in which to hide.

Then, a juniper bush growing nearby opened up its thick branches to enclose them.

The inside of the large bush became a soft bed, sheltering the fleeing family, while needles on the outside branches grew prickly as spears.

Herod’s soldiers could not penetrate the spiky branches of the juniper, and passed the family by.

So, the Juniper has since this episode in the flight to Egypt, been seen as a reminder of the miracle of Joseph, the baby Jesus and Mary, the Mother of God during that period.

So, go ahead! Give yourself a treat! Decorate your home with the poinsettia or the juniper this Christmas!

They will remind you of those two stories. And the sight of the legendary trees in your home will certainly add immeasurably to the joy of the season.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

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At the National Museum...

Moves afoot to develop social history collection Model of a pirate ship, donated by Mr. Christopher Ram and friends

The giant sloth reaches from top to bottom of the Mega T Room

F

By Telesha Ramnarine

OCUS will soon be placed on developing the social history collections of the Guyana National Museum to make it more reflective of Guyanese heritage.

The institution, which sees some 200 visitors per week, started out as a natural history museum.

“Since Guyana does not have a social history museum, so to speak, we have to play the role of that. For many years, the focus would have been on the natural history collections, but now there’s an actual need to develop social history,” Administrator Tamika Boatswain told the Guyana Chronicle recently.

Speaking at her office inside the museum at Company ► Continued on page XVII

Museum Administrator, Tamika Boatswain

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

From Guyana to Botswana, with love

- An odyssey in fashion with designer Delayna Scott

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By Ariana Gordon

ELAYNA Scott, a 30-year old Guyanese designer living in Botswana continues to proudly fly the Guyana flag.

Migrating in 1999 to Botswana with her mother, Scott knew from an early age that she was talented. She would mirror her mother, who was a parttime seamstress while she lived here.

“As a child, I would look at my mom sew clothes for relatives and friends, and I developed a passion for style and fashion. I always loved dressing up; a fashion statement was always important,” she told the Pepperpot.

Before migrating, Scott attended the Stella Maris Primary School and then the St. Joseph High School. She migrated while in Third Form, but continued her secondary education at Gaborone Senior Secondary School and the New Era English Medium. After completing high school, she read for a Diploma in Graphic Design at Genetics College and a Diploma in Pharmacy Technician from the Penn Foster College and in both instances graduating with distinctions.

With a passion for fashion, Scott enrolled at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology’s Botswana campus, where she obtained a degree in designing.

A student ambassador for the University, and more so Guyana, Scott said it was her responsibility to ensure that everyone she interacted with knew that she was Guyanese.

“I would tell everyone I meet that I am Guyanese. I would tell them about my beautiful country and our people,” she said via a telephone interview with the Pepperpot.

“My fundamental role as an ambassador was to help prospective students learn more about the University and their programme of choice. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to represent the University at the Swaziland and Lesotho official campus openings, both of which my role was to give a motivational speech to the new students.”

In 2010, she was awarded the best graduating student for her faculty while winning the presidential award certificate.

MODELLING Scott started modelling in 2000 with a modelling agency called “Newlook Network”. She won best catwalk model at the South African Modelling convention in 2002; and second runner-up best photographic model.

Scott has done numerous fashion shows in Botswana; music videos for Botswana musicians Apollo Diablo, Mosako, Eureka & Juju Boy. She has also had appearances on television in 2010, after which she ended her model career to concentrate on her passion.

Now the owner of Delayna Scott Fashions in Botswana, Scott barely has time for a break, as her clientele is ever increasing.

Her designing career did not begin recently, as she started her own fashion label while at University with a classmate. The label, DelaTash, was a combination of the two designers’ names, Delayna and Natasha. However, due to creative differences and circumstances beyond their control, the two designers parted ways.

In 2010, Delayna started her own label, ‘Delayna Scott’.

“My designs are for the woman who wants to feel good, loves her body, is comfortable in it, confident and not afraid to explore different styles of designs,” she told the Pepperpot.

She admitted that no one thing inspires her. “My in-

Guyanese designer Delayna Scott spiration depends on my mood and how I feel at the particular time. I can be inspired by my surroundings, or sometimes simply the personalities of my customers. I first dream it, then I believe it, then achieve it,” she explained.

According to Scott, striving to achieve a dream is a process, and it comes with lots of hard work and determination.

“From sketching the design, to drafting the pattern, cutting it, seeing it, and the masterpiece is created all by my magical hands,” she said with a chuckle.

THE FUTURE Though a young designer, Scott’s aim is to become globally recognised. “I plan to showcase my designs at home; that is in Guyana. I want all Guyana to know about my work. But I also want to globalise my fashion brand,” she said.

The **former Costello Housing Scheme resident said, it was also her desire to establish a fashion school in Guyana that could mold future designers. “A fashion school in Guyana can help those desirous of being designers realize their true potential; their dreams will become a reality,” she added.

She explained that with her experience, she was sure she could make a positive impact on the lives of future Guyanese designers.

“In this world of many designers it is not easy to make your mark; you need lots of motivation, inspiration and most of all determination. I believe that with the right guidance, young designers can make that mark. I want to Delayna Scott stands alongside a model who wears one of her designs

► Continued on page XXVII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

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(A look at some of the stories that made the news ‘back-in-the-day’ with CLIFFORD STANLEY)

Less road fatalities last year - (Daily than in 1958 Argosy: January 3, 1960)

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ESS persons were killed in road accidents in B.G. last year than in 1958.

The first five months of 1959 were a very bad period as far as traffic fatalities were concerned, as they toppled the record for the first five months of 1958.

But good control by the Traffic Department helped to check the forward march on what seemed would have been an all-time record.

There were 47 deaths last year (1959) compared with 62 in 1958, a decrease of 15.

As a result of the serious outlook early last year, the Traffic Department was forced to create other one-way streets and other major-roads.

Among the one-way streets were Vlissengen Road, Irving Street, Thomas Street and Bourda Street.

The major-roads were Brickdam, Vlissengen Road, Hadfield Street and D’Urban Street.

Curious enough, there were no deaths on the two busiest streets in Georgetown, Water Street and Regent Street.

An official of the Traffic Department said that most of the accidents occurred between motor cars and cyclists.

Most of the children involved in traffic accidents were those who ran across the streets without looking left and right.

Horse bites woman (Daily Argosy: January 4, 1960)

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ODDIS, 18, of No. 1 Canal Polder, West Bank Demerara, was admitted to the Georgetown Hospital yesterday afternoon after she was bitten by a horse.

It was learnt that Boddis was fetching a bucket of water from a pipe on the No. 1 Canal Polder Public Road when she was attacked by the horse and bitten.

(Daily Argosy: January 8, 1960)

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WO young Guianese left B.G. on Monday for the island of Trinidad, where they will undergo a two-month course in the identification and destruction of bats.

The two trainees are Messrs. N.D. Sooknandan and K. Bovell.

They will work with Dr. A.M. Greenhall, Zoologist attached to the Ministry of Agriculture in Trinidad, studying methods of identifying, catching and destroying vampire and other bats, which are vectors of rabies among livestock and other animals.

Dr. Greenhall paid a visit to B.G. in 1959 to survey the bat population in various parts of the country, and it was as a result of his recommendation that the two young men were selected.

Their training is part of the rabies control programme by the Veterinary Division of the Department of Agriculture.

Two die as...

Man tells how companion saved his life - in Ritz Hotel fire (Daily Argosy: January 12, 1960)

“SHE saved my life, and now she is dead.” So said Leslie Allen, 32, a labourer of Kumakang Mountain who was seriously injured in the Ritz Hotel fire, as he wept while sitting in a chair at the Georgetown Hospital yesterday morning.

