Pepperpot 02 28 2016

â–ş Page XXIV

It is revered as one of the most idyllic places in Guyana, and its annual Fish festival once attracted thousands. But interest has waned over the years, and the village must find new ways of generating income, as Alva Solomon explains.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

FREE AS A BIRD

Dem-adda-banna suh disgust wid Ignorant Rocks... dey let-out one laang-suck-teet dat sung like if dey practice fuh do it all-together an dey all get-up an folla d Professa down d hill to d riva. Baje gettin-ready to guh wit dem, till-e look-back an tek-a-look at my face.

Baje change-he-mine...e-tun-back.

As fuh me? d ting tekkin-lill-time fuh sink-in....ah stan-up watchin Mista Ignorant Rocks walkin-way down d track to d crik wit-e-bird-cage. Dat tick-skin-sonufabitch strollin-off like ‘cool-breeze’ pon my lan – wit bird-cage-in-e-han; e-goin down to d crik to ketch bird pon me place, wen e jus-done-callin d rocks in my riva, IGNORANT!? Dat fool scratch-e-belly, belch, stretchan-yawn-content afta eatin my food…now e WHAT? Ah stan-up dere like ah turn to stone, buh ah screamin in mih mine: No-no- NOOOOO!

Dis time is Baje voice in mih-eas beggin-mih:

“NO...you gotta take it easy pad…you gotta furgive them man like he...he only ignorant…he doanno how to act right, man…don’t commit yur-self….” Den Bage start-holla pon Ignorant Rocks: “Haye…you-bwoy…yes, is you oy talking too…you with that bird-cage. Is where you think yur going? The man don’t catch burd on his place. You don’t see he have a sign put up? It got sign, man…look ovur there… right there in front of you man. You foolish or whut?

Is why you don’t go down by the rivur with the bwoys and bathe?”

Ignorant Rocks stop-in-e-tracks an e-lookin back at Baje like if he doan undastan wat Baje talkin bout…it jus didden mek sense…

(Part 5)

”He doan WHAT?” Baje, ah seh between mih teet, yuh mekkin a BIG MIS-TAKE if yuh tekkin dat fool in d back-dam wit you; buh – do-mih-a-fayva ole-fren, jus get-e-outa-heahquick, please? Ah gon come-see yuh, ah promise an we-gon get-a-chance-to-tawk, but now – “Yur a mad-man pad! Oy not taking that man nowhere with me. He hook-up at Woods…beg to come with we and turn back with the truck aftur it drop we off…” Baje say.

Dis time Ignorant Rocks caan-stop-runnin-e-mout: ► Continued on page V

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

Don’t mess with Lent

By Godfrey Wray Even before he opened his eyes, Jones felt the hurt.

His head was splitting. It seemed to weigh a ton.

What had caused this sudden painful sensation?

He remembered he’d finally gone to sleep just after midnight, and then came… the dream.

It was so vivid.

He often had dreams but they simply made no sense when he awoke.

Not this one, however.

He struggled to sit upright and look around the room. His only chair was overturned. The lamp shade was on the ground while his wardrobe lay open and disturbed.

He couldn’t understand what had happened. He was sure everything was normal when he’d climbed into bed. Maybe he had underestimated the potency of the drinks he’d consumed earlier.

He wanted to rush out the room to see what other mayhem might be awaiting. But he held back because he’d spent his life as a logician; not believing in spirits, ghosts or the translation of dreams. A little voice inside his head was urging him to be cool and try to remember everything about the night before.

The door to his bathroom opened with a

single announcement: “Hey, it’s time for me to go.” The tone made him wince and close his eyes.

There was not a scintilla of warmth or emotion in the hissed expression.

This was no dream.

This was “for real.”

There stood the notso-young woman he had met the night before, face impassive and unreadable. Her eyes had locked onto his and seemed to penetrate right through to his soul. For all his inner strength he couldn’t tear his gaze away or move a muscle.

He was frozen; riveted in uncertainty.

