Pepperpot 01 06 14

A Nitrageet dancer at the CDB Cultural Evening

Page XVIII

Page XXV

Centre

II

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

Angel of Mercy A Story of Hate, Faith and Love

“DOCTOR,” a voice called softly.

Dr. Salima looked up from the patient’s chart she was reading at the young woman lying on the hospital bed. She grimaced a little in pain but the joy and expectations of motherhood glowed on her face, lighting a spark in her eyes.

She had given birth to triplets early that morning, two girls and a boy.

“How am I doing?”

“You’re doing great Kavita,” Dr. Salima answered her.

“Your daughters and son will have a healthy, strong mother to take care of them.”

“Thank you doctor.” She reached out and held Salima’s hand, “Your hands are blessed, I’ll pray for you so that your life will always be filled with God’s rich blessings.”

Dr. Salima smiled wryly and touched her patient’s hand lightly, thankful no complications arose during the delivery of the babies. She had spent almost half of the night with Kavita during the labour pains, talking to her comfortingly, wiping sweat from her brows because the unbearable pain had sent a fear in the new mother’s heart, sending her pressure high. As a gynecologist, Dr. Salima worked with pure dedication, bravely and untiringly, her expertise solving the many challenges in an expectant mother’s life as she helps her to bring forth a new life into the world.

She was still in her office that night, looking through medical reports when there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

It was her friend from medical school, Dr. Laurel Simmons, a paediatrician attached to the same hospital.

“What do I owe this pleasure, Dr. Simmons?” Salima asked, a tease in her voice.

“I haven’t seen you in a while doctor,” Lauren answered.

“I’ve been very busy at work and with visitors at home from the Middle East.”

“Oh no,” Laurel exclaimed with some measure of fear, “They’ll find a groom for you then I’ll never see you again!”

“Relax Laurel, I’m not marrying anyone, they’re my father’s colleagues.”

“Oh thank goodness,” she sighed in relief, “This hospital couldn’t afford to lose a good doctor like you and I don’t want to lose my best friend to some place in the Sahara Desert.”

Salima laughed and shook her head, always amused by Laurel’s humour.

“So I have to stay here for life?”

“Something like that, given you have become like an angel of mercy in this hospital.”

“I love what I do and I always strive to do the best,” Salima said in her usual modest manner.

“Who knows that better than I do,” Laurel said, sitting down and handing her colleague a report.

“There’s new medicine for Crohn’s Disease in children and I need your expert advice before I make recommendations to the administrator.”

They spoke for a long while on the topic and when Dr. Simmons left her colleague’s office, she felt more confident the new medicine could be more effective for the Crohn’s Disease patients.

Salima reached home late and, closing her bedroom door behind her, she took off her hijab, a symbol of her deep religious beliefs. She had a long refreshing bath and fell asleep almost as soon as her head touched the pillow, a strand of dark hair falling softly over her face.

For Salima, every day began with God and ended with God, never mind she sometimes missed morning prayers. The visitors, religious learned men she had some interesting conversations with, her mind always thirsty for new knowledge. They were impressed with her high level of intelligence and they said to her father, “She should marry an Arab.”

“That decision,” her father said, “I would leave to her, because in this South American country, we give our daughters a certain form of independence.”

The men shook their heads, recognizing the vast cultural differences between the societies but were heartened that faith and prayers kept the bond of that religious belief unbroken.

Salima said, ‘Goodbye’ to the guests and left for work.

She was running a little late and as she exited the elevator, she almost collided with a young man walking hurried to get in.

“Sorry,” she apologized.

He looked at her sternly and said in a haughty voice, “Watch how you’re walking.”

Salima paused to look at him, noticing his official outlook and striking good looks, but she got close to a deadly stare as the elevator’s doors closed.

“Wow.” She muttered to herself, “Talk about a bad mood and manners.”

She did not know that was the first encounter of many she would have with him that would test her patience and challenge her religious belief.

She had two emergencies that day for surgery, two deliveries, one that developed complications and during a short break she had to deal with a report of a delayed supply of medication for the maternity patients. In discussing the issue with the administrator she was told, “The manager of the Pharmaceutical Company is not pleased with the report you sent, Dr Mohammed. He says the lapse did not come from his company.”

“I signed those orders,” she said with certainty, “How could the paperwork go missing?”

“I’ll have this matter investigated while you send through a new order and I think you should have a talk with the company’s manager. This hospital has been doing business with them for decades.”

“Okay,” she consented, “But later. I’m needed in the ward right now.”

It was late in the evening when the pharmaceutical company’s manager came to see her.

“Come in.” Salima answered.

“Dr. Salima Mohammed?”

She looked up and standing in her office was the handsome, ill-mannered young man from the elevator this morning.

“Yes?” He seemed a bit surprised that she was the doctor he had to speak to.

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com “I’m the manager of Jaffarally Pharmaceuticals and I think your report against our company is baseless and has no merit.”

Salima was a little stunned by his bluntness.

“Is that the way you discuss an issue in someone’s office?” she asked in a cordial manner.

“I’m a very busy man, I have a company to run and I don’t have much time for pleasantries.”

“Nowhere in my report did I accuse your company of any lapses.”

“It’s between the lines.” He said, “and I take offense to those strong words because I’m sure this is not my company’s fault.”

“The investigation,” she said firmly, “will determine whose fault it is because women and unborn babies lives depend on those medications.”

“Good, we’ll wait for that report and I’ll come to your office personally for an apology.”

He opened the door and turned back, giving her a hard stare, there was a strange look in his eyes, something deep.

“Why do you wear that?”

“Pardon me?”

He was gone without an answer and Salima shook her head, wondering what was his problem. One week later she was working at night when he stopped by her office.

“Dr. Salima Mohammed, the name has a nice sound to it.”

His face was unsmiling but his tone was not harsh. “Young doctors like you need to be more careful with your reports.”

“Oh.” she said, putting down her pen and sitting back in her chair, “It means the investigation cleared your company.”

He nodded and waited expectantly for her apology, something she didn’t have to do, but the Administrator had asked her to consider apologizing, given the fault was the hospital’s, so the matter could be closed. She stood up and said sincerely, “Mr Jaffarally, my apologies to you and your company.”

For the first time, she saw the hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

“Accepted,” he said, but still stood there, looking at her.

“Is there anything else?”

“Why have you chosen to wear that headwear?”

She looked at him surprised, “Why would you ask me such a question?”

“Just curious.”

She hesitated a little then answered him,“Because of my traditional and religious beliefs.”

“I don’t like it,” he said in his blunt manner.

He left before she could respond and Salima stood looking at the door for a moment, perplexed at his sentiments because he was a Muslim.

On Sunday evening, when she had some time to relax, she asked her father, “Do you know the owner of Jaffarally Pharmaceuticals?”

“Yes, we went on the Haj pilgrimage together, he’s semi-retired.”

“Who manages the company now?”

“His two daughters and son, Rahim.”

“Oh..” she said, “so that’s who he is.”

“Have you met him?” her father asked.

“Briefly, at the hospital.”

Her father sighed deeply, a worried look crossing his face.

“That boy is causing his father a lot of grief. He has become a rebel, turning his back on his religion.”

“What caused that change?” Salima asked.

“That,” her father said, “is a long and sad story.”

TO BE CONTINUED

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

III

By Petamber Persaud

A new forum for poetry ‘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. This newest literary venture is a promising start cognizant that waan waan dutty buil dam.

‘Expressions’, an ambitious venture, was launched at the Theatre Guild, Parade Street, Kingston, on Friday May 16,

Leza Singh

Kimberly Samuels

Nuriyyih Gerrard

Ron Robinson

2014, with a wide ranging display of poetry by some outstanding artistes in the field of literary entertainment.

The producer, Gem Madhoo-Nacimento, declared she was inspired to launch such an event after witnessing the resoundingly successful, ‘See More Poetry’ at the Playhouse to mark the birth centenary of A. J. Seymour. That activity was staged by the National Library on Sunday January 12, 2014. A note from the producer on the printed programme reads hopefully ‘Expressions’ will become a regular feature on the theatre calendar.

There are many reasons why ‘Expressions’ ought to

become a regular feature on the calendar of events of this country. Foremost is the fact that many similar acts, serving their time and purpose, have gone dormant. There is a need to fill those gaps, gap left by the popular ‘Evening of poetry’ staged by the former British High Commissioner to Guyana, Edward Glover, when he was stationed in Guyana; gap left by ‘The Journey’, an evening of literature, staged by National Art Gallery, Castellani House.

There are many good reasons why ‘Expressions’ ought to become a regular feature on the calendar of events of

Please turn to page IX

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

WEAVING WATER

By RYHAAN SHAH

Review by Pat Dial Name of Novel: WEAVING WATER Publisher:

Cutting Edge Press, London, England. 2013 254 pages.

Cover Design:

By National Artist Bernadette Persaud.

Lord Shiva’s Trident in stormy sea.

Author:

Ryhaan Shah.

I

n the last generation, whenever a new publication by a Guyanese writer came out, whether it was fiction, history or even mathematics, it was always widely read and seriously discussed by educated groups.

Today, Guyanese writers and their writings are much more known and recognized abroad than they are in Guyana and this failing is present even in University of Guyana circles.

Last year , Ryhaan Shah published her third novel, Weaving Water, which has an unmistakably Berbice flavour and reminds one that several of the eminent Guyanese writers, such as Edgar Mittelholzer, Wilson Harris, Ian Carew and the Dabydeens, were Berbice-born.

Weaving Water tells the story of the last indentured im-

migrant ship from India, the recruitment process, the long sea-voyage, the harshness of the regimen of work, integration into the society, interaction with African neighbours, being drawn into the world of Guyanese politics of the 20th and 21st centuries, and eventually, as part of the Indian community, being forced into a new cycle of emigration. By far the most important sub-plot of the novel is the enigma of a child born at sea in a terrible storm and whose mother died in childbirth, and who was adopted by the childless couple, Ramdat and Parvati.

The novel begins with the milieu of the 19th century Indian immigration fading away into the 20th century with

the last ship, the S.S. Ganges. There are still the deceit of the immigrants, the hardships of crossing two oceans in a small, slow vessel, still the regimen of semi-slavery with whipping and the logies with their horrible sanitation and lack of privacy.

Superficially, some of the abuses of the 19th century had been removed, but they were still all there in essence in 1917.

The only difference was that the immigrants were immediately integrated into the already settled Indians as part of their jat or community, and this gave them a stronger morale to face the severities of their indentureship and plantation life and work.

The experience of being jahajis, or shipmates, created a bond between the immigrants which transcended all the distinctions of caste, religion, language or province which they knew in the Old Country. This jahaji unity and being integrated into the settled Indian community created a togetherness which was strengthened by the fact that the Indian community was consistently under siege from the Planter Class which wielded economic and administrative power against them, their African neighbours whose leadership barely tolerated them, the Creole and Western Culture which had no tolerance for their culture, and religions and the threat of a Christian missionary onslaught on their Hinduism and Islam.

The novel then goes on to describe the process of building a new society.

The full understanding that money is not to be merely consumed but must also be used to generate new wealth; the cultivation and growth of the spirit of entrepreneurship and with it the taking of risks and resultant economic betterment; the building of new homes and the acquiring of other material comforts such as furniture.