The dead girl is Patricia Cornelius, also called Patsy Anderson, of Charlestown.

Allen, in telling the Daily Argosy his story, said that since he came to town, Patricia and himself were living in Room 34 on the top floor of the Ritz Hotel.

Allen went on to say that abour 7:45pm on Sunday, Patricia asked him to take her to a cinema to see a picture.

They were forced to stay at home, as she took ill shortly after.

He went on to say that they turned in to bed shortly after, and while asleep, he felt a hand shaking him.

As he began to get up, he heard Patricia shouting at the top of her voice, “Leslie, the hotel is on fire.”

They then dashed to the door, but as they opened it, they saw the raging flames rushing towards them.

Agri. Dep’t stepping up rabies control programme

They hurried back into the room and locked the door, before breaking away a glass window on the northern side of the hotel.

Allen then leaped across to a half-completed building, and tried to put a board for Patricia to escape.

As soon as he got over, he heard Patricia saying: “Go ahead, Leslie, I cannot make it. I am going to die.”

Standing on the uncompleted building, Allen saw Patricia crash through the floor of the burning hotel to the fire below.

Allen received burns on his face and arms.

He also sustained injuries on his arms as he smashed the window to make his escape.

Several persons who saw Allen when he leaped across to the concrete building, which is about eight feet from the hotel, ran to his assistance and brought him down safely.

He was then taken to the Central Fire Station on Water Street, where he got conveyance to the Georgetown Hospital and was admitted.

Early morning fire razes city hotel (Daily Argosy: January 12, 1960)

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HE charred remains of a human leg and one arm were removed by the Police, hours after two badly burnt bodies were taken to the Georgetown Hospital mortuary from the debris of the Ritz Hotel, destroyed by fire early yesterday morning.

Gasps of anguish came from spectators as men from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) removed the body of a woman identified as Patricia Cornelius of Charlestown, also called Patsy Anderson, and a man who had not been identified up to yesterday.

Another man, Cecil Alleyne, is hospitalized with several injuries.

A late report further stated that the body of a third person had been found, but the Police, when contacted, could not confirm the report, and were still investigating the matter.

All day yesterday, hundreds of men, women and children crowded the scene of the new year’s most appalling incident so far.

The origin of the fire at High and Hazel Street remains a mystery, and it has left damage estimated at $150,000.

Up to last night, the Police had cordoned off the premises, while men from of the Fire Brigade and members of the Police Force searched the debris for clues and possibly other bodies.

(Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at cliffantony@gmail.com or cell-phone # 657 2043)

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Butts pushes for 'herbs' as tea, medicine

By Alva Solomon “IT’S a herb! While a drug is something you formalise in a lab. And you cannot be categorising a drug and a herb at the same time.”

That’s according to Vibert “Durdy” Butts, the dreadlocked football coach who has been at the centre of discussions in the quest to legalise marijuana.

Looking relaxed, Butts said during an interview recently that being a Rastafarian for many years, he has been deeply involved in the readings of the Bible and he quoted verses as he made comparable arguments regarding the use of herbs.

“Being a Rasta, I praise Haile Selassie as Creator, and I read the Scriptures and its guidelines,” he said.

A NATIONAL HERO Butts, regarded as a national hero, having scored Guyana’s lone goal at a football World Cup match, is a member of the Nyahbingi order of the Rastafarian community.

He has been dreadlocked for years, and even when he resided in the United States for more than two decades, he has been involved in the culture of the community which emerged in the island of Jamaica as early as 1930.

According to Butts, the Rastafarians use the plant for religious purposes. “The herb can be considered as a sacrament in the way of our life, and it is used for medical purposes too,” he said, adding that since his youthful days, he has used herbs in many forms, including tea.

“I mean, the herb is a plant; this is something God created; this is not like cocaine where somebody carry it in a lab and add some chemical,” Butts said, adding: “This is a drug from the Almighty.” He compared it to ‘sweet-broom’ and ‘daisy’, other plants used for medicinal and tea purposes.

UNMOVED To this end, he argued strongly that the drug should be legalised in controlled quantities, adding that some amount of leniency should be placed on first-time offenders. He said that many young men appear unmoved by the penalties instituted against them for trafficking and being in possession of drugs.

“It’s not like the penalties for the first-time offend-

ers scaring these youths. It is not.

As regards the politicians, Butts said that they are It seems the more you put them human beings, and they will understand the current in prison, you won’t see them desituation. “During the elections time, some Rastaterring from this thing,” he said. farians didn’t even vote for the Rastaman who was Butts recommends that a probarunning. And it is just a proposal we are taking to tion system be put in place, whereParliament, because they said they will look into it by first-time offenders are given while campaigning,” Butts explained. less stringent penalties.

If the laws are enacted, Butts believes a sysHe noted that he was actem will be put in place to address issues which tively involved in gathering may arise, regarding abuse or overuse of the data, and making a case for drug. “I don’t see it as a Bill to be passed the legislation, which will which would allow people to be on the road be taken to Parliament on smoking. I cannot support that”, Butts said.

December 17. Butts said that he is dedicating his energy to having the mandatory EDUCATION KEY sentence amended in the Education of the uses and penalties long- run, and for legalisaregarding the herbs would be one of tion being in the bigger picture. the more important matters to address, But how can the Guyanese public be conButts posited. vinced?

Butts expressed appreciation to Butts said that persons several persons, including lawyers would have noticed the calls Nigel Hughes and Mark Waldron, being made to amend the the Benchop Foundation and his laws, and according to him, relatives, as well as persons here and the media has been playing overseas who assisted him while he an important role in providing was incarcerated recently.

Vibert “Durdy” Butts Social activist Mark Benchop, who was present information to the public on the issue. during the interview, said that he had seen how prison life NOT ONLY ‘RASTAS’ could change a first offender for the rest of his life and acHe said that persons may be of the premise that only Ras- cording to him, while he was a non-smoker, he was part of tafarians are users of the herb, but according to him, it is used the movement to amend the laws. He said that the country countrywide by many, including professionals. “They have had to move in the direction where young persons were not lawyers, doctors... everybody utilise the herb to get calmness; criminalized and placed in the prison system which ultimately to get pleasurable times,” Butts said. destroys them. The time had come for the government to look He said that there have been many road fatality cases into the issue, he stated. attributed to drunk driving, while many have had their Alliance For Change, Member of Parliament, Michael drivers’ licenses suspended because of alcohol use. He Carrington is expected to move a motion next week which said that such comparisons should not even be made, since will seek to amend the current narcotics laws which man“one is a plant, and the other goes through a process of date the imprisonment of persons found with 15 grammes additives.” or more of cannabis and cannabis resin.

The value of the cultural ...

► From

page IX

Braithwaite, had worked on repairing boats at Issano. A museum such as that which I sought would have been ideally housed at the ever deteriorating ‘old train station’ down on Lamaha Street.

But ‘Christo’ Braithwaite was long gone by 2005. About a year ago, I eventually found a newspaper clipping saying that the company in England that built many of our ships was going out of business.

SOBERING THOUGHTS The models and plates of ship illustrations flashed through my mind; then the anger that all the people I know who would see value in shopping stuff like that didn’t have the kind of money to do it.

The lesson I learnt was that we were lacking the capacity to archive our own historical memory; what was absent was the ‘value’ to recognise, much less to activate the concept of preservation.