She advanced further into the room and stood with hands akimbo. The pause that followed was significant, though she didn’t seem to be waiting for an answer. She appeared to be gathering force to launch into the main thrust of a torrid monologue So it was.

“All those promises you made last night at the bar, I knew you were a big bluff. And that talk about observing Lent as a season of penance, reflection and fasting.

Ha! Ha! You’re a bigger sinner than me. See how many Guinness bottles at the side of the bed and you justifying the brew as more of a tonic than alcohol.”

Memory came flowing back to Jones He was desperate to say something in his

defense, but try as he might no words came.

In desperation he made a grab for the woman’s arm but she recoiled and lashed out with the back of her right hand, catching him across a cheek.

She cast one last scornful look in his direction before moving towards the door and saying: “I’m gone. I took what you promised me.”

The stinging blow must have loosened Jones’ tongue. With that statement and the slamming of the door that followed, Jones found enough alacrity to hop off the bed, head throbbing with pain.

His left leg immediately let him down and he collapsed onto the floor. The sensation (or lack) rooted him to a small area on the carpet, hands vigorously massaging the lifeless left

limb. He stayed there for more than half-an-hour and gradually the blood flow increased.

During the time he was on the floor Jones had more than ample time to understand the depths of his own duplicity.

That day he had gone to his church to get his Ashes and there he had made his silent vow not to drink any type of alcohol during the 46-day period of abstinence. Yet before a day had passed he had succumbed to the spirits

III

Godfrey Wray

and the flesh.

My grandmother always cautioned us not to make promises that we couldn’t keep.

Jones thinks he is ‘back to normal’ but the little brush with the dreaded stroke has been an eye-opener.

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

‘Circa 1970’ The Crossroads

T

By Dominique Hunter

he National Gallery of Art on February 18 opened its doors and welcomed patrons to ‘Circa 1970’ The Crossroads in celebration of Guyana’s 46th Republic Anniversary.

The exhibition, as the title suggests, marks a particular shift in our country’s cultural, political and economical position within the region. This shift was characterized by a spirit of nationalization that swept across the country as we stepped out of colonization and into independence.

Now before I continue, I think it’s important that I make a disclaimer. This is not so much a review as it is a retelling of my thoughts after viewing the latest installation of artwork at Castellani House, within the scope of my art education and local art history. I make the distinction because I don’t think I’m yet qualified to unpack the weighty history and profound implications of the works on display, far less to propose new readings of them. However, I can offer my perspective as a 21st century female art practitioner living and working in Guyana.

This exhibition reiterated a long held opinion of mine that circa 1970 was arguably the best period of art production in Guyana, for a number of reasons. After the country gained independence, the government at the time went to great lengths to carve out something we never had before - an identity of our own that wasn’t shaped by the British.

In the process, our most creative minds were called upon to produce various representations of iconic persons and events within our local culture. In fact, quite a lot of our national monuments were unveiled during the independence period (Independence Arch – 1966; Umana Yana – 1972; Non Aligned Monument – 1972; African Liberation Monument – 1974; the 1763 Monument – 1976; Enmore Martyrs’ Monument – 1977).

After the public installation of these monuments, the need to protect and maintain these cultural markers became top priority. As a result, the National Trust of Guyana was established in 1972 following the National Trust Act No. 7, with a mandate to “make provision for the preservation of monuments, sites, places and objects of historic interest or national importance.”

Even the Caribbean Festival of Arts commonly known as CARIFESTA had its inaugural launch in 1972 right here on our shores. Indeed, this was a time when creative practitioners, their vision and the fruits of their labour were held in the highest regard.

The exceptionally high quality of work was not just limited to our sculptors of the time. Many of our most accomplished painters including Aubrey Williams, Stanley Greaves and Philip Moore (just to name a few) were actively producing and exhibiting work during this period. And while the three names mentioned were included in this exhibition, I was disappointed to see that of the thirty-one artists represented I could only identify three women (Marjorie Broodhagen, Leila Locke and Judy Drayton).