Family life was stressed and marriage and the bringing up of children was a norm which all observed. And religious rites and duties were maintained. In addition to celebrating marriages and festivals, the villagers entertained themselves by games of dominoes and rather club-like gatherings in their bottom-houses. This type of village was typical among the Indian immigrants and their descendants and was reminiscent of the pre-Industrial Revolution village life which George Elliot describes in her novels.

The Indian village had regular contact with the neighbouring African village and socialized in such things as dominoes tournaments. The African villagers carried a life-style which was different from their Indian neighbours but despite differences, there were good relations and many friendships.

Into this quietude and peacefulness of village life, politics suddenly intruded.

The villagers first heard of Independence and rejoiced at its advent. The Cold War – the global conflict between the Western Powers and the Soviet Union – quickly came to be projected into Guyanese politics and one of the main weapons of the Western side was to stimulate racism and racial conflict in Guyanese politics. Politics soon deteriorated into racial conflict between Africans and Indians.

The economy of the country collapsed, Law and Order broke down and the standard of living quickly fell to the lowest in Western Hemisphere. Violent criminals who robbed and killed and maimed roamed everywhere and Indians felt they had no protection from the Police or Army. Pushed by real fear for their lives, they fled in thousands to Suriname, the West Indian islands, Venezuela, Canada and the USA and anywhere else they could.

Both Africans and Indians saw that the politicians they

Rhyaan Shah

supported, trusted and believed to be saviours had their own agendas and were using them as stepping stones to achieve their own ends.

But the chaos had already enveloped them all when they grasped the Reality.

Within this picture of abject despair, there was a faint glimmer of hope that Guyana would once again emerge a happier place and that the diaspora would create something of Guyana wherever they were and that contact would be maintained with their homeland.

In all of this, there is a strong storyline enrichened by a tapestry of inter-personal relationships, suspense, drama, pathos and the enigma of Neela manifesting the feminine aspect of the Divine, qualities which make the book more than a social-historical novel.

The enigma of Neela is a thread running through the whole narrative. The author offers a puzzle challenging readers to resolve it, providing just a few clues.

No one knows who Neela’s father was and her mother, Taijnie, was a very young girl who isolated herself and never spoke with other immigrants. She was regarded by most immigrants as a pariah and a person of loose morals, despite being a child. Her offspring, when she died

Please see page V

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

From page IV in childbirth, was completely different from her.

The child, Neela, was very fair with red- brown hair and remarkably beautiful.

Parvati and Ramdat, a childless couple, adopted her, but the other immigrants shunned the child and thought that there was something unnatural or supernatural about her.

At the time she was about to be born, there was a terrible storm which was on the verge of sinking the ship.

When she entered the world, however, the waters were stilled, the storm subsided and the ship was safe.

Growing up as part of Ramdat and Parvati’s family, though they loved the child, she never really belonged to them or the community. She was somewhat like Heathcliff in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.

Neela, from her earliest years, acted in strange contradictory ways and as she became older these characteristics became more marked. As a small girl, she was an ornament to the mandir with her beautiful singing of the bhajans and her uncanny knowledge of the Gita and other scriptures.

Yet she was also known to go to the canal in the dead of night and disappear there for hours leading to the belief that she was a water-mamma, an evil mermaid, and there were many other examples of her strange, unexplainable and contradictory behavior.

It was Billa Kotiah, the very intelligent, able and balanced Madrasi, who knew the secret and the explanation of the enigma of Neela.

He was a full and complete devotee of Mariemmen who was known as Kali/Durga in north India, and generally as Devi. It was his absolute belief in Mariemmen/ Kali/Durga or Devi which allowed him to perceive that Neela was Devi incarnate at the time of her birth. And he could accordingly recognize the unity and coherence in all her seemingly disparate and incongruous subsequent actions and activities. He also had the awareness that others would be puzzled by her actions and that it would have to await the unfolding of time for others to grasp how coherent, positive and right was the final resolution of each of her actions and activities.

One of the most striking examples of Neela’s puzzling actions was when she very violently and harshly broke up the marriage arrangements between herself and the son of the Maraj family. She did this when the Marajes and the bridegroom-to-be were guests of her family. She assumed the terrible form of Kali and terrorized the Marajes and their son. This debacle caused the Marajes great embarrassment, hurt and distress and utter despair to her family.

When the Marajes left, Neela returned to her normal gentle self and remarked to Parvati: “You knew Ma. You always knew. I had to save him.”

She obviously meant that if she had married the Marajes’ son, it would have been the persona of Taijnie, the badwoman who would have been the bride and would have brought even greater disaster, distress and despair to both the Marajes and Parvati and Ramdat.

When she took on the persona of Taijnie and became the night-club performer with all its degradation, horrors and suffering, Taijnie’s Being was paying her Karmic retribution, being cleansed and moving nearer to God. Billa was the only one from the village who knew of Neela-Taijnie’s degradation and suffering and on witnessing it, in a fit of disgust, “He turned away and even laughed at her.” On reflection, he realized that it was indeed Devi working out Taijnie’s karma, but when he went back to the club twice to ask her forgiveness, he understood she had gone forever, very likely having

satisfied Taijnie’s retribution.

It was Billa who saw Devi dousing the flames of the burning capital city during the racial disturbances: “He saw that the goddess was once again the girl they had always known, the sweet-faced girl Neela and that her hair flowed and curled and swirled among the waters of the sea and that her voice was gentle and soft, was the sweet rushing sound of a sea-breeze that ran high above the roar of the storm, and as he watched, he saw the wave grow even bigger, even taller, as it readied itself to storm over the wall.”

When Neela left Parvati and Ramdat’s home, she knew the sorrow it would cause them She finally ended those sorrows and suffering by visiting the home after many years when Parvati and Ramdat had paid their retribution for less than sincerely befriending Taijnie and secretly rejoicing in their hearts at her death.

During her visit, “they talked and laughed easily with her as if all the years which had passed had never been … whatever it was she had said to them, it made them smile, even laugh. Krish had never seen Aunt Parvati laugh like that in all the years he had known her, had seen her face lit up like a moon . . ...Uncle Ramdat and Aunt Parvati had smiled and smiled into the night, as if it was enough that she had returned, even to say goodbye again.”.

And when Sampson was in the process of leading a massive racial attack on Coverton, the Indian village,

she became Sampson’s longlost Mammie and led him to the Canal where he disappeared forever, thus saving the village from attack and bringing retribution for Billa’s murder.

But probably the most memorable action of Mariemmen/Kali/Durga, the Devi in the body of Neela, did in protecting the Indians’ religious and cultural life was her quiet and unnoticed influence on Rev Davies, the devoted and able Canadian Presbyterian missionary who had come to Coverton to convert the Muslims and Hindus to Christianity. Imperceptibly, over the years, the missionary’s belief in the Bible and its miracles faded away and “When Krish came to mention Neela, the Devi who used to walk among them, after a long silence, the Reverend said “She is the only thing I believe in.” The Christian missionary had become a devotee of the Devi!

And when Krish, whose mind and spirit were worn down by the troubles and disappointments of life and politics, had lost faith in his religion, it was Rev Davies who led him back to his Hinduism and after his conversation with the Reverend, “he let out a deep sigh and let go of his doubts and uncertainties, let go of them in the afternoon’s silence”.

Neela, as the Devi, was never attached to anyone or anything. She seemed to be different personalities at the same time – gentle and harsh, destructive and protective – but whatever she did, always eventually

resulted in a positive and correct conclusion and Billa clearly perceived the unity and consistency in all her actions. He therefore saw the answer of what others saw as an enigma.

The author, without being confrontational or abrasive, quietly asserts the important role of women in Society and the fact that men and women are inter-dependent and that Society works better if patriarchal male dominance is eschewed. She neutralizes the myth of the deceitful and innately weak, wicked and evil woman-kind which largely derives from the story of Eve who was responsible for misleading Adam and bringing death and sorrows into the world.

This myth, with its multifarious variations, led to the cruel oppression of women over the centuries. In the

V persona of the Devi, the author asserts the divinity of the female as much as of the male. This feminist strand is a refreshing undercurrent running through the novel.

With its historicity, its account of the building of a new Society, its description of Indian village life, its explication of the subtle strength of yajna deriving from the rural Hinduism of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as distinct from philosophic Vedanta, its capture of the feeling of despairing for the safety of life which forced many Indians to leave Guyana, its quiet but strong feminist assertion, with its interesting storyline with its suspense, drama and pathos, the novel provides an enjoyable read. It is a notable addition to the corpus of Guyanese literature.

VI

The only hinge-joint in the body

T

HE New England Journal of Medicine just recently reported that one of the questions of the Final General Examination for medical interns culminating their programme to graduate as doctors of medicine, was: “Name a hinge-joint in the body.” Only eight percent of the students got the correct answer. Actually, there is only one hinge-joint in the human body.

The mandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the upper jawbone. It functions though five pairs of muscles attached to the facial bones. The structures (bones, muscles, ligaments, and discs) that make it possible to open and close the mouth are very specialized and are required to work together to enable you to chew, speak, and swallow. The muscle pairs must work in proper balance so that stresses on both sides of the jaw are distributed as equally as possible.

The TMJ is considered very complex because it is capable of making many different types of movements, including combinations of hinge and gliding actions. The juncture where the two joints are connected has a disc that acts as a shock absorber to biting and chewing forces. Any problem that prevents this complex system of structures from working together properly may result in cycles of pain, spasm (cramp), muscle tenderness, and damage to the tissue and joint. This is known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Most researchers agree that temporomandibular disorders are grouped into three main categories, as follows. It is possible for a person to have one or more of these conditions at the same time.

Myofascial pain is the most common form of TMD. It involves pain in the muscles that control the jaw function, the neck, and the shoulder.

Internal derangement of the joint means a dislocated jaw, a displaced disc, or injury to the condyle.

Degenerative joint disease includes osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.

Symptoms that TMD sufferers have include: - An ache in the area of the ear extending to the back of the head, into the neck and shoulders.

- Hearing a clicking or popping sound on opening and closing the mouth.

- Pain brought on by yawning, opening the mouth widely, or chewing.

- Difficultly in opening the mouth and chewing (limited movement) - Headaches that can mimic migraines, ear aches, dizziness, and neck aches.

- Jaw that ‘get stuck,’ lock, or ‘go out’.

- Tenderness of jaw muscles - A sudden change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

A combination of one or all of these symptoms can also be present for other problems.

There are no exact causes and symptoms of TMD, so diagnosis can be difficult. After guidelines have been established it will be easier for health professionals to identify TMD correctly and make proper treatment choices for patients. It is important for your dentist to get a complete health/ dental history in order to be able to make a diagnosis. Regular dental X-rays and TMJ X rays are not useful in diagnosing this disorder. Diagnostic techniques that include CT scans, MRI scans are usually needed unless the health professional strongly suspects arthritis or the pain and symptoms do not improve with treatment.

Some clear cut causes of TMD are arthritis, trauma or severe stress. Unfortunately, TMD is usually a combination of factors, and not easily diagnosed. It is common for the disc in the temporomandibular joint to slip forward and click, pop, or even get stuck for a moment. In the absence of pain in the jaw this is a minor problem that does not require any treatment. Stress often results in clenching or grinding the teeth which may be a factor that starts the cycle of muscle pain and spasms. Many researchers feel behavioral and physical factors all contribute to TD. It is important to note that at this time we do not know the exact causes of this disorder.