Did the City Council archive the sale and private purchase of St. Barnabas Church? And what of what

was supposed to be the oldest building in Georgetown, which was right opposite the Brickdam Police Station? Another privately-owned building that was supposed to have been constructed in the old Dutch days was located at Houston on the East Bank of Demerara. It’s now gone; except for some pictures that I took.

Why preserve the past? That, without a doubt, is a foolish question. The answer, however, lies in this very article, as some 60 years from now, we’ll most likely be gone, and some bright young Guyanese writer, or artist, or even filmmaker might want to set a story back in the atmosphere and imagery of the 1970s. Where, then, will they begin to source the concept inspiration?

ORAL HISTORY Recently, a letter writer suggested that the State make a living museum of ‘Tiger Bay’. This is a great idea, that, if considered, would definitely cost a sizable budget; but not so costly would be to address, in the

infant stage, such an idea by starting to record the oral history; reconstructing on paper the now gone buildings to preserve the concept.

Because I saw a frightening thing happen in that area recently with FIX-IT Hardware, and it was addressed by no authority as to the thorough legitimacy of what transpired.

I am aware of some of the colourful history of that area; the memory of women like Doris Schroeder, who traded punches with sailors, will soon fade away, because we failed to place a ‘value’ on the tremendous will to survive they embodied.

Incidentally, characters like her, the original Earlings, and Eric Skeete are all wrapped up in the same age of ‘Skibby the Stick Fighter’. Yes! That’s what they called Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow! Yes! He was a champion of the now forgotten grassroot martial art competitions of ‘Stick Fighting’.

Of course, our lack of ‘historical value’ has, no doubt, erased these last few lines from the awareness of the ‘now’.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

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Moves afoot to develop ...

The Austin Rolls Royce Princess Motorcar PR1 used

by Guyana’s first Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes Burnham

► From page XIII Path, in Georgetown, Boatswain explained that there is also going to be some development in the natural history collections. “We will look at bringing in more specimens that we don’t have, or that needs to be replaced,” she said, adding: “So, hopefully in the future, you might see permanent exhibits on indentureship, fishing, slavery, etc., that will help to teach about the social and political history of Guyana.”

EXCITING Currently, the most exciting exhibit at the museum, based on the public’s feedback, is the Mega T Room which features a giant sloth. “A lot of visitors are fascinated with its size. It was a real sloth found in Germany’s interior that was brought here,” Boatswain, who works along with 15 other staff members, informed.

The museum, Guyana’s oldest, has been facilitating an active school loan programme in which small cases belonging to the arts center are taken to various schools and left for a period of two weeks.

The information found on the cases all relate to the science curriculum and thus schools have an opportunity to incorporate them into their lessons. “We do this for as many schools as possible in Linden, East Coast, East Bank and around Georgetown. We will start introducing worksheets and so forth to introduce students to critical thinking in science to help them better understand what they are seeing,” Boatswain explained.

This arrangement will resume in January after schools would have been reopened.

Cleaning remains a gigantic task at the museum. “In order to keep on top of cleaning, you have to do it on a daily or weekly basis. We are always cleaning. We are always trying to take care of the collections as much as we can. That’s the only way we can preserve them.”

CLEANING Cleaning is especially challenging because of the museum’s location in the busy streets of the City. Furthermore, the windows are all opened during the day. “The animals require specific conditions because the growth of fungus can develop and cause damage to the artifact. A lot of our collections have been here for more than 40 years and to maintain animal skins for so long takes a lot of care,” said Boatswain.

Most of what is available at the museum today have been from local donations, although quite a number have been given from different parts of the world.

BRIEF HISTORY The story of the museum is one of tragedy, loss and recovery. After the establishment of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society in 1844, one of its main projects was the establishment of a museum and model room to display Guyana’s natural heritage.

The first recorded gift to the museum was a donation of 50 wood samples from Sir Robert Schomburgk. The collection gradually increased as donations of botanicals, minerals and other geological specimens were received.

Various schools get a chance to have these small travelling exhibits in their possession for two weeks

Fire destroyed this first collection in 1864 and through the initiative of Mr. W.H. Campbell, a new collection was reassembled in 1868 when the museum had its first official opening.

A second fire, in 1945, demolished the natural history section of the museum and a new collection was again reassembled in 1946.

The British Guiana Museum changed to the Guyana National Museum upon the country’s independence in 1966.

The collection today is divided into social and natural history sections with an exotic display of native birds, mammals and woods.

The social history exhibits include the model of the Royal Agriculture and Commercial Society, models of Fort Nassau and Zeelandia, the SS Arawana and Queriman ferry models, the Gold and Diamond Miner/Pork Knocker, the recreation of gold mining in the Cuyuni River, the Black on Magenta One Cent Stamp which is the world’s rarest stamp, the Dutch slave whip, a collection of antique bottles, several tobacco smoking pipes and the Chinese opium pipes.

Along with the natural history collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes, other exhibits in this section include insects, illustrations of the seed and how germination takes place in plants, fruits, rice and different types of leaves. Also on display are various kinds of woods which are homogenous to Guyana and include wallaba, purple heart, green heart, crabwood and silverbali.

Visits are free to the museum. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9 am to 4: 30 pm and Saturday 9 am to 2: 30 pm.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Drug use? Or drug abuse?

-What’s the difference?

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ENDED last week’s column by pointing out that Guyanese are particularly vulnerable to mental illness and substance abuse.

Understanding and accepting this is important, as it will no doubt decrease judgment and stigma, while increasing understanding and support, as well as one’s confidence and willingness to seek help.

So, why are we vulnerable, and not completely to blame? (Bold)

Let’s start with addiction.

First of all, there is a difference between drug use and drug abuse. It is also important to note that alcohol is a drug. We all seem to overlook this, as it’s legal. But it is; and a dangerous one at that. Drug use is the occasional and casual use of a substance; maybe moderate amounts on weekends, and the use does not have any negative effect on your life. Abuse is the frequent, heavy use of a substance that has a negative impact on your life.

For example, you may call in sick often, or may have lost interest in people or activities that do not involve substance use.

Now, what can cause addiction/mental illness?

Stress, low education, poverty, low unemployment rate, domestic violence/ general abuse, sexual assault, a loss of a family member or friend, family history and one’s general environment.

What do all these factors have in common?

They are massive issues in Guyana; both 15 years ago and today.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has found that 50% of individuals living in poverty or are homeless will also have a mental illness such as depression.

A study I’ve read about on education levels in the United States (Guyana has not conducted one thus far) has found that individuals with lower levels of education (just primary school and occasionally high school) were a lot more likely to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes and ‘weed’. Furthermore, almost all of the individuals who ended up in ‘rehab’ only had a primary school education.

As it is, the children of addicts, especially alcoholics, are eight times more likely to become addicts themselves, because of both family history, and what they see within their environment.

I’ve thought about it, and have come to realise that I have never walked into someone’s home, a restaurant or basically any social activity after 12pm and not been offered a drink.

A CULTURE ALL ITS OWN In Guyana, drinking is almost a culture on its own, and we can all get lost in it, because, truthfully, it is difficult to say no. But if you think how close (at times) we come to having a problem ourselves, alcohol specifically in this case, we might try to make a difference in our lives.

You can spot an abuser, based on two factors: 1. Tolerance (Bold): This means they need larger amounts to have the previously desired effects. To the drinkers: Does the same amount of alcohol that got you ‘tipsy’ or drunk last year still get you to that level this year? My best guess would be ‘no’; and our bodies and wallets hate us for it.