Conservative (reversible) treatments include counselling or biofeedback training to reduce emotional stress; muscle massage, relaxants, or tension monitors to aid in breaking the spasm-the-spasm cycle; short-term soft diets to give the jaw movements eg. (yawning, gum chewing); physical therapy that focuses on gentle muscle relaxing exercises; and short-term use of anti-flammatory and muscle relaxing drugs.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

Skin Deep I

have been dating a woman for seven years and living with her for three.

Reasonably enough, she now wants me either to marry and have a child with her or set her free.

She is gorgeous and I find her even more beautiful and desirable than the day we met. She loves me. She is loyal. She comforts me when I am sad. We hardly ever fight.

But we have always had a disconnect in our libidos. I want sex far more than she does, and I am frustrated at this lack. She has again promised to try better, but her past attempts always petered out after a month or so, as is understandable. It's hard to have sex if you don't want it.

Though I mostly enjoy her conversation, I do not find it thrilling; it is her beauty that thrills me. When I am away for a week or two for work, our daily phone calls often feel like chores.

Despite the relationship's flaws, I have been happier these seven years than ever before.

Should I trust that happiness? I had doubts from the start but always pushed past them, been happy and made her happy, too. No relationship is perfect. Yet marriage and parenthood frighten me, though I also fear losing her and being alone.

I suffered violence from loved ones as a child, and it made me avoid relationships. I am almost 44, but this relationship is my first serious one. Before her, I always found excuses to push good women away. I fear I am doing the same now.

If she knew what I was feeling, if she read this letter, she would not marry me. She wants to be fully loved and she deserves it. Perhaps my answer lies there. But I have seen friends marry full of passion and certainty, only to have the marriage fall apart.

PAUL

Paul, too much is wrong with your letter. You want a woman who is beautiful and there for you sexually. But you don't enjoy talking to her when you are away. When her beauty goes, what will you be left with?

Nothing in your letter tells us you are in love with her. You are in love with her looks, or more likely, you are aroused by her looks, and that truly is your connection to her. What frustrates you is that this beautiful body won't let you have sex with it whenever you want.

We are not surprised she doesn't want intimacy more often. You don't love her. How could she not sense that? Are you such a great actor she doesn't feel that? You know if she has a child you will get less of what you already feel you aren't getting enough of. You know that beautiful body will be changed by childbirth.

You are with her but not with her. There is no sense of growing old together in your letter. There is no sense she completes you, no sense you can't bear to be away from her.

Yet you would rather not make a decision. You would rather keep this model awhile, then go out and get a prettier one. She is the one who needs to make a decision now, before she gets any older.

It may be you need to work on you in order to have a chance to have that connection with someone. But not being able to have that connection with her doesn't mean you have a right to deprive her of that connection with someone else.

Be kind to her. Let her hear the sentence in your letter you do not want her to hear, so she can be free.

WAYNE & TAMARA

Gut Reaction

Dear Wayne & Tamara, these are tough words, but I needed to hear them. I am grateful for your time and wisdom. Sincerely,

PAUL

Send letters to: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com , or Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield MO 65801.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

Rape on Christmas Day, 1973 Jury convicts – Appellate Court alleged rapist frees him

F

IFTEEN-year old girl, V.S., who was allegedly stripped naked and raped by Kowshall Persaud in 1973, had her attacker convicted by an Assize jury.

But on appeal, the Guyana Court of Appeal found that the trial judge omitted to tell the jury to look for corroboration, in accordance with the evidence.

For this error, the conviction and sentence were set aside and the accused was freed.

The Appellate Court was constituted by Chancellor, E. V. Luckhoo and Justices of Appeal Guya P e r s a u d a n d J . O . F. Haynes.

The facts of the case disclosed that V.S. aged 15, explained that on Christmas Day, 1973, she was violently sexually assaulted on a beach on the Essequibo Coast.

And in the course of the ensuing struggle , she bit his lips and scratched his neck as he stripped her naked and threaten to murder her should she shout.

According to the judgment of the Appellate Court, intercourse was, however, disturbed by the voices of men approaching and V.S. thus managed to escape.

She was later assisted by a man who gave her a shirt and by a woman who gave her a half slip to wear.

On 30th December , the appellant was contacted at home.

There the police questioned him and took him to a doctor who issued a medical certificate after examining him and showing there were partially healed abrasions to the neck and on both upper and lower lips.

The certificate said the abrasions were consistent with finger-nail scratches and human bites.

The appellant explained that he and the complainant were friendly before Christmas Day and that she had agreed to have

sexual intercourse with him on the beach where they both stripped and were in the act when voices were heard.

He became afraid, picked up his clothing and ran off.

At the assizes , the appellant was charged with and convicted of the offence of having carnal knowledge of V. S. without her consent , and the jury were directed that in this case, corroboration of the complainant’s story did not matter because the appellant had supplied the necessary corroborative evidence by admitting sexual intercourse with the complainant, and that the only question for them to consider was whether there was consent to the intercourse.

If, however, V.S. had already agreed to intercourse but changed her mind, told him so, and he persisted with the act , then that was rape.

However, the trial judge did not warn them , as he ought to have done, of the danger of accepting the uncorroborated testimony of the complainant as to consent , but left the matter simply for them to determine whether they believed her that she did not consent. On appeal, It was held: (1) (per Chancellor E. V. Luckhoo) In the circumstances of this case, where the jury was being invited specifically to consider whether V.S. might have consented originally and then changed her mind , the further question should have been specifically put, viz, whether the accused might not have honestly considered that the original consent still subsisted. An omission to do so would be a very serious misdirection.

(2) (per Persaud and Haynes) The trial judge fell into very grave error .

The question of corroboration still mattered importantly.

The jury should have been warned that in the eye of the common law, it was considered

VII

dangerous to convict on the uncorroborated evidence of V.S. that she did not consent, but they ought not to accept and act upon such evidence , but that if after paying full attention to the warning they were satisfied of the truth of her evidence of the absence of consent, then they may legally convict.

(3) (per Haynes J.A.) From the directions as worded, the jury were left, or By George Barclay might have been left, with understanding that, as the appellant had admitted intercourse, there was no danger or risk in convicting on her evidence alone that she did not consent ; that they could approach that aspect merely as a question of V.S. belief of or the accused without observing the necessary rule of prudence or without approaching the evidence with the special caution the common law demanded , and that there was no real need to look for corroboration of the material facts bearing on the absence of consent before accepting the evidence of V. S. (4) (per Haynes J.A.) The judge dd not invite the jury to consider whether the injures to the appellant’s lips and neck which, according to medical report , could have been caused by a woman’s bite or scratch, could indeed have amounted to corroboration when such evidence was so capable; also to find whether the appellant’s false explanation of his injuries to the police was capable of amounting to corroboration of the complainant’s testimony.

(5) per Curiam) The appeal must be allowed because the independent evidence before the jury was not so strong or so cogent or so convincing or so overwhelming as to satisfy one that , if an impeccable direction had been given, a reasonable jury would inevitably have reached the same conclusion.

Appeal allowed. ConvIction and sentence set aside.

The Court of Appeal referred to 28 cases in support of its judgment.

Senor counsel Mr.Doodnauth Singh represented the appellant.

W.G. Persaud, Assistant DPP (ag.) for the State.

VIII

HARD EARS PICKNEY K

by Neil Primus

EN was hard-ears, troublesome and always in some sort of trouble. If it was not fighting it was gambling, pelting or cussing someone. Ms. Niles scolded, beat and deprived the boy of food but these actions did not bring the desired results.

Ken was an orphan. His mother and father had both died of AIDS when he was just four years old. The only person who offered to raise him was his maternal grandmother, old Ms. Niles. By the time he was eight, he began to behave in ways that caused him to be regularly and severely punished.

One day his Common Entrance teacher beat him for not producing his homework. That afternoon both the teacher’s bicycle tyres were slashed.

At home, it was the same thing. He fought with his cousins and would not back down even with the threat of a licking. That Saturday the children were playing indoors. They were instructed not to make noise because their grandmother was making her delicious black pudding. If they were noisy, the runners would burst and the specially seasoned rice they held would pour out into the pot. This would mean plenty of buss rice for sale.

Ken tried to abide with the rule and when he could contain himself no longer, he began to horse around in his usual boisterous wa.

“Ken!!”

Trouble hung in the air for the boy.

“Come here boy! Yu buss me Black Pudding!”

Ken knew the tone well. He was also quite aware of what lay at the other end of the tone. It would be either a broad leather belt or an old sewing machine cord. He intended to avoid them both.

“Ken!!”

The frightened boy fled in the opposite direction. For the next hour, he hung around the front yard. He kept a sharp eye out for his big cousin in case she tried to capture him. In the meantime, cars, motor cycles, cycles, people on foot and even donkey carts came to get the famous black pudding. This was a normal Saturday afternoon activity at his home. By the time the last customer departed it was dark.

“Ken!!”

He got ready to run.

“Boy like yu trying me faith!”

Silence.

Ken walked over to the coconut tree at the side of the yard and braced against it. He knew from experience that running had caused his punishment to multiply. He sighed and rested against the trunk of the tall tree.

His eyes swept the dark yard. There under the large cala-

bash tree at the back was a dark form.

Grrrrrrrr!

A low menacing growl was coming from the crouched figure. It was a dog. Fun for him. He stooped and scooped up a brick. Quick as a flash he hurled it at the stray. To his dismay the animal did not flinch. It stopped crouching and raised itself

up to its full height, on four feet. The dog was a monster. The biggest dog he had ever pelted. It was big enough for Ken to take a ride on.

Grrrrrrr!

The dark form moved slowly towards him. All fear of licks instantly evaporated and was replaced by blind panic.

“Granny! O Gad! Granny!”

Ken made it to the door and into the house in record time.

Even though it was a very short distance the boy was out of breath. His eyes were wide with fear and tears streamed down his cheeks. Granny came hustling into the living room.

‘Wat happen to yu?”

When she saw the state he was in and heard his story

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

through plenty of stammering and confusing words, she nodded in understanding. All thoughts of handing him a good cut-tail was shelved “Is not a dog ken is a spirit.’

That made matters worse. He refused to sleep in his room that night.

The next morning arrived with an overabundance of sunshine. Ken’s old self returned. He felt invincible and fearless.

What shameful behavior the night before. He went round to all his friends and the entire gang assembled at his home that evening. He proceeded to tell them why he had called them.

The looks they threw each other should have served as an early warning of things to come. Ken missed this vital detail.

Ken produced an arsenal of weapons for his troop. One old rusty cutlass without handle, two bricks, two pieces of sticks, one half rotten and the other very heavy. An old beat-up pointer broom, and a large milk can. Armed to the teeth they waited in hiding for the beast to return. War was about to break loose.

Like the previous night, the dark form appeared out of nowhere and crouched beneath the calabash tree. The boys looked at it and many hearts shuddered. Nobody wanted to be the first to chicken out, so they stayed. At a signal from Ken they made an orderly advance. They were going to beat it to death.

GRRRRRRR!!

GRRRRRRR!!

The menace in the deep growls sent cold shivers around the entire group. They stopped their steady advance. They waited in silent fear for someone to take the lead. There was no willing volunteer. Then things shifted into high gear. The animal suddenly took the initiative. With flashing teeth it began a slow, deadly advance.

As the spirit moved towards them, the gang retreated slowly. Ken made sure that there were always a few bodies between him and the Jumbie. At least they would keep it entertained while he made a dash for it. If there were no bodies between them he would make sure there were by helping the process. Survival was key.

Shuffle!

Retreat!

Sweat and fear, trembling hands and round eyes moved as if controlled by a puppet master.

“Ken! Get yo backside in hey!”

Ms. Nile’s voice was so loud that it made the army in retreat jump and look around in confusion. This was a cue for the dark advancer. With a vicious snarl it charged them biting and scratching.

Well I am sure you never see boys so eager to go inside; all at the same time. With screams, howls and bawls they threw themselves at Ken’s front door. Ms. Niles sat in her old rocker knitting. As usual, Ken was fooling around outside. Enough!

“Ken get yo backside in hey!”

There was some sort of commotion in the yard and then the front door burst open and nine terrified boys tumbled and sprawled their way onto the living room floor. Ms. Niles sat looking at them her mouth ajar.

“J..J…Jumbie bite me!”

“Jumbie dag run we!”

“Granny de dag come back!”

Ms. Niles sighed. She would have to seek some advice from Pundit. Maybe some work was imminent.

That night parents had to come to collect their sons.

Questions were many, but poor granny could not explain the many tear up pants seats, or the scratches and small bite marks many of the avengers took home with them.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

IX

A new forum for poetry From page III

this country. Foremost is the fact that the Upscale Open Mike Poetry is still going strong a decade and counting. And the annual staging of World Poetry Day by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has taken hold of the Guyanese literary psyche. All three activities, indirectly or directly, supporting each other could push the frontiers of poetry in Guyana.

It is not without significance that I reproduce the programme showing scope and range of the production. *Mooma Mooma by Victor Questel (Trinidad), production concept - Ken Corsbie.

Performed by Mark Luke-Edwards, Randolph Critchlow & Cast. Drums - Al Creighton *No Sense of identity written and performed by Yaphet Jackman *The Sun Parrots are late again this year written and read by Ian McDonald *Excerpt from ‘Pantomime’ by Derek Walcott, performed by Ron Robinson & Mark Luke –Edwards *When Trouble tek man by Louise Bennett, performed by Nuriyyih Gerrard *Dhaal puri and alloo choka by Rooplal Monar, performed by Leza Singh *Fear no more the heat o’ the sun by William Shakespeare & The lass with the delicate air

by Michael Arne, 1762, Performed by Kimberley Samuels accompanied by James Samuels on the keyboard *Woman I am written by Mariatha Causway (Jennifer Thomas), performed by Mariatha Causway, Sheron Cadogan-Taylor, Kimberley Fernandes, Keisha Sam *Ain’t I a Woman written by Sojourner Truth, performed by Kezra Boyal *Men and Women by David Dabydeen, modified & performed by Petamber Persaud *Motherland written by Mark Luke -Edwards and Yerrodin Bowen, performed by-Mark Luke –Edwards *Revolution and Waves by Ivan Forrester, performed by Robert Forrester *Excerpt from Julius Ceasar by William Shakespeare, performed by Russell Lancaster, Dereck Gomes, Ayanna Waddell, Kimberley Samuels, Nuriyyih Gerrard, Mark Luke-Edwards, Keon Heywood, Robert Forrester & Ron Robinson *Sea shell, until….by Mahadai Das, read by Vanda Radzik *This is the dark time, my love by Martin Carter, production concept by Ken Corsbie,

performed by Mark Luke-Edwards, Nuriyyih Gerrard & chorus. Drums - al Creighton *Ol’ higue by Wordsworth McAndrew, Production concept by al Creighton, performed by National School of Theatre Arts and Drama - Al Creighton (drums) Ayanna Waddell, Nicola Moonsammy, Tashandra Inniss, Tonaisea Robertson, Esther Hamer, Linden Isles, Javel Mayers &Keon Heywood. *I am no Princess written & performed by Salimah Husain *Pen to paper written & performed by Randolph Critchlow *Runaway from my shadow written & performed by Mark Luke Edwards *Dem- a watch mih 2 written & performed by Petamber Persaud *Our World Written & performed by Yaphet Jackman *Name poem by AJ Seymour performed by Lloyd Marshall

*Wuk hand by Paul Keens Douglas performed by Ron Robinson *If only I were… written by Randolph Critchlow & performed by Randolph Critchlow and Nuriyyih Gerrard of Camp Refuge *Excerpt from ‘The Temptest’ by William Shakespeare, performed by Derek Gomes *Thank you by Randolph Critchlow, Mark Luke Edwards & Nuriyyih Gerrard Hats off to all stakeholders. ‘Expressions’ will find a way to stay…..

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening: * Repeat productions of ‘Expressions’ will be held on Wednesday June 11, 2014, at 5 pm and on Sunday June 22, 2014, at 6 pm.

X

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

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

HAVE A BODY TO SPARE? (Guyana Chronicle April 23, 1980)

The Health Ministry has called for public cooperation and support for a proposal to make cadavers (dead bodies) available for medical scientific research.

The Ministry said in a statement issued through the Information Ministry that it is envisaged that bodies would be available through donations.

Such donations could be made through wills by agreement of relatives or through unclaimed bodies.

The support of several organizations is being asked in this venture and the Ministry will be grateful if individuals would express their opinions and ideas on the matter, the statement said.

The statement added that for some time now, the Health Ministry had been seeking ways and means of improving medical research in the Caribbean Region.

It said that an important aspect of preparing medical students for effective service is for medical schools to have cadavers for teaching and demonstrating purposes.

TODDLER DIES AFTER FOUR MONTHS IN COMA AFTER DRINKING WHISKY (Guyana Chronicle April 24, 1980)

A 2-year-old child who drank whisky four months ago died at the Georgetown Hospital Tuesday night without regaining consciousness.

Gavin Smith, of Lamaha Street, Newtown, Kitty, was the first person to be unconscious for four months at the Georgetown Hospital.

Eight years ago a woman who was struck on the head remained in a coma at the Georgetown Hospital for 33days before she died.

Gloria Smith, mother of the toddler, said she was in the kitchen preparing tea for Gavin when she was told that

he was staggering.

“I thought that my three other children were making a joke. When I went to give him his tea I saw that he was asleep,” she said.

Efforts to wake him failed and he had to be rushed to the hospital.

Mrs. Smith said that at the time of the incident some relatives were visiting the home and they were taking some drinks.

When she later enquired from the other children, she was told that Gavin, who had earlier been given some soft drinks from a glass, had taken up a glass containing whiskey which was being used by one of the visitors, and drank it.

The Ministry explained that the use of cadavers in medical schools is absolutely necessary in the learning of anatomy and medical students are required to dissect them In order to become totally familiar with the make-up and functioning of the human body.

“All over the world, people are encouraged to will their bodies after death to medical schools for this purpose, as well as for scientific research.”

“There are too, in many large hospitals, eye banks, heart banks, kidney banks. Here instead of donating the entire body, the person stipulates which organ or organs are to be removed. These banks exist to provide those specific organs when necessary such as after accidents or to replace diseased organs, the Ministry said.

In addition, if Guyanese are to benefit from modern medical scientific research, this is still the most effective way for students to learn so that problems suffered by mankind can be avoided.

THE TALE OF BYNOE AND TROSS (Guyana Chronicle April 20, 1980) Two outstanding Guyanese, Dr. Jacob Bynoe and Mr. Sammy Tross, serving outside of Guyana, have been featured in the April issue of the Commonwealth Current , organ of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Dr.Bynoe is serving in the Bahamas as an educator, while Mr Tross is serving as a financial expert in Zambia.

Commonwealth Current, in the story of the two men, says: Back in the fifties, Jacob Bynoe and Sammy Tross were at the same school in Guyana.

Dr Bynoe was then a young pupil teacher and Mr.Tross his pupil.

More than two decades later they have come together in another organization-this time the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation. (CFTC).

Dr.Bynoe is now a CFTC expert in education in the Bahamas; Mr.Tross a financial expert in Zambia.

Besides acting as Principal of the College of the Bahamas in Nassau, Dr.Bynoe is advising the Bahamian Government on education matters.

Mr.Tross is attached to Zambia’s Dairy Produce Board based in Lusaka.

The Zambian assignment is for Sammy Tross the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition to visit Africa.

“I have always felt involved in Africa,’ he said.

“The whole of the continent is my sentimental home.

But I am still a West Indian. I am still a Guyanese. I have come here not to become African ; I have come here to appreciate Africa, and in my own small way, to help Africa appreciate what Africans have become to the Caribbean.”

FRUITS TOP THEM ALL (Guyana Chronicle April 1, 1980) Fruits topped the list of produce received for the New Amsterdam market from farmers in the Canje River last week.

According to Transport and Harbours Department officials, 4,500 pounds of various fruits were sent from that district along with 5,000 pounds of bananas.

Other produce received from the Canje River were 3,320 bunches of plaintains and 1, 100 pounds of limes.

BEES AID ROBBERY (Guyana Chronicle April 17,1980)

African bees assisted a wanted man to escape from the Police in downtown yesterday when they attacked a policeman and the victim of a robbery.

The victim of the robbery was later treated for bee stings at the Georgetown Hospital.

Zabeeda Ali, 21, of Maha ica East Coast Demerara, was walking along Brickdam in the vicinity of Parliament Buildings when she was attacked by a man who robbed her of some money.

She raised an alarm and a policeman ran to her assistance, but a swarm of bees attacked them and the policeman and Ali had to flee the scene giving her attacker enough time to make good his escape.

SUBHAN DIED FROM CHEMICAL POISONING (Guyana Chronicle April 22, 1980)

Senior Berbice Magistrate Abdullah Subhan died from chemical poisoning after he and his family had eaten a meal of blackeye peas at their Corentyne home eleven days ago.

According to a reliable source, the chemical has been identified as Monscot Rothus which is used for killing beetles which infest and undermine the growth of coconut trees in the country.

BRITAIN ACCEPTS CXC

(Guyana Chronicle May, 1, 1980) The CXC General Proficiency Grades I and II have been accepted as the equivalent to the G.C.E “O” Level Grades A-C by the British Joint Matriculation Board which serves the Universities of Manchester , Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Birmingham.

The British Joint Matriculation Board, which is based in Manchester, will also give individual consideration to applicants wishing a Grade 1 performance at the Basic Proficiency Level to be taken into account.

40 HELD IN “SPEAK EASY” BETTING SHOP RAID (Guyana Chronicle May 3, 1980)

A squad of detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters on Labour Day raided two clandestine bookmakers’ shops in Georgetown and arrested more than 40 punters and those responsible for the operations.

The two shops, one on Regent Street, Lacytown, and the other on Lombard Street, Werk-en-Rust, were raided shortly before noon as betting on horses in the English racing season was in full swing.

Those arrested were placed in a Tata bus and taken to Police headquarters for questioning, but were released after three hours and charges are expected to follow after officials of the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution have had a look at the statements.

The Police have been concerned recently about the “mushrooming” of bookie shops in Georgetown, and recently one man who operated such an establishment was ordered to pay more than $62,000 as part of the licence for operating a betting booth.