2. Withdrawal (Bold): This happens when you can no longer obtain your desired drug. It’s your body detoxing; it’s very painful and the primary cause of a relapse. Again, drinkers: When you go out and have a bit too much and get a hangover, what is the Guyanese ‘remedy’ for that? I believe it’s called “hair of the dog”, and what it means is you should drink the next day so you can feel better. It’s the same action of an addict; just on a smaller scale.

We are all capable of overdoing it, and making questionable decisions that can quickly lead us down a wrong path, particularly when we have all the aforementioned vulnerabilities all around us and within our community. We need to support each other, and keep good influences around us.

Next week, I will discuss what’s going on in Guyana; the major mental health issues and types of drugs being abused. There will be a special focus on Bartica and Lethem, as my team and I (from the mental health unit) will be taking work trips there in the upcoming weeks.

If you have any questions or comments, please email them to caitlinvieira@gmail.com OR bring them into the Chronicle Head Office at Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park.

I will be sure to respond to them in the coming weeks.

Suicide Help line Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896. Never be afraid to seek help.

Say ‘yes’ to life and ‘no’ to drugs! Always!

Caitlin Vieira is a Psychologist and addiction specialist at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Woodlands Hospital and the Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Prevention Helpline.

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Benefits, importance of a healthy breakfast

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ES, your mother was right! Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it give you energy to start the day, but breakfast is linked to many health benefits, including boosting the metabolism, weight control and improved overall performance throughout the day.

We’ve all heard, time and time again, that breakfast is the most important meal, but to make this meal top priority can sometimes seem like an impossible task.

Some top excuses are: Difficulty finding time during our chaotic morning schedules and not feeling hungry during the morning hours. But these are simply excuses. If you want to live a healthier lifestyle, you need to make a commitment, and prepare your meals ahead of time.

Eating breakfast is important for adults and for everyone, especially children.

During my early years of teaching primary school-age children, I could always easily tell when my students hadn’t had that important meal.

According to a study done by the American Dietetic Association, children who eat breakfast perform better in the classroom and on the playground, and have better concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination.

2. Smoothie made of fruit and low-fat yogurt 3. Salmon on ½ whole grain bagel with light cream cheese 4. Whole grain cereal with fresh fruit and low fat milk 5. Oatmeal made with skim milk, raisins and nuts with 4 ounces of orange juice 6. Low fat yogurt and a piece of fresh fruit 7. Yogurt smoothie and breakfast bar 8. Hard boiled egg and a banana 9. Fruit plate 10. A whole wheat toast, low fat cheese, scrambled egg and a slice of tomato or lean turkey.

Given our busy hectic lifestyles, preparing a weekly breakfast meal plan can help make things so much easier, and also save us time.

Studies also show that eating a healthy breakfast can help give you: 1. A more nutritionally complete diet, higher in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

2. Improved concentration and performance in the classroom and Boardroom.

3. More strength and endurance to engage in physical activity.

4. Lower cholesterol levels BREAKFAST BENEFITS Weight control and metabolism (Bold): I recently discovered this to be so true. I made having breakfast my Number One priority meal, and it became much easier to maintain my weight. Many studies, in both adults and children, have shown this as well. Persons who eat breakfast tend to maintain or weigh less than breakfast skippers. Why? One theory suggests that eating a healthy breakfast can reduce hunger and help people make better food choices at other mealtimes. While you may think you can save calories by skipping breakfast, this is not an effective strategy. Typically, hunger will eventually get the best of breakfast skippers, and they will eat more at lunch and throughout the day.

Some theories also suggest eating breakfast can prolong your life, improve your mood, and jump-start your metabolism. This metabolic boost can also help you avoid weight gain.

Alertness and stress (Bold): Studies have found that eating breakfast may enhance memory, improve cognitive ability and help increase attention span. Stabilized blood sugar levels can be the main reason behind these benefits. When we are asleep or bodies fast for 8-12 hours, our blood sugar levels are naturally low first thing in the morning and low blood sugar results in lack of concentration, alertness and energy. When a person’s blood glucose is low, they’ll feel lethargic, irritable, drowsy, restless and have difficulty thinking or recalling information.

Eating a healthy breakfast can prevent these symptoms.

Mood (Bold): A better breakfast can make for a better mood, generally. Most people are likely to be happier and less grouchy when hunger is not a distraction. Try it!

Energy and Performance (Bold): Choosing the right breakfast meals is important. A healthy breakfast meal should contain a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables whole grains, low or non-fat dairy and lean protein. These foods will give you the energy needed to perform your daily tasks whether, at work, school or during your gym sessions. In addition to these benefits, eating a healthy breakfast can be even more worthwhile for children, pregnant women and older adults.

The makings of a well balanced breakfast

Even if you think you don’t have time to eat breakfast, there are many grab-and-go options that are available in our local supermarkets. Here are a few options, and quick healthy choices: 1. A veggie omelet and a piece of whole wheat toast

Noshavyah King is a certified personal trainer, aerobics instructor, Sports and Conditioning Coach and Zumba Instructor. She is also the owner of Genesis Fitness Express located at the Transport Sports Club.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Keeping the kids stylish

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E all have fashionable clothing that distinguishes us from others, so then why should the kids be any different.

At just two years old, North West is already a fashion force to be reckoned with, and children are gradually evolving into the world of fashion.

Today, parents are happy to indulge in keeping their kids stylish and chic. So, as you look for new wardrobe additions to suit the ever changing trends, remember to match the clothing with that kid’s age, and choose something they will enjoy wearing, whether to school, a birthday party or wedding.

Here are some children expressing their personalities, showcasing pieces from Kids Closet, on 16 North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Their fashion trends are the must-haves in every fashion-conscious kid’s closet.

CHRISELLE chose a simple black-and-white affair, with lovely wedgies to pull off this outfit.

When matching colours, remember to stick to the same colour groups. So girls that need a party dress will be able to rock this look for a special event like a wedding or school party.

JADEN’s three-quarter jeans with denim shirt will forever remain popular. To complete the look, he rocks a pair of high-top Jordans.

GIOVANNI pairs a paid shirt with slimfit waxed jeans: Casual at its very best. You can never go wrong with this kind of ensemble.

And it’ll never ever go out of style.

JONATHAN is wearing a twopiece suit, grey trousers with matching vest, the perfect fit for a formal occasion.

Every child should own one, paired with white shirt and red tie to complete the outfit.

TEJINI: The light, cool colours can make up a great palette from which to mix and match outfits.

Pastel shades can be fun and feminine on girls that love comfort.

TRINITY: Red satin bodice, with tutu bottomed skirt is the perfect party dress. The younger fashionistas can add a touch of fun and colour to their evening outfit by adding leggings or tights.

TIMERA & TROSHONNA chose short shorts and and matching tank tops for the warm weather; fashion-conscious kids will always opt for comfort, especially when playing and romping around the backyard.

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Ali’s guide to fine dining ...

What’s trending this week

T

HE Duke Restaurant is located in the prestigious Roraima Duke Lodge in Kinsgton.

Known for having one of the best international cuisines around town, Duke boasts a menu that was created by international chefs Kevin Gouveia and Raul Jaisingh.

Recipe of the week: Pork & Lamb Roraima’s Pork and Lamb in Onion Cream Sauce is basically pork chops marinated in local herbs, and served in an onion cream sauce; or pan fried pork chops seasoned with jerk dry rub; or lamb chops marinated in olive oil, rosemary and local herbs and served with a red-wine sauce.

Sides: Pork & Lamb can be served with baked or fried potatoes; potato wedges; creamed potato; white rice; or sautéed vegetables.