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

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

How the UK taught Brazil's dictators interrogation techniques

By Emily Buchanan BBC World Affairs Correspondent AS the world focuses on the World Cup, which opens in Brazil in less than a fortnight, many Brazilians are wrestling with painful discoveries about the military dictatorship that ruled the country from 1964 to 1985. The BBC has found evidence that the UK actively collaborated with the generals - and trained them in sophisticated interrogation techniques.

Brazil's 21-year dictatorship is less well known abroad than that of Argentina or Chile, but it was still brutal. Hundreds died and thousands were imprisoned and tortured.

One of those tortured was a left-wing guerrilla who is now the country's president, Dilma Rousseff. She set up a Truth Commission to unearth long-buried facts about the past.

As former victims and a few military players come forward to give evidence, Britain's secret role has emerged.

By the early 1970s Brazil's rulers were engaged in a bitter

struggle against left-wing guerrillas. Swept up in the oppression were union leaders, students, journalists and almost anyone who voiced opposition.

Alvaro Caldas belonged to a communist group when he was arrested in 1970. He was held inside the military police barracks in Rio for over two years.

He was subjected to severe beatings, electric shocks and the notorious "parrot's perch", which meant being tied to a horizontal pole and hung upside down for hours.

On his release he gave up politics and was working as a sports journalist when, in 1973, he was re-arrested. He was brought back to the same building, but inside it had been completely transformed.

"This time the cell was clean and sterile with a nauseating, sickly smell. The air conditioning was very cold. The light was on permanently so I had no idea whether it was day or night. There were alternating very loud and then very soft sounds‌ I couldn't sleep at all."

XI

Alvaro says his overriding emotion was fear. Periodically he would be hooded and taken out for questioning.

He felt the aim was to destabilise his personality so he would confess to something he had not done. This was not physical torture but instead intense psychological pressure.

"Luckily I was only there a week, if I had been there for two weeks or a month I would have gone mad," he says.

This new kind of interrogation method came to be called the "English System". Evidence from the Truth Commission explains why.

One of the most feared torturers, Col Paulo Malhaes, gave 20 hours of testimony. He arrived in a wheelchair looking frail. He then confessed to killing and mutilating his victims.

He also expressed great admiration for psychological torture which, he felt, was more effective than brute force, especially when it came to turning a left-wing militant into an infiltrator.

"Those prisons with closed doors, you can modify the heat, the light, everything inside the prison, that idea came from England," he said.

He admitted, privately, to the prosecutor, that he himself had gone to England to learn interrogation techPlease turn to page XII

XII

How the UK taught ...

Please turn to page XXII

niques that didn't leave physical marks. The prosecutor, Nadine Borges, revealed her conversation with him.

"The best thing for him was psychological torture. When a person was in a secret place, it was faster to obtain information. He also studied in other places but he said England was the best place to learn."

Malhaes was murdered in a burglary at his home shortly after giving evidence.

Prof Glaucio Soares interviewed more than a dozen of Brazil's top generals back in the 1990s. Several of them told him they sent officers to Germany, France, Panama and the US to learn about interrogation but they praised the UK as having the best method.

"The Americans teach, but the English are the masters in teaching how to wrench confessions under pressure, by torture, in all ways. England is the model of democracy. They give courses for their friends," he was told by Gen Ivan de Souza Mendes - an interview recounted

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

in the book Years of Lead which he co-authored with two other Brazilian academics.

Gen Aoyr Fiuza de Castro said the British recommend interrogating a prisoner when he was naked as it left him anguished and depressed, "a state favourable to the interrogator".

The UK was apparently seen as having effective practices as it had faced a serious insurgency in Malaya up until 1960 and had latterly honed its techniques in Northern Ireland.

The method, using sensory deprivation coupled with high stress, has come to be known as the "Five Techniques". These were: * standing against a wall for hours * hooding * subjection to noise * sleep deprivation * very little food and drink.

Many argue the techniques amounted to torture and they were officially banned by Prime Minister Edward Heath in 1972, after a furore over their use on IRA internees.

Many argue the techniques amounted to torture and they were officially banned by Prime Minister Edward Heath in 1972, after a furore over their use on IRA internees.

But in Brazil, these psychological interrogation methods fulfilled the military's need. The regime's dismal human rights record was beginning to attract adverse publicity around the world and the old physical forms of torture were killing too many victims. A method that would leave no marks and was still effective to extract information from prisoners was exactly what the generals wanted. They could combine these techniques with knowledge gleaned elsewhere.

Apparently, not only did army officers go on courses in the UK, but British agents went to Brazil to teach. A former policeman, Claudio Guerra, says they gave courses inside Rio's military police headquarters in how to follow people, how to tap phones and how to use the new isolation cell. He saw these agents when he came to collect the bodies of those who had been tortured to death by interrogators using the old system of physical pressure.

Photographs showing some of the Brazilians who died and disappeared

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

SIMPLE DINNERS Corn and Sausage Chowder

Directions: 1. In a 4 quart saucepan combine potatoes, broth, and corn.

Bring just to boiling, reduce heat.

2. Cover and simmer about 10 minutes or just until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Using a potato masher, slightly mashe potatoes.

4. Stir in milk, sausage, green onions, and pepper. Heat through. Season to taste with salt and hot pepper sauce.

5. Serve with warm buttered rolls. Makes 4 servings.

Broccoli macaroni and cheese with bacon

Ingredients: 2½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1 cup frozen chopped broccoli 8 ounces processed cheese, cubed 3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled Side salad Directions: 1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. While macaroni is cooking, cook broccoli in a large saucepan according to package directions until crisp-tender. Drain.

2. Add the cheese, cook and stir over medium-low heat until cheese is melted.

3. Drain macaroni, transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the cheese mixture. Sprinkle with bacon.

4. Serve with a crisp side salad. Makes 4 servings.

XIII

INTERESTING WAYS TO USE COFFEE IN THE GARDEN

is stuck. The shampoo will act as a lubricant and will help loosen the jammed zipper.

Adding To Compost – Coffee makes for a wonderful addition to the compost pile or as a soil amendment. Just simple

3. Apply eyelash glue to false lashes with the tip of a clean cotton swab.To avoid a mess when applying eyelash glue to false eyelashes, squeeze some lash glue onto the tip of a cotton swab, and then evenly disperse it along the base of your falsies.

Finally, wait a few seconds for the glue to get tacky, and apply as close to your lash line as possible to make them look natural.

Ingredients: 28 ounce shredded brown potatoes 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth 2 cups frozen whole kernel corn 2 cups milk 12 ounces cooked smoked sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/3 cup sliced green onions ¼ teaspoon black pepper salt hot pepper sauce

mix ground coffee left from coffee pots.

Pest Control – It seems that while the scent of coffee can get us humans out of bed in the morning and put a smile on our faces, it has the opposite effect on some of the creepy crawlies that we wish didn’t inhabit our gardens. Placing some leftover grounds around ant holes and plants that are troubled by slug and snails can work pretty well. Slugs simply do not like crawling over the scratchy surface so a nice, well-maintained ring of grounds around vulnerable plants can be ideal.

Cat Repellent – Cats may not be a pest in the more common sense of the term but most gardeners would agree that neighborhood cats are not all that welcome because of the damage they can cause, the threat to local wildlife and the mess they leave behind. Coffee grounds on the soil can deter them from digging andcan also be used near potentially dangerous plants for the cat’s safety.

Prevent Fungal Disease – On the subject of protecting our plants, it seems that coffee can also be helpful in preventing fungal rots and wilts in some plants because the grounds create their own superior, helpful form of fungus. The science gets a little complicated but the important thing to remember is these particular fungal growths are a gardener’s friend and should be encouraged.

CHANGING WAYS TO USE Q-TIPS 1. Spray the ends of a few cotton swabs with your favorite perfume and put them in a plastic sandwich bag before stashing them in your purse for touch ups throughout the day. Carrying around a bulky perfume bottle in your bag all day is impractical. But popping a few perfume-covered cotton swabs in a plastic bag (which will lock in the scents for several hours) is totally doable. That way, when you want to freshen up your fragrance midday, you just whip one out and run the scent-covered end over your pulse points (on the inside your wrists and elbows, the sides of your neck, and behind your ears and knees).

2. Fix a stuck zipper by rubbing shampoo on the area with a cotton swab.Dip one end of the cotton swab in a little bit of shampoo, and rub the end along the area of the zipper that

4. Coat the ends of a few cotton swabs in your favorite eye shadow shades, and then put them in a plastic sandwich bag when traveling to save packing space.If you're going on a quick weekend trip and don't have a lot of space in your carry-on, roll the ends of some cotton swabs in a few different eye shadow shades, covering them liberally with product. Then, use the cotton swab as mini eye shadow brushes with built-in color to apply your eye makeup on your travels.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

Salman Khan in Shuddhi

Karan Johar’s Shuddhi has been in the news ever since Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan were finalized for the lead roles. But Hrithik backed out of the film due to health issues. Later, Kareena was allegedly dropped too. Then buzz was that Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh would be a part of the film.

Eventually, the news of these two also leaving the film for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s BajiraoMastani came out. But Karan never confirmed the news. Now the latest buzz is that Karan Johar met Salman Khan for a narration of his film and a close source revealed that Salman loved the story and the dates and monies are being sorted out. It’s been really long since the audience has seen Karan and Salman come together for a film.

Newly wed Rani Mukerji back to work, shoots for Mardaani Rani Mukerji, who had a fairytale wedding with YRF head Aditya Chopra in Italy, is back to work. The actor resumed shooting for Pradeep Sarkar's Mardaani in which she is playing a cop. Her character in the film is reportedly based on a real-life lady police officer from Mumbai crime branch, who solved several child trafficking cases in the city.

She also met two lady officers from the crime branch for preparing for her role. The film's story revolves around a teenage girl who is kidnapped and smuggled out of the city. Rani's character goes on a hunt for the girl.

On their return from Italy, Rani and Aditya hosted a reception for their friends and members from the film fraternity at their Mumbai residence on May 4. The bash was attended by some of the biggest names in the industry, like Karan Johar, and Vaibhavi Merchant.

Raveena Tandon to judge on Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega Actress RaveenaTandon is set to replace Farah Khan as a judge on reality show Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega as the filmmaker is busy with her next movie Happy New Year. The show is currently judged

by Anu Malik and Farah Khan. Now the channel has got Raveena Tandon on board for the show.

It had initially roped in actress Archana Puran Singh who has shot a few episodes.

"Farah is unable to give sufficient time for the shoot of this show as she is busy with her film Happy New Year," a press release issued by the channel said. However, it is not clear if Raveena will be judging the show on a regular basis. The episodes featuring her are likely to be on air from the third week of June.

The show gives participants a chance to show their best skills to judges in one minute.

It is aired every Monday to Thursday on Sony Entertainment Television

Mallika Sherawat at Oxford University for gender debate From Haryana to Hollywood and now Oxford University. Yes, actress Mallika Sherawat is at the prestigious university not to shoot or pos, but to speak at a debate on gender issue. "At the historic Oxford University, what a journey, Haryana to Oxford", the Hiss actress tweeted about her presence at the university.

She was invited to the debate titled 'This House Believes Gender Exists to Oppress' at Oxford Union in February this year.

Well, for an actress who called India "a very regressive and depressing nation where the state of women is concerned", at Cannes Film Festival last year, it is no surprise that she has been asked by a foreign university to engage in gender discourse.

What is A.R. Rahman’s toughest project to date

The Oscar winning music composer shared his experiences of scoring for Rajinikanth’s magnum opus Kochadaiiyaan If you are listening to an A.R. Rahman song, the chances are that you will find something new and intriguing every time you listen to it. The musical genius known for his complex yet unique compositions has never shied away from experimenting with his music.

“Kochadaiiyaan was one of the toughest movies to score and mix for, due to the responsibility and role music had in the narrative. Kudos to my whole team for coming through. We had to move forward on many sensibilities and step back for some others. We consciously stayed away from conventional massy numbers. With confidence in the script, we tried to stay true to dance numbers that were intrinsic to the setting of the movie and heighten the emotion,” stated the internationally acclaimed composer.

With pushing even the maestro of music to his limits, Kochadaiiyaan has turned out to be a cinematic spectacle setting new standards in Indian animation industry, thanks to the painstaking efforts of cast and crew.

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Camera flashes make people think I bleach … Yvonne Nelson expresses frustration

Top Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, is one make-believe star that is not without controversy. Recall that some months ago she was rumoured to have an affair with Nigerian singer and debut winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa, IyanyaMbuk.

Even though she earlier denied having any romantic affair with Iyanya, despite pictures showing the two of them together at a beach and the singer mentioning her name repeatedly in one of his hit tracks, ‘Your Waist’. When the relationship turned sour, she publicly ranted and accused her Nigerian lover of being a cheat. She further disclosed then that she was dumped for another actress, also a Nigerian, who many believe is Tonto Dikeh.

Yvonne has now been accused of bleaching her skin, an allegation she also denies.

Speaking on this issue last week, the actress maintained that she did not use any bleaching cream on her skin. She said the camera flashes and filters make pictures she posts on the internet look like she applied a lightening cream on her skin. The actress lamented that she is tired of explaining to people that she did not bleach her skin contrary to what many believe.

In Nollywood, most actresses prefer to appear ‘white’ as that seems to be the criteria for becoming a mega star. Recently, Cynthia Morgan, a female artiste in Nigeria, was criticized for her change of colour, likewise Thelma O’Khaz, an actress in Nigeria, who said her controversial picture was a result of studio works.

Fast-rising actress Benita Ezinne marries One of Nollywood’s fast-rising actresses, Benita Ezinne, held her traditional marriage over the weekend. The ceremony took place in her hometown at Umuchu, Anambra State, on Saturday. Ezinne married Elochu KwuIbeh in an elaborate event, which was attended by several persons who gathered to rejoice with her.

The actress, who has starred in movies such as ’Dera the Beloved’, ‘Blind Mother’ and ‘Funke the Illiterate’, is one promising talent in the Nigerian film industry. She also has acted in movies alongside popular Nollywood actors likes John Okafor (MrIbu), Eniola Badmus and Chinwe Owoh.

Goodluck Jonathan donates N10m to support surgery of Nollywood filmmaker Nigerian Ppresident Goodluck Jonathan has donated ten million naira (about US$61,000) for the surgery of Chike Bryan, president of the Screen Writers Guild of Nigeria.

Chike, who is a scriptwriter, was diagnosed with chronic renal failure in July 2013 and has been undergoing dialysis at Igando General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. He has been seeking 15 million naira for intensive medical care in India. Head of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberisima, presented the money to the ailing actor last Monday at his Ijegun residence in Lagos.

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I can't be forced into marriage

- Bimbo Akintola speaks out

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has cleared the air about her relationship with Afrobeat Mystro Dede Mabiaku, stating that it did not cause her career downturn.

She said that Dede was a good person but Nigerians just love to blame him for things because of his “bad boy image” being an Afrobeat musician.

Bimbo admitted that she was in a relationship but maintained that she would not be forced into marriage as it was an important aspect of human life that

she could not afford to rush.

She refused to disclose the identity of the man in her life or her marriage plans.

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LG unveilsG3 Smartphone

This year's worst-kept tech secret finally debuted last Tuesday when LG Electronics unveiled its next-generation G3 smartphone.

The 5.5-inch follow-up to 2013's G2 more closely resembles a phablet than its predecessor.

Specifically, the LG sports a Quad HD 2,560-by-1,440 display with 538 pixels per inch, compared to the 5.2-inch Full HD display with 1080-by-1920-pixel resolution on the G2.

To achieve that, the electronics maker left no space between your palm and the new metallic backing, which promises a less plasticy aesthetic and fewer fingerprints. The power and volume buttons are still on the back of the device.

The device runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat at launch, and a 2.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor. It comes in 16 and 32GB flavours with 2GB or 3GB of RAM and microSD slot that can expand storage up to 128GB. Content Lock keeps private files safe and hidden when a friend is using your device. "When the G3 is connected to a PC, Content Lock prevents file previews so the data is still safe," LG said. The locked files can reside either on the LG G3's internal memory or on the microSD card.

Meanwhile, the kill switch will let G3 owners remotely disable their phones if lost or stolen. It also includes antivirus scanning and remote wipe and lock.

The G3 features a 2.1-megapixel front camera and 13-megapixel OIS+ rear camera with Laser Auto Focus, which measures the distance between the subject and the camera using a laser beam.

Other photo features include tapping the subject to focus and trigger the shutter. The front-facing cam includes a larger image sensor and larger aperture for better-looking selfies.

Meanwhile, just clench your hand into a fist and the LG G3 will begin the automatic three-second countdown.

Like the G2, the G3 sports a 3,000mAh removable battery. The phone will support 4G, LTE, and HSPA+ 21 Mbps (3G) networks. There are Wi-Fi, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth Smart Ready (Apt-X), NFC, SlimPort, A-GPS/Glonass, and USB 2.0 connectivity options. To get or not to get!

Apple acquires Beats for big $ Apple on Wednesday confirmed it has acquired the headphone maker and music streaming service Beats.

In a press release, Apple said it acquired the company for approximately US$2.6 billion in cash, plus $400 million

Removing everything except for a stop-go button might sound like a good idea, but it’s naive. How do you move the car a few feet, so someone can get out, or for backing up to a trailer? Will Google’s software allow for temporary double parking, or off-road for a concert or party? Can you choose which parking spot the car will use, to leave the better/closer parking spots for your doddery grandfather? How will these cars handle the very “human” problems of giving way for other cars and pedestrians? Can you program the car to give way to granny, but not an angry-looking trucker? Let’s see…

Skype gets speech translation

in stock that will vest over time. Beats co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre will join Apple as part of the deal, the iPhone and iPad maker said.

The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter — around September — the same fiscal three-month reporting period when the new iPhone is expected to be unveiled.Beats will remain a separate brand from Apple's, and the company will offer both Beats' streaming music and headphones, along with its own branded headphones.

Google’s new self-driving car: Electric, no steering wheel, and incredibly cute-No driver needed!

You are looking at Google’s very own, built-from-scratchin-Detroit self-driving car. The battery-powered electric vehicle has as a stop-go button, but no steering wheel or pedals.

The plan is to build around 200 of the mostly-plastic cars over the next year. The cutesy appearance is undoubtedly a clever move to reduce apprehension towards the safety or long-term effects of autonomous vehicles — “Aw, how can something so cute be dangerous?”

Disappointingly, Google’s new car still has a ton of expensive hardware — radar, lidar, 360-degree cameras — sitting on a tripod on the roof. This is to ensure good sightlines around the vehicle, but it’s a shame that Google hasn’t yet worked out how to build the hardware into the car itself, like other car makers that are toying with self-driving-like functionality.

At the inaugural Code Conference in California, CEO Satya Nadella has revealed that Microsoft’s real-time speech translation technology will finally make the jump. On stage at the conference, Nadella demoed a beta version of Skype Translator, which performed real-time translation of English to German speech, and vice versa. Skype Translator isn’t perfect, but it’s tantalizingly close to the creation of a Star Trek-like universal translation-that allows everyone in the world to communicate, even if they don’t share a common language.Alavida-Good-bye in Hindi!

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CDB delegation overawed at Guyana’s unique cultural weave THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) delegation, in Guyana for the recently concluded 44th annual meeting of the Board of Governors, was treated to a cultural evening last Tuesday at the National Cultural Centre, which was nothing less than a splendid display of Guyana’s rich cultural heritage.

The performances were a delight and the performers from across Guyana did the nation proud.

There was a combination of Indian tassa drumming and traditional African beats by Dubraj Tassa and Otiskha Drummers, There was the Mainstay Lake Dance Troupe with their ‘Birds of the Forest’ performance, an Amerindian dance. A dance dialogue, by Indira Itwaru and Kijana Lewis, was probably the night’s highlight. Itwaru with her traditional Indian kathak and Lewis’ African tribal dance managed an ethnic fusion that delighted the audience.

Continued on page XIX

The night’s highlight, a dance dialogue, by Indira Itwaru and Kijana Lewis

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CDB delegation overawed ...

Continued on page XXII

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Mainstay Lake Dance Troupe with their ‘Birds of the Forest’ performance

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CDB delegation overawed ...

Continued on page XXIII

A fusion of diverse dance styles

The choreography of many of the performances were undeniably genius

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CDB delegation overawed ...

Dubraj Tassa and Otiskha Drummers, a stunning meld of Afro and Indo rhythms

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XXIV

Dark tale of love and murder in Pakistan’s rural heartland

By Mehreen Zahra-Malik

(Reuters) - A PAKISTANI man whose pregnant wife was bludgeoned to death by angry family members who did not approve of the marriage fondly recalled a brief life together with the woman he fell in love with at first sight.

Farzana Iqbal, 25, was murdered by a group of assailants including her father on Tuesday, witnesses and police said,

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

because she fell in love with and married Muhammed Iqbal in January instead of a cousin they had selected for her.

"She was a very happy person. And she was the best wife anyone could ask for," Iqbal, 45, told Reuters in his mud-brick home in the village of Moza Sial in central Pakistan, 240 km (150 miles) west of Lahore.

"She never lied. She never broke her promises. That's what I loved and respected the most about her. She never let Muhammed Iqbal, 45, husband of the late Farzana Iqbal, sits with his family members at his residence in a village in Moza Sial, west of Lahore May 30, 2014. (Credit: REUTERS/Mohsin Raza) me down. But I let her down. It was my duty to save her and I let her down."

The dark tale of love, betrayal and murder has stunned people around the world, with the United Nations condemning Farzana's killing and a major international newspaper running a Reuters photograph of the grisly aftermath of the attack on its front page.

In Pakistan, a Muslim country of some 180 million people, the reaction has been more muted.

Many conservative families consider it shameful for a woman to fall in love and choose her own husband. Refusal to accept arranged marriages frequently results in "honor killings".

In 2013, 869 such cases were reported in the media, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and the true figure is probably higher since many cases go unreported.

News traveled further afield in this case partly because it took place in broad daylight outside the High Court in the city of Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital.

MURDER, MARRIAGE, MURDER The couple's relationship was itself born of a shockingly violent act, one perpetrated by Iqbal himself. In a blunt admission, he said he killed his first wife in a fight over Farzana in 2009.

"I got angry. We were fighting, the kind of fights husband and wife often have. But I held her by the neck and just meant to push her but she died," he said.