T

he Restaurant Gallery and MangoWalk Café by the Bettencourt’s Food brand; a two in-one establishment that will cater breakfast buffet, a creole lunch buffet, a fresh blend nutritious cocktail bar and an A La Carte menu for dinner that will infuse local, regional and international cuisines. Enjoy the concept of casual dining, while being captivated by the art and culture that makes us a unique people.

Featured Dish: Crispy lemonpepper grilled salmon.

T

he Silhouette Restaurant is a hidden gem in the capital city of Georgetown.

Located on Sandy Babb Street, Kitty on the second floor of the JR Burgers Complex.

The menu features an assortment of contemporary international cuisine, seasonal specials, or local favourites.

New to the menu is authentic sushi cuisine. Silhouette caters to every occasion, from quaint weddings to corporate luncheons and dinner parties, as well as birthdays and anniversaries.

Every day is a celebration at Silhouette! Any event can be customised to facilitate buffet, platter or à la carte service. Silhouette provides the ultimate in dining experience for everyone.

Featured Dish: Thai Curried Labba.

Silhouette offers steak, lamb, pasta, chicken and seafood options, but a timeless dish is our Labba.

With the launch of our new menu, we’ve changed our signature Garlic Labba to the Thai Curried Labba.

To try this at home, heat oil in a skillet; stir in the curry paste, and cook for 1 min, stirring all the time. Add cubed labba pieces and stir until they are coated. Add a bit of sugar and coconut milk. Bring slowly to the boil, and then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 mins until the labba is cooked.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Gospel sensation, Enea Benjamin to launch two singles

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By Alva Solomon EXT Saturday, the Kingdom Connection Apostolic Centre at Den Amstel on the West Coast of Demerara will come alive when gospel singer, Enea Benjamin launches two singles from her new album.

The songstress has been singing her way into the local gospel spectrum for years and the new hits, titled “Created to Worship” and “Just Sing”, will resonate through the church walls when they are officially launched.

Benjamin related this week that the event takes the form of a Christmas Concert, and the church’s Pastor Apostle Miggins has fully supported the venture.

She said that the songs are part of her second album which will be completed over the next few weeks. The two singles are significant, Benjamin related. She said the first, “Created to Worship”, comes directly from God and she quoted Psalms 150:6 as having direct relevance to the single.

“Just Sing”, on the other hand, is more relevant to life and the experiences she has overcome .She said the lyrics are more personal and will definitely hit home when persons tune into the song.

This is the songstress’ second album, the first entitled “No Limit”, was launched in 2012 and recorded through gospel singer Kester D. These days, Benjamin said persons continue to request copies of that album.

Benjamin works at the Child Care and Protection Agency (CHPA) but her daily duties there do not prevent her from practicing when she gets off of work. She said that she loves singing, something she has been doing since her childhood days and looking ahead, she plans to play a more active role in the gospel music industry as well as preaching at the church.

The Kitty, Georgetown resident said that while she believes singing should have its rewards , including financial gains, she has no bone to contend with where the absence of copyright laws are concerned. In fact, she believes that once her message reaches her audience, she will feel contented.

She explained that persons may not be in a position to pay for CD’s .However, it is important that the teachings of God reach them freely.

Enea Benjamin

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Don’t stay in an abusive relationship!

- battered survivor Natasha Houston advises women

By Shauna Jemmott

Natasha Houston

N ATA S H A H o u s t o n has seen her daughter’s death, has had shadows of her own, and has felt her son’s. As a mother, she fought with one hand, in blood and pain, to save her two-year-old boy; but as she ran to open the door for his safe escape, her berserk

husband chopped the fingers off her left hand, after severing her right hand, as he displayed his horribly brutish nature and took her a few steps closer to the end.

Within the walls of her home at Lot 867 Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo, she almost died in a chilling episode which lasted for minutes and left her two children, Kimberly Houston, 5, and Saif Amad Lord, 2, dead around the 6 O’ clock hour of July 31, 2013.

Their 26-year-old father, Richard Lord, had perpetrated the capital crimes.

Days before the horrifying event, the woman had escaped with her two children from the home she had shared with this abusive husband, and had sought refuge at a friend’s home in Phoenix Park, because her husband Richard Lord had flown into a jealous rage after hearing rumours of her being promiscuous, and he had battered her repeatedly.

She had carried along her children, and had secretly accompanied her mom and sister on a visit to a cousin’s house in the Meten-meer-Zorg area.

Knowing that her cane-cutter husband Richard Lord was excessively jealous and wrathful, and had specifically ordered her not to leave home while he was at work, she had lied to him by telling him that she was at home all day when he asked. She said he would usually question other people, even the children, to confirm every response

from his regular interrogations whenever he returned home from work. She had, unfortunately, forgotten to tell her sister to corroborate her story whenever the man approached, so he had found out from that source that her answer had been far from the truth.

She was punished with a beating, during which he had cut her leg, and Natasha had planned and executed her escape well, hiding out at a friend’s house in Phoenix Park.

For days, the man hunted her down but failed to spot her, although he suspected she was there.

He visited the Welfare Department and lodged a complaint, which led to a letter from the Welfare Department of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security being delivered to her, asking that she should visit one of its offices that Monday.

She said fear kept her in until Wednesday, when she decided to make the visit, after persuading herself that the man would have given up stalking her.

As she and children walked along the road away from where she stayed, she spotted nobody but saw a white car slowly approaching. Having jitters, she said she picked up her toddler son and asked her daughter to hold on to her skirt, so that they could increase the pace of their movement.

“When the car reach up, the door open and I just feel somebody push me in this car,” she said.

The baby hit his head on the car and fell, crying; and she saw her husband

pick up the children and push them into the car through a window. He entered the vehicle and started dealing her some blows as the driver drove the vehicle to the home from whence she had escaped.

The woman said she pleaded with the driver twice to drive into the police station, even asking him once if he would like someone to treat his own daughter like that and nobody does anything to save her, but the driver ignored her entreaties. As they reached the family’s final destination, her sister, who lives with their mom in the house in front of hers, asked her why she had returned home. “The passion in me, I said, ‘I come home for my death!’ and I walk straight,” she stated.

At home, Lord asked her to cook for him, and she refused, stating, “I’m not cooking fuh you any more, fuh strengthen you more fuh you beat me more.” He appeared already to have had a few drinks, and he sent their daughter Kimberly for another bottle of rum. Eventually, the man cooked curried chicken.

It was intended to be a death return, but though it was her children who eventually were killed, Natasha lived to tell the tale as a victim and a powerful witness of a horror story. He beat her all that particular day, and sharpened his cane-cutter cutlass at ► Continued

on page XXXII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

From Guyana to Botswana ...

XXVII

► From page XIV

see that in Guyana. I want to see more Guyanese designers showcasing their designs; their products.”

CHALLENGES Scott is a firm believer that challenges are a necessary component of success. “In every industry there will be challenges, and sometimes it is more difficult trying to operate a business in a foreign country.”

She said, “I am a living testimony of that…being Guyanese and designing in Botswana has not been easy; it was not an easy road to get here but through determination, I managed to rise above my challenges and stay focused.”

Today, Scott says she can boast that she has done Guyana proud. “Though I have a long road ahead in my career, I am a proud Guyanese; I am glad that as a Guyanese I can live in another country, despite the odds, and accomplish what I have.”

Emelia wears a Delayna Scott dress

Miss Teen Universe International Judith Kgwadi who placed 2nd runner up in an evening gown designed and worn in Nicaragua

Scott owns her own fashion studio and is classed among the best designers in Botswana. She has designed clothing for many popular personalities in Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique.