"I was going to see Farzana and she stood in my way and said she wouldn't let me go. So I pushed her. There was a murder case against me for three to four years but then my sons forgave me, so I went free. Then I married Farzana."

Under Islamic law, which is accepted by Pakistani courts, victims' families can decide the fate of convicted criminals.

On Tuesday, Farzana, her husband and other family members were attacked on their way to Lahore High Court, where they had planned to argue that their marriage was genuine in response to a charge of kidnapping brought by Farzana's family.

"During the scuffle, one unknown accused brought out a pistol and fired a shot which reportedly ... hit Farzana near the ankle," said a Lahore police source.

"At the same time, the father, Muhammad Azeem, hit Farzana with a brick taken from the roadside, while Zahid, the brother, and Mazhar Iqbal, the cousin, also joined in. Farzana died on the spot."

Umer Cheema, a police official in Lahore, told Reuters her autopsy showed that Farzana was shot in the shin, adding that police had arrested four people including her uncle Attaullah and her father.

A police source said Farzana had actually been married at the time of her wedding to Iqbal, but told the families she was engaged. Iqbal denied the previous marriage, saying his late wife's family used the accusation to build a case against him.

WEDDED BLISS Iqbal, a farmer, cried as he prayed at the freshly dug grave of his wife. Leaves and rose petals were strewn over the earth, and the petals stained the back of his white shirt red.He said he and his wife had been threatened by her family several times after he told the father he was unable to pay more than $800 to win approval for the relationship.

Attempts in Lahore to contact representatives of the four arrested people were not immediately successful, and Please turn to page XXXIV

Maya Angelou

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XXV

writer and poet, dies at age 86

By Emma Brown

MAYA ANGELOU , a child of the Jim Crow South who rose to international prominence as a writer known for her frank chronicles of personal history and a performer instantly identified by her regal presence and rich, honeyed voice, died May 28 at her home in Winston-Salem, N.C. She was 86.

Her literary agent, Helen Brann, confirmed the death but said she did not know the cause. Ms. Angelou had heart ailments and had been in declining health for years.

She established her literary reputation in 1970 with “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” a memoir detailing the racism and abuse she endured during her harrowing childhood.

From her desperate early years, Ms. Angelou gradually moved into nightclub dancing and from there began a career in the arts that spanned more than 60 years. She sang cabaret and calypso, danced with Alvin Ailey, acted on Broadway, directed for film and television and wrote more than 30 books, including poetry, essays and, responding to the public's appetite for her life story, six autobiographies.

She won three Grammy Awards for spoken-word recordings of her poetry and prose and was invited by President-elect Bill Clinton to read an original poem at his first inauguration in 1993, making her the second poet, after Robert Frost, to be so honored.

The poem she read, “On the Pulse of Morning,” spoke of

In 2011 President Barack Obama presented Maya Angelou with the Presidential Medal of Freedom a hope that the country's diverse people would find new unity after chapters in U.S. history of oppression and division.

“Lift up your eyes upon /The day breaking for you,” she said as the nation watched. “Give birth again /To the dream.”

In 2011, President Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In a statement Wednesday, Obama described Ms. Angelou as “a truly phenomenal woman” and his sister Maya’s namesake.

“A childhood of suffering and abuse actually drove her to stop speaking – but the voice she found helped generations of Americans find their rainbow amidst the clouds, and inspired the rest of us to be our best selves,” Obama said.

It was her story of personal transformation in “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” that launched Ms. Angelou's career and brought her wide recognition as a symbol of strength overcoming struggle.

“She brought an understanding of the dilemmas and dangers and exhilarations of black womanhood more to the fore than almost any autobiographer before her time,” said Arnold Rampersad, a literary critic and professor emeritus of English at Stanford University. “She challenged assumptions about what was possible for a poor black girl from the South, and she emerged as a figure of courage, honesty and grace.”

The idea for “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” arose during conversations with friends, including James Baldwin, whom she met in Paris. Ms. Angelou initially resisted the

suggestion that she write her story, giving in only after an editor goaded her by suggesting that writing autobiography as literature was too difficult for anyone to do well.

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” focused on growing up in her grandmother’s care in segregated Stamps, Ark., and on her rape by her mother’s boyfriend at age 7, “a breaking and entering when even the senses are torn apart.”

After she spoke her attacker’s name, he was found kicked to death in a lot behind a slaughterhouse. Convinced that her voice had the power to kill, she fell nearly silent for nearly five years. She spoke only to her beloved older brother, Bailey.

“I had to stop talking,” she wrote. “I walked into rooms where people were laughing, their voices hitting the walls like stones, and I simply stood still — in the midst of a riot of sound. After a minute or two, silence would rush into the room from its hiding place because I had eaten up all the sounds.”

The book, which came at the leading edge of a renaissance in literature by black female writers such as Toni Morrison and Alice Walker, traces the young Ms. Angelou’s effort to recover her voice and a sense of control over her body and her life, beginning with her recitation of “A Tale of Two Cities” at the behest of a family friend.

Enduringly popular, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” has been translated into 17 languages, sold more than 1 million copies and still appears on high school and college reading lists.

“There isn’t any easy, which is to say false line in the book,” wrote the novelist Ward Just in a Washington Post review. “It is not propaganda nor a history of the blacks, nor, most blessedly, sociology. It is one woman, Maya Angelou, writing about her life and times and writing from a talent so strong as to make each part of it immediate, direct, devastating and — oddly — beautiful.”

Ms. Angelou produced five subsequent autobiographical volumes, avoiding distractions during her writing days by retreating to hotel rooms, where she removed art from the walls. She often arrived before dawn — dictionary, thesaurus and bottle of dry sherry in tow — and wrote longhand on yellow legal pads.

None of her poetry or prose brought the same acclaim as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” but critics praised her ability to weave street talk with literary references and the rhythm of church hymns. But in some sense, Ms. Angelou existed in a realm untouched by criticism. She developed a devoted group of readers who adored her and were drawn to her poems, which featured accessible rhymes and themes of cultivating love, conquering injustice and speaking out of silence.

“You may write me down in history /With your bitter, twisted lies,” reads a poem in her 1978 collection, “And Still I Rise.” “You may trod me in the very dirt /But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”

In 2002, she lent her name and verse to a line of Hallmark

Maya Angelou

greeting cards, table runners and other products. “I want my work read,” she told The Post at the time.

Her ability to reach a mass audience, including people who did not consider themselves poetry readers, set her apart.

A fixture on the lecture circuit and a popular guest on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show, her personal story became a platform for her message of renewal and hope.

“If God put the rainbows right in the clouds themselves, each one of us in the direst and dullest and most dreaded and dreary moments can see a possibility of hope,” she said in a speech at a conference at Weber State University in Utah in 1997. “Each one of us has the chance to be a rainbow in somebody’s cloud.”

In 1981, Ms. Angelou was appointed a lifetime member of the faculty at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. She continued to write, and her works included cookbooks and children’s books. In her many public speaking obligations, often at college commencements, she presented herself as a wise elder whose life was evidence of how far it is possible to travel.

“See me now, black, female, American and Southern,” she said in a 1990 speech to students at Centenary College in Louisiana. “See me and see yourselves. What can’t you do?”

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Mon Repos

Village

E

By Alex Wayne

ACH village I visit weekly brings a fresh, new experience. I must admit that in some villages the reception I receive from some resides sometimes makes me want to quit.

Although I would refrain from naming those villages, I would however proclaim loudly that last week I did not regret finding myself associating with these very pleasant, smiling people who were so refreshingly affectionate without ever having met me before.

Folks, I was in the village of Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara, situated snugly between the equally receptive neighbouring villages of Triumph and Good Hope.

Mon Repos Village is an administrative division and is located in Demerara. The estimated terrain elevation above seal level is 1 metre, bearing latitude readings of 6°48'0", and longitude of 58°2'60". This colourful village is located just about seven miles outside the city of Georgetown and can be accessed by a simple bus ride (that is if you are prepared for the boom boxes), or a taxi if you can afford it.

Mon Repos is a fairly large village and according to residents, is divided into several locally named sections. There are Tango Town De Endrant North, Tango Town Squatting Area, the Mon Repos Housing Scheme, Martyrs Ville, Block CC, Block 8, and a few others.

The ride to this village was breezy and quite comfortable and this was so because the route to village carried our bus quite close to the Atlantic seawall where the freshest of winds were billowing.

drivers is cherished.

While there seemed to be little activity in the Public Road area, it was the North and South locations that seemed to be bustling with activity. The Housing Scheme location seemed to be occupied mostly by the elite of society, judging from the posh houses and very elegant buildings that nestle there.

The very simple and more secluded occupied the other areas and were either moving around or attending to business, or just relaxing in hammocks or on benches under their houses.

Each person I met along the way had a pleasant smile, and seemed willing to furbish me with whatever information they could muster. In the shops I received sweet ‘hellos’ and ‘how do you dos’, and this really fired up my spirits, causing me to brave the hot midday sun with much fervour.

And everywhere I turned persons were chatting nicely or laughing their heads off at some hilarious joke that a member of their company would have served up.

In the Mon Repos Market I almost giggled aloud as vendors laughingly jostled each other to be the first to wave fresh vegetables and seasonings in the faces of shoppers, jeering at their competitors with glee when they copped a sale. This

...where visitors are welcomed with broad smiles and warm affection

place was really a little wonderland by itself....

CHATTING WITH RESIDENTS ‘Baldeo’, which indeed is his only birth name, was quite ready to chat and told quite a stirring story.

He sells cane juice and water coconut by the roadside under a makeshift, tiny stall that keeps out the forces of nature.

This man, who was once married and fathered seven children, lives alone and yearns for the comfort of his family, but they have been long gone. Baldeo noted that since 1989 he began selling cane juice by the roadside since he was a poor man just struggling to make ends meet for himself and family.

He said at that time he sold the delicious liquid for just $5, and selling $100 per day was quite an accomplishment for him. He said that as the children kept coming, he soon realised that such a trade could not put food on the table.

Soon after his wife was forced to seek a job outside of the village and Baldeo said that is where the trouble began for

MY WELCOME The minute I disembarked the mini-bus where the street sign signalled ‘Mon Repos’, I was bombarded by taxi drivers who almost throttled me thinking I was journeying to the Guyana School of Agriculture aback of the village.

When I told my purpose for visiting, some strangely retreated, but two remained by my side fussing extremely to ensure I was comfortable, and offer whatever little information they could. These drivers, Ramesh Tularam and Rajesh Singh soon put my heart at ease.

In our conversation, I learnt that before time the ‘taxi work’ was a booming opportunity to make big dollars. These drivers traversed the Agriculture Road taking residents in and out and also students to the GSA. As they pointed out, residents are not moving about like before, since many shops, boutiques, and grocery outlets have sprung up in the village.

As a result, residents are now able to get their household supplies readily from these sources, not having to travel distances to obtain them. Today a ‘passenger pickup’ for the

The water coconut business is a thriving trade in Mon Repos.

The busy streets of Mon Repos.

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Baldeo misses his seven kids that were torn from him when his marriage went sour.

Some make an honest dollar selling cane juice by the roadside.

XXVII

Some women sell the fish their husbands catch at sea.

The Business Centre would be one of the more influential institutions in the village.

Some of the bushy irrigation trenches in Mon Repos that need clearing him. He said that she was younger than he and very pretty and obviously became the center of attraction for younger men who could offer her what he couldn’t. He said many evening she arrived home late from work, with a lot of money in her purse and could never give a proper explanation as to how she came by it.

“Bass me always bin ah try but me bin can’t do bettah.

When she start wuk things really change. She start come home late wid nuff, nuff money and suddenly she get plenty male friends. Eventually we separate and she tek way all dem pickney frum me and she ah keep dem away. Me now live alone an ah try meh best fuh cope wid life” The wails and lamenting of some vendors and some shop owners were very disheartening as they told tales of a seemingly ‘economic drought’ that is now engulfing some sections of the village.

They proclaimed that there has been a very significant reduction in customer purchases in many shops and vegetable stalls, many vendors and business owners said they too are feeling the squeeze. While some persons attributed this dilemma to the fact that quite a few are now out of jobs, others indicated that the demands of sending the kids to school has taken much from the pockets of many families.

Vendor ‘Parbattie’, who was fast asleep in her stall not far from the main market, almost toppled over when I attempted to wake her up and she flung herself up, startled and frightened.

She however smartly recovered and with a slightly embarrassed smile told us her theory of the reason their sales were dwindling.

“Boy, I fell asleep because there is really nothing doing.

Sales are so slow these days that sometimes I just feel like staying home. Inside the big market vendors will get sales, but we, operating outside, have to wait for the market weekend rush where customers will buy like crazy.

“But this is how I earn a living, so I have to come out every day and see what I can get. Our sales too are normally largely controlled by the spending power and demands of the sugar estate workers. Work at the estate is most times seasonal so many persons are out of jobs so their spending power is limited”.

EMPLOYMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment does not seem to be high on the list of things to do, for residents and many are contented to ‘have a little tupps’ at various rum shops or at frequent ‘Bar-b-Que’ and Lime’ sessions that are hosted around the village. Years ago the village was popular for being home to the ‘401 Nightclub’ that attracted fans from far and wide. But this joint is no more and has been converted into a furniture store.

That aside, villagers would wait for major entertainment ventures to be hosted at the ball field which is a customary practice.

According to many villagers, about one third of the population is working as vendors, selling vegetables, fruits, ground provisions and other food items. A smaller percentage are said to be farmers, and fishermen, while about 15% of the population are said to be involved in

Please see page XXVIII

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Mon Repos ...

From centre pages

construction. A few hold administrative positions in offices in and outside the village, while the minority are teachers.

Some residents however noted that some sections of the village are facing a dilemma, as some qualified youths are unable to get jobs although they would have acquired subjects at the CSEC examinations.

CRIME RATE In times gone by, Mon Repos was a village quite popular for being targeted by criminal elements. According to residents, this situation would have dwindled over the years save for a few cases of persons snatching or stealing from each other, especially in the squatting areas.

Some however noted that things seemed to have changed for the best where crime is concerned in the village.

POTABLE WATER Some residents seemed quite happy at the news of potable water wells coming to their village in the near future. And their hope can also be sustained to media reports in April of this year which dictated that Mon Repos, Sparendaam, and Sophia were earmarked to benefit from this intended venture.

Reports had suggested that five tenders were opened by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) for the construction of potable water wells. It was said that the bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance. They were divided into three lots; Mon Repos, Sparendaam, and Sophia, Region Four.

Pertab Singh was highly appreciative of this venture and praised the Government for once again looking into their welfare. “This a wan real good thing de Govament will duh, an it gon really benefit all awe, especially dem poor people.

At least we gon get a constant supply ah good, clean, and healthy wata, and me wan fuh praise de Govament real high fuh looking into awe welfare”

The little ones join Mom as she tries to rake in a few dollars at her roadside snacks stall.

THE ‘GET UP AND GET ATTITUDE’ WORKS FOR RESIDENTS All around Enmore it was constant hustle and commercial bustle as villagers busied themselves with avenues of making a quick dollar, or meeting their needs otherwise. There were not so many ‘limers’ in this village and almost everyone seemed to be positively engaged in some way or the other.

Here, residents hardly would hire outside professional Residents try their hands at almost anything to survive. Here these guys use a mini-bus to sell their musical CD’s and DVD’s. help to fix things in or outside the home (except for the construction of massive structures). Families would normally team up together and since there are already many carpenters and some construction workers here, it’s a norm to see family members mixing cement, plastering houses, or doing some renovation.

The skills of a few tradesmen have also earned them job positions in the making of the new double lane highway to ease their traffic woes. While roadside vendors view this intervention with mixed emotions (because of having to relocate), the majority of the village welcomes this Government initiative, citing that it will greatly help with a reduction in traffic congestion and road accidents, making the use of the roads safer for pedestrians.

Residents are eagerly waiting the completion of the two lane highway at Mon Repos.

A FEW CHALLENGES All seems to be well in this village save the call of some resident to have the remaining access roads leading to certain sections of the village properly paved. With cliTaking an afternoon stroll

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Housewives chatting amicably by the street corner.

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Mon Repos ...

From page XXVIII

mate change beckoning, some residents express the need for a higher seawall to be built to keep out possible very high waves.

Some citizens feel that there is also the need for some

drainage trenches leading to the Atlantic to be kept in a better state; they are overgrown with weeds and other vegetation.

EVOLVEMENT Mon Repos, like any other village, was certainly not what

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

it is today, and shedding light on its journey to modernisation was the elderly Mooniram Tulsiram, an ex-farmer who is now retired and enjoying the comfort and affections of his family. “Bai, this village wha yuh ah see hea , nah bin deh suh lang time. When meh was ah young bai, dem nah been get plenty house, and shaps, and thing like today. Bai, an in me time since rain fall de whole plaice bin ah flood out and it ah deh suh fuh weeks sometime, before all dah stink wata drain aff. Dem pickney used tuh get sick and dem can’t guh tuh school. Things moh betta today and de place get real nice.

Dem atharity ah wuk pon awe drainage, but dem got fuh wuk

Please see page XXXI

Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

From page XXX lil hardah. But de village real nice now, fancy house and all da...”

Today, Mon Repos is quite a colourful and impressive village with its fusion of posh buildings, restaurants, furniture store, shops and so many other facilities that meet the necessities of the people.

And to mention a few, one can pop in and out of the Lenny’s Ice-Cream Parlour, Silver Star Restaurant and Bar, make purchases at the Melsha Furniture Store, Nalo’s Ideal Snacks, D & D Food Bar, Navin and Sally’s Mini Mart, and Emran Khan & Daughters Hardware & General Store.

Or you can always skip over to Bibi’s Halaal Butchery for fresh meat, or pop in at the Double Discount Electrical Household Supplies for fantastic bargains. There are so many other businesses too numerous to mention, but let me make things easy for you.

Hop on a mini-bus (please avoid the noisy one with the dare-devil drivers), and take a trip to this exciting village, and get a first hand opportunity to soak up all the fun, fresh wind and the frolics of life Mon Repos has to offer.

Like I told you folks, a bus ride to this interesting village is an easy feat. Don’t hesitate to indulge.

Ensuring Mom gets that gas on time for cooking and baking.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

Baby’s bittersweet first day: now Mom can be hanged for marrying Christian

THE baby girl born to a woman sentenced to hang in Sudan for marrying a Christian American citizen met her father for the first time -- a moment that was captured in a bittersweet photo.

Daniel Wani, an American citizen who lives in New Hampshire, held his daughter, Maya, in his arms as she rested peacefully days after being born at a Sudanese prison.

The moment of joy was tempered by sorrow as Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag, the Sudanese woman facing flogging and a death sentence for marrying Wani, gave birth to baby Maya earlier this week.

This photo of baby Maya was first obtained by the Daily Mail.

Sudan's Islamic court considered Ishag a Muslim and did not recognize her marriage to Wani, a Christian. That constituted a crime of adultery and she was sentenced to receive 100 lashes.

The court also found her guilty of apostasy by converting to Christianity and sentenced her to be hanged.

The flogging and the death penalty were to be delayed until after she gave birth.

The couple also has a 2-year-old son named Martin and reports state that the boy had been living with his mother in the prison.

Ishag is considered Muslim by Sudan's courts because her father was Muslim, though she raised by her Christian mother.

Wani and his brother, Gabriel Wani, grew up in Sudan but moved to New Hampshire. He returned to Sudan last week after his wife was condemned to be hanged.

She is reportedly slated to remain in jail for two years to nurse the child before she is to be flogged and hanged.

The court's sentence has prompted statements of concern from Western governments and human rights groups.

Her lawyers continue to appeal and petition for clemency.

Dani Wani holds his daughter Maya in his arms

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

Milepost

Happy 60th wedding anniversary to Jimmy and Samsoon Jammaludin of 89 Line Path Corriverton. They celebrated with a day of prayer, along with their children Rayman, Dyzal, Hazim, Saudia and Karla.

All their children and friends join in wishing them many more years of happiness together.

Dark tale of love and murder ...

From page XXIV it was not clear whether they had lawyers.

Iqbal described his friendship and short-lived marriage with Farzana as blissful.

"Our lands are side-by-side and I used to see her when she came to her lands," he said. "I found her very beautiful and I fell in love with her. I asked for her hand in marriage and her family agreed at first."

"She used to love singing this song to me: 'Don't talk ill of the lover who is gone, Don't think bad of the one you love'.

She would always sing this to me," Iqbal added, fighting back tears.

"When I took a shower, she would wait outside with my clothes. And she would sit me in front of the mirror and comb my hair. When I went to work on the fields, she often came along. I would tell her to go back home but she said she wanted to stay there with me."Her stepchildren from Iqbal's previous marriage said they loved her as their own mother.

"She was my mother," said stepson Aurangzeb, 22, sitting alongside his father. "She would do anything for me. She was a beautiful person. I forgave my father for killing my real mother and then god gave me a second mother. Now she is also gone."

Farzana lived in the mud-brick home with Iqbal and his three sons. On the day she was murdered, she kissed the children good-bye before leaving for Lahore.

"We had to leave for the hearing. I can still see her walking around this room, getting ready. She changed her clothes, put on some cream, combed her hair in front of the mirror," Iqbal said.

"Then she sat down and put on her shoes. She kissed her stepsons and told them: 'I'm going away. If life remains, I will see you again'."

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 1, 2014

Linda Griffith, Dance Director at the National School of Dance … dancing helps you to bond more with people and learn to work more with them.”

L

By Telesha Ramnarine INDA GRIFFITH, often called “Teacher Linda”, is one of Guyana’s most qualified dance instructors, having gained extensive training and experience in the field of dance. She loves dancing, and has been doing it for as long as she can remember.

She is now Director of Dance at the National School of Dance, in the National Park, Thomas Lands in Georgetown.

Here, she has been teaching dance since 1975, and is the company’s chief choreographer.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Teacher Linda recalled that Lavinia Williams took her and a colleague, Pamela Moseley, under her wings, and tutored them. Williams was an American woman who taught dance in Haiti for a number of years, after which she came to Guyana to join in the inaugural CARIFESTA celebrations in 1972.

Then President Forbes Burnham invited Williams to return to Guyana to start a dance company. She came in 1973, and conducted a three-month workshop with teachers, among them Teacher Linda. Williams was a ballerina who specialized in African dance In 1974, Williams started a school at the Umana Yana in Kingston, and the following year, Linda started a train-

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