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS Scott is the recipient of several awards including the overall winner of the Botswana Fashion Week 2011, and Colour Desert Fashion Show 2012. Her designs have also been showcased at Miss Teen Universe Botswana 2013- Best evening gown; Miss Teen Universe International- 2ND runner-up- Evening Gown worn in Nicaragua, Miss Universe 2013- Evening gown, Miss World Botswana 2013- evening gown, Miss World Supermodel overall winner- Evening gown, and Miss Africa 2015- winner of Best Evening gown. She also designs wedding and bridesmaid dresses.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Makeup tips for the busy professional

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OR the professional woman, doing your makeup can be a bit of a bother at times, especially when you have Board meetings scheduled back-toback throughout the day. Here are a few ways to help you cope.

Go for long lasting makeup You need to choose makeup that stays on for a long period of time. Choose good quality products; they usually cost more, but leave a lasting impression. They also blend well with your skin, and can last through any weather, whether it's rainy or bright sunshine, or just humid. The best way to tell good makeup is by its staying power. Makeup artists have special techniques, but it's the products that often do the trick and save you time and energy. They easily last from six to seven hours.

Light compact for your face When you have to be out all day or on your toes, juggling office work and meetings, it is always best to go for a light compact powder that will keep your skin sweat-free. Powders are your best friend, especially in warm weather or for those who have oily skin. But, be light, because makeup can easily crack if you use too much powder, for instance. Gently pat your powders with a puff or cotton ball; sweep the excess away with a powder brush.

Gorgeous eye makeup The trick to look fresh and smart throughout the day is by opting for kohl and mascara. Use light-coloured eye shadows, so that your eyes don't look smudgy by the end of the day.

As a professional makeup artist, I am not too fond of eyeliners. They are cold, and usually don't adjust to the warmth of your skin as well as gel liners, liquid liners, and powdered eyeshadows. In tropical climes like Guyana’s, you need to avoid wearing pencil eyeliners, especially if it's not being applied professionally. Most liners are waterproof; it's usually a hoax if a company boasts having "waterproof eyeliners". However, your mascara shouldn't always be waterproof. The best ones are actually those that are not waterproof!

Neutral lip colours Pink and shades of peach tend to make your face look brighter, and retain its freshness all day. You can either choose a matte or a gloss-based lip colour in these shades.

And always mix! Because of the common warm, tanned, sun-kissed Caribbean skin, it's always best to opt for berry-toned lined lips, and pink and peach toned inner lip colours that add a natural ombré look.

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Say no to Styrofoam

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ATELY, there has been a lot of buzz about the impending Styrofoam ban, and many persons, especially those in the business community, are unsure of the implications this will have on their business, especially as it relates to cost and availability of the alternatives. Therefore, over the next few months, the EPA will be educating the public on the specifics of the ban to ensure a smooth transition to the alternatives to Styrofoam.

What is Styrofoam?

Styrofoam is a disposable product made of polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based plastic. Styrofoam is used in all types of products, but is especially common in the food service industry in the form of cups, plates and boxes. It is convenient, cheap, and provides excellent conditions for storage of food and beverages.

Environmental Impacts Polystyrene is non-biodegradable. A Styrofoam cup can take as long as 500 years to decompose completely.

Because recycling Styrofoam is very expensive, it is usually disposed of, taking up a lot of space in landfills, even more than paper, and may eventually re-enter the environment when landfills are breached.

Styrofoam is harmful for the environment because it is made with petroleum, a non-renewable resource which contributes to air pollution and cli-

mate change.

When not disposed in a proper manner, Styrofoam can contribute to flooding by clogging drains.

When Styrofoam enters our waterways, it can be ingested by aquatic animals, thus harming or killing them.

Health Impacts Polystyrene, the main material in Styrofoam, contains the substances Styrene and Benzene, which are both considered carcinogens (cancer causing) and neurotoxins that are extremely hazardous to human health.

Hot foods or liquids, alcohols, oils and acidic foods start a partial breakdown of Styrofoam, causing some toxins to be released into our foods, which, when eaten, are absorbed into our bloodstream.

According to studies, women exposed to styrene â–ş Continued on page XXXI

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Say no to Styrofoam ► From page XXX

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hile the ban from January 01, 2016, will not prohibit the sale of Styrofoam, the EPA in keeping with the Regulations objective shall guide and encourage the use of recyclable, biodegradable and other environmentallyfriendly products. Remember the “environment is everybody’s business”. Join us again next week as we continue to examine the impending Styrofoam ban.

vapours have demonstrated menstrual disorders, and suffered from metabolic disturbances occurring during pregnancy.

Other health impacts include: o Irritation of the skin; o Irritation of the eyes; o Irritation of the upper respiratory tract; o Gastrointestinal problems; and o Affects kidney function.

SOURCE: • Environmental Protection (Expanded Polystyrene Ban) Regulations, 2015.

• http://www.earthresource.org/campaigns/ capp/capp-styrofoam.html • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrofoam You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or you can contact the Agency on 225-5467-9.

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Don’t stay ... ► From page XXVI around 5:00 pm, just a few hours after he openly confessed that he would “kill all ayuh in hey!”

She said every time the man had to leave the house, he padlocked her in the bedroom; and when he returned, he opened the door.

Her mom returned home and heard the battles and her screams of horror during the commotion from the day-long assault, and she decided to warn the man that she would call the police.

Even while Natasha was preparing porridge for her son, she received blows.

Her daughter was eating at the time, and the man peered through a window and overheard her mother talking to police on a mobile phone.

The woman said all she felt was a burning sensation on her arm, and when she looked, she noticed it was severed, but just hanging by the skin. Blood began running in the home from that moment. “Kimberley got up and attempted to run to open the locked door, but was dealt a chop which severed her head, before he kicked her body to the ground. It was 6 O’ clock on the dot,” she reminisced.

The woman said she observed all that in a single moment! The baby, who had witnessed his sister’s murder, began to cry. Even though her right hand had been severed and was bleeding, and she was confused, she set herself on a mission to defend her baby. Natasha instinctively began fighting her cutlass-wielding husband, their daughter’s killer, now to save their two-year-old son. That is when she lost three and

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

a half fingers on her left hand.

“The baby start to holler. After I push him (her husband) down on the bed, I say ‘Saif (baby) run! Run, Saif!’ (but) the baby (was) confused because I telling he run and he (father) telling he don’t run. So I go and turn the kiddie to open the door because the door didn’t have bolt. But when I go fuh turn the thing to open like this, all my fingers he chop off. He start fuh beat me up more. The baby lef hollering,” the woman detailed.

A single lit lamp provided the means for them to see; and as darkness stepped in, the family seemed trapped in a hell hole of despair. “I said ‘Don’t cry Saif, sister already dead’,” but the baby, looking at the blood dripping from his mother and turning in confusion and fear, screamed as he stood.

Within that maelstrom of fear, anger and desperation, she fought, cried, shouted, pleaded; stood up, fell down, was dragged, and tortured as he pushed her into every wall, every corner of their home. He held on to her hair as he blew the lamp out, and when he swung the sharp blade, she feel on her knees, listening to the sounds of his wrathful breathing as the baby’s screams dominating the air.

It was hard to even hear her mother, Bibi Khairool, incessantly knocking at the door. Within that passageway of life and death came an eerie silence of uncertainty as she felt her son’s blood pouring upon her whilst she knelt in the darkness. She heard the commotion as the killer ran out of the house, pushing her mother down the stairs as he scampered into the darkness.

Then suddenly light appeared. Someone had lit the lamp, and although her home was now filled with family members and strangers, she could neither garner strength nor courage to get up. Her life has since been changed.

The skeletal remains of Richard Lord, her fugitive husband, were found hanging from a tree amidst some thorn bushes in farmlands located behind their home. Natasha is now an advocate for the elimination of violence against women. She is associated with Help and Shelter and Denise Dias’s Women in Black.

Her advice to women is: “Don’t stay in an abusive relationship. The people around you, their lives may depend on your leaving, especially your kids.”

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Harryram Heeralall wants to live!

- so he’s willing to pay for a kidney

HARRYRAM Heeralall, an overseas-based Guyanese, is looking for someone who would be willing to donate a kidney. To this end, he is offering a monetary reward.

The 46-year-old father of one resides in Queens, New York, after having left Guyana some 26 years ago. He resided locally at Best Road, West Coast Demerara.

Heeralall has already lost one of his kidneys, and the other has been deteriorating. He is therefore in an urgent need of help.

He is offering to fund the donor’s air fare to and from the United States. And the intention is for the individual to be escorted to the hospital as soon as he or she arrives in the US. Interested persons can contact Heeralall directly on telephone number +19175821840 or his niece Marcia Harrinarine on 667 0943. Someone with a US visa is preferred.

Harryram Heeralall

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‘No one tells me what to do’ - says Nollywood’s Ini Edo

NOLLYWOOD actress, Ini Edo, is not comfortable with the way people have been lashing out at her about her recent weight loss, and she has chosen to come out to address the issue.

The actress made it clear that for the fact that she has a large fan base does not mean anyone can “dictate” for her, as she sees herself as “a realist”.

Ini said she was born chubby, and with such body, she has earned several endorsement deals with it and has featured in over 300 hundred movies but felt there need to change in her personality.

According to her, “About my weight loss, I was born chubby. I've been that way for years.

Had all the major endorsement deals, acted in over 300 movies in that my chubby state, and most of you accepted me like that, because all I had or came to offer was the talent God gave me.

Your size or shape doesn't determine who you are, how successful you can be or how acceptable you will be. The world will always be unsatisfied with whatever situation you present to them.

“We all have our individual problems.

Some people find succor in social media by playing ghost and spitting flames in the dark to mask their bitterness. Don't look at them. Take care of yourself. What I did? I hit the gym, reduced my carb to the barest minimum, lots of green tea n lemon and detox. It's extreme discipline. I had Thai noodles today and seafood wow I enjoyed it.”

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CTO launches

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

region’s first ever tourism, hospitality investment guide

P

RESIDENT of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Emil Lee is urging international investors to use the recently launched Caribbean Tourism and Hospitality Investment Guide to learn about the “incredible opportunities” which can be realised from investing in

the Caribbean.

Lee noted that despite its growing pains, the Caribbean tourism industry continues to expand and diversify.

“Public-private initiatives at the regional and destination levels are actively addressing those issues which are important to the industry globally... lowering utility costs, improving the visitor experience, holding the line

on taxes, incentivizing investments, and maximizing productivity through investments in our people,” he commented.

The publication, launched at the Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference and Operations Sum► Continued

on page XXXV

From left are Sylma Brown Bramble, CTO’s Director of the Americas; CTO Secretary-General Hugh Riley; and Caribbean Investment Guide Editor, Sandra Ann Baptiste

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

CTO launches region’s first ever tourism...

► From page

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mit (CHICOS) in Puerto Rico, showcases a wide range of investment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector in CTO member states and lists incentives that Caribbean Governments are offering to attract new business.

The publication, which was also distributed at CTO “Caribbean Week’ business events in Toronto, was conceptualised and produced by marketing, communications and investment promotion specialist, Sandra Ann Baptiste, who was the first head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO INVEST).

The Investment Guide focuses on the performance of the region’s tourism and hospitality sector and Caribbean economies. It also highlights increased airlift to the region and new investments in the industry – a reflection of investor confidence in the region.

“Ours is an attractive and desirable destination with a strong, competitive advantage due to our natural resources and authentic experiences,” CTO Chairman Richard Sealy, Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, said. “Investing in the Caribbean makes good business sense. We know it and we are proud to produce a guide that illustrates it.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

ARIES - You’ll be in the mood to enjoy yourself. With a delightful blend of energies, it would be worth your while to make the most of any available opportunities. As Venus continues retrograde, a romantic notion could feel right but may not be smooth sailing for a while. Despite the fun, Mercury’s move into Virgo suggests it’s time to knuckle down and proceed with plans that have been on the back burner. Tweaking diet and health routines can also be rewarding.

TAURUS - This week’s blend of energies encourages you to get your house in order, literally and figuratively. Get busy with important DIY projects and handle any family disputes wisely. Entertaining could be a lot of fun, despite one or two obstacles to contend with. The focus then shifts to fun opportunities.

There’s no need to look far for excitement - you can find it in your neighbourhood. Consider a new restaurant or other venue for a fun evening or day out.

GEMINI - Warm, tender feelings are enlivened this week, encouraging you to reach out to friends or family you haven’t seen or heard from in a while.

It’s also an opportunity to meet with neighbours or support charity or other events in your locale. Although you could encounter a few delays, an optimistic outlook can make all the difference. On another note, Mercury’s move into Virgo could see you planning ahead regarding a few changes you would like to make at home.

CANCER - Finances get a boost this week, but not before you’ve had to scramble to tackle a few problems. Delays to money coming in or going out might cause frustration, but it’s nothing you can’t resolve. As Mars hikes into this sector of your chart from Saturday, you’ll be motivated to explore new ways to earn extra cash and boost your income. Thoughts of taking up a course of study could leave you quite excited at the possibilities that lie ahead.

LEO - The week starts pleasantly, as friends and associates are likely to be in touch. Enjoy the company of a special partner or love interest - the opportunities for romance are yours for the taking. Venus continues retrograde, so try not to have too many expectations about the future. It’s best to go with the flow for now if possible. Although responsibilities at home could stand in the way of personal fulfillment, you’ll be firing on all cylinders by the weekend.

VIRGO - The focus on your spiritual sector could encourage you to go on a short retreat to relax and recharge. If you can spare an hour or two for a massage or beauty treatment, you could find it very soothing and healing. It’s time for you to be pampered and nurtured with a little tender, loving care.

Mercury heads into your sign on Friday, enhancing your communication skills and encouraging you to get involved in projects that are personally fulfilling.

LIBRA - Friends are in touch and want to have fun. Romantic opportunities abound, but it’s best to go with the flow rather than make any firm commitments. The more willing you can be to network and interact, the more options you’ll have to take life to new, exciting levels. Mars zips into Leo on August 8, so you could be in the mood to organise events. You may even be slightly competitive when it comes to a love interest or impressing others.

SCORPIO - Even if you’re uncertain about being in the spotlight, you can make great strides by taking advantage of this opportunity. Don’t refrain from advertising your goods and services - you’ll benefit greatly by doing so. Meanwhile, avoid being too pushy, as this could work against you. Your social life picks up later in the week, encouraging you to get in touch with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Joining a health or sports club could be very rewarding.

SAGITTARIUS - Travel and educational pursuits could hold a lot of appeal, particularly if you’re itching to expand your horizons. It’s a good time to let your curiosity lead you to new and exciting adventures. You may have a few doubts to contend with, too, causing you to hold back when in your heart you know it’s time to move out of your comfort zone. The words of a wise friend might be helpful here, inspiring you to try despite your fears.

CAPRICORN - Work and finances may be on your mind, as well as progress.

However, if you listen to friends or supposed experts, you may wonder if you’re doing the right thing. It’s best to go with your gut and follow through.

Things could work out even better than expected. Go easy if you’re playing with really large amounts of money, as retrograde Venus can cause unanticipated delays and reversals. Keep paperwork and receipts in case you need them further down the line.

AQUARIUS - Partnerships and relationships could keep you busy. There are plenty of options for an upbeat social life, although it helps to tread with care when it comes to romance. As Venus continues retrograde, this isn’t the best time to make big decisions or commit. Try to go with the flow for now. As Mercury heads into Virgo, it’s time to plan for your financial future. If you’ve experienced a few delays recently, a sound strategy could be just what you need.

PISCES - Work and lifestyle issues continue to keep you busy this week, particularly if you’ve recently taken up a new sport or decided to get fit and lose a few pounds. It helps to persevere, even though you might find this difficult in the weeks ahead. If you get off to a good start, you’ll be likelier to reach your goals. Mercury’s presence in Virgo can encourage a connection with someone who has some good advice for you.

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CXC

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

English

Chronicle Pepperpot December 13, 2015

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Broadway comes to Ann’s Grove next Saturday

By Shauna Jemmott

‘THE Wages of Sin’ will unfold this December on the East Coast of Demerara when Ebenezer Congregational youth ministry hosts its first ever ‘Night of Drama’ fiesta next Saturday at the church’s multi-purpose hall in Ann’s Grove.

The extravaganza is being hosted by the Ann’s Grove Culture Group, the impressive drama outfit which made an impact at its first appearance at Drama Festival 2013 with the play, ‘Life is what you make it”, directed by Shunette Waterman, also a youth leader.

When Pepperpot caught up with Waterman at her Ann’s Grove home Wednesday morning, she spoke about The Night of Drama and ‘The Wages of Sin’.

The fun-filled night will feature dramatic, musical, dance and poetic presentations, and will leave its audience with a lot to think about.

‘WAGES OF SIN’ ‘The Wages of Sin’ is the main feature of the night’s affair, and will carry a hint of Broadway, fusing music and dance with drama.

Written and directed by Waterman, it addresses the way society views women, and enlightens the audience that being a church goer does not mean you are holy and righteous.

Waterman recognised that in many cases the person Christians see as ‘worldly’ or ‘sinful’ carries the purer heart.

“It is based on that ‘Songs of Solomon’ chapter (in the Bible) in which (a woman’s) lover came to call her but she didn’t bother and when she went out in the street, the watchmen found her and raped her,” she explained.

Pastors of the church are deemed the watchmen or shepherds of the congregation, and in this story the watchmen “took away her veil”, destroying the vulnerable woman.

A young girl grew up in church with a ‘watchman’ step-father; a Pastor. She experienced horror and ran to a life of prostitution, but after becoming a mother she returned to the home in which the Pastor no longer lived. When the man learned years later that the girl, now an adult, mothers a beautiful daughter, he lustfully drew close to the family to give the girl child a new lesson.

STORY OF SURVIVAL It is a story of survival, prostitution, abuse and religion, heading in the direction of murder, a struggle between the seemingly holy and un-holy.

“We would like persons to come in to see that you should not judge anybody. Don’t ever go out thinking that you can judge especially since you don’t know exactly what it is they are going through and the same time that sometimes we church people could sometimes be the worst persons (and) the persons who could damage somebody may be right in the church,” Waterman explained.

She said though going to church reflects true holiness in the eyes of some sections of society, those termed ‘unsaved’ should not be judged by churchgoers.

“Just because you may be in church doesn’t mean that you are more holy than the person who is out of church,” Waterman said, adding: “You never know what persons are going through. You never know what is going on, so don’t judge anybody.”

The messages carried in this play are across the board targeting younger girls, women, men, church goers and the non-Christian, she said.

She just loves the stage, but...

By Telesha Ramnarine

She said the production work in Guyana is very difficult.

“The expenses are exorbitant. Guyana is starved for enterFOR Carollene Leza Singh, pursuing the arts in Guyana tainment. We are more foreign-minded than anything else. in the form of acting is her primary passion. Nevertheless, The foreign artistes come in and we flock them and when our she has taken a step back in the field, and has chosen to local artistes are there we don’t show them any appreciation.” concentrate her efforts elsewhere in the working world.

Nevertheless, Leza believes that one can achieve great Now in the marketing field, Leza, well-known on the stage things with hard work. “Work for what you want. Nobody else as ‘Radica from Parika Backdam’, has even thought of getting will give it to you. I believe if you want something, go after into film school overseas despite the high tuition fees. “But it. There’s nothing like a free lunch; there is always strings what will I come back to Guyana and do with a degree,” she attached to something. That’s deep. It’s true though.” ponders.

Leza is of the view that a good comedian would have ex Over the years, Leza, 28, has not been the only cellent timing and would need to know just how to put over one to complain of how local artistes are treated by their his/her jokes. He/she also has to be spontaneous and know fellow Guyanese. One of the main problems has to do with how to make adjustments on stage, especially with stand-up the amount of time and energy invested into acting by these comedy. individuals who are not, in turn, satisfactorily compensated.

“At times you write something and expect people to laugh and then they don’t and then you have to quickly adjust. I DOESN’T PAY think very quickly. When I am on stage, I don’t think too “Acting doesn’t pay. It’s not feasible. You have to live and much. It just comes. It comes naturally. It’s probably a gift,” you have to make a sacrifice,” she said in the context of her not she said. pursuing her primary passion and focusing Furthermore, she likes to on a different job. keep it “fresh” on each occaTo her, local artistes are not taken serision that she performs so that ously. her audience will never hear To compound the problem, Leza said the one of her jokes repeated by stage also has a lot of politics and backbiting. her.

“But I believe that if theatre is to work in Known especially for using Guyana, we have to come together. We all an Indian Creole accent, Leza complain about the same things and yet we is proud of the fact that she is turn around and do the exact thing to each the only Indian female in Guyother.” ana at this point who performs Leza is pleased when people show apprestand-up comedy. Aside from ciation for the work of local entertainers bethis, her work can be seen in cause she said the acting fraternity at present the popular ‘Nothing to Laugh is quite difficult to endure. “Obviously you About’ and ‘Uncensored.’ are not paid enough for what you do because Radika attended Greenwhen you calculate the time it takes to go to wich Park Primary School rehearsals; you have to turn up for rehearsals and after writing Common practically every day for acting. If you calEntrance, went to St Rose’s culate your transportation, food for dinner, High where she also completand then the amount of money you get, it ed sixth form. She pressed on doesn’t work out. But we do it because we to the University of Guyana love the arts and we love to do it. So that’s where she obtained a degree the only reason I’m in it; for the love of it,” in economics.

Leza related.

She worked for relatively Radika on stage!

Carollene Leza Singh short periods at the Ministries of Finance and Home Affairs before auditioning for Mori J’ Von Comedy Jam which she credits with bringing her out into theatre.

Leza doesn’t know why people appreciate her humour.

“I think people just like stupidness. I try to be realistic with my comedy and most of my jokes come from what actually happens and I don’t even think people know that. They think I’m just talking stupidness on stage. Most of my jokes are true. It might be slightly exaggerated but most are true. Its things people tell me or things I would have experienced growing up.”

Leza would definitely pursue acting in full should the concerns of local artistes be addressed.

She is all set for ‘Uncensored’ which will be on at the National Cultural Center on December 26 and 27.