There is no doubt that men largely dominated the post-independence art production in Guyana and were given recognition accordingly. However, that is not to say that female practitioners were few in number, quite the opposite in fact.

It was the commitment of Golde White, a female Barbadian artist, that was the catalyst for a number of artist-led initiatives in the 1930s and onward (including the formation of the Art and Craft Society of British Guiana in 1931 and the Guyana Women Artists’ Association much later on in 1987). The 1988 publication titled “60 Years of Women Artists in Guyana 1928-1988, A Historical Perspective” by the Guyana Women

Artists’ Association lists 121 women artists who produced work during those 60 years. So there was hardly a shortage in that regard.

In many ways I find myself envious of creative practitioners who would’ve worked during that period. I always marvel at how much they were able to accomplish given the limitations of the time.

It points to a certain level of commitment towards nation building as a collective. Fast-forward decades later to the 21st century and we just can’t seem to get it right, even with all the modern conveniences at our disposal. We live in a self-obsessed and self-driven society that no longer appreciates the value of combined effort.

We are strangers regurgitating the same ideas in isolated pockets spread across Guyana with no real connection to each other, no sense of community and no apparent desire for change. And I often wonder about the ‘why’ in this situation.

Why is it that we have regressed? Looking back now one thing stands out immediately: most of the serious practicing artists were mature (older) folks who understood and accepted that any creative undertaking acted as a mirror, reflecting the sensibilities of the society at that particular time. And what’s more, they understood the importance of keeping that mirror clean.

But there might be hope yet. As we wrap up our Mashramani festivities in preparation for the much-anticipated Independence hoopla, one can only hope that the surge in national pride is sustained long after the celebrations would’ve ended.

And that this renewed appreciation for our beloved country would inspire us to work towards re-establishing our position in regional art and culture. While we wait I encourage everyone to take time to view ‘Circa 1970’ The Crossroads at Castellani House. It is truly a beautiful display of works by some of our greatest and most accomplished artists. The exhibition continues until 26th March.

Old House 1977 by Dudley Charles (left), Retrogression 1975 by Gary Thomas (center front) and Indian Shooting Fish 1967 Donald Locke (right)

Two patrons contemplate a work of art by Aubrey Williams

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

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

V

FREE AS A BIRD ► From page II “...is how you mean: he doan ketch bird pon his place…you hearing dem towa-towa? You know how much I could get – he selling, den? Is-ow much he want –“ “JACK-ASS! ur you HEARING whut oy’m SAYING? This man not selling burd…he – “Well, why I caaan jus ketch one den? Is a bird…it free. A bird in the bush is a free, free ting, man. Nobody doan own dem. Is why I can’t ketch one? They …”

I turn an walk-away wit a voice in mih head tellin mih: dis asshole ain gon learn till-yuh- teach-e-a-serious-lesson. Is mih arrow-an-bow ah lookin-fuh – fugget d gun.

Dis ting is between me an Ignorant Rocks. Ah doan waan dis-turb-d-peace…fryken d-birds. Ah could hear Baje warnin d yute-man: “Bwoy if oy was you, oy would keep getting-up off that man place befur he come back…”but d ignar raisin-e-voice…he holla-in fuh me hear: “Why you ain answering me man…is how much you…?” – Den-e-look-roun-an-see – ah-stan-up rite-whey-ah-did-wabunny–dat-day fuh dat chicken-hawk, but ah-mo-ready-dis-time-dough, wit mih bow-an- arrow aim straightat-e-full-belly. Ignorant Rocks mout fly-open e-sup-rise, buh-e-tryin-fuh-play brave; e raise-e-right-han, point-at-mih, an start-fuh-seh-some-ting. Buh-befo- e-coulda-get a-word-out-e-mout? ah leggo-d-arrow. Dat arrow fly-pass-e-head an jook-up pon d yarula-tree jus-behine d ignar (exac-ly-weh ah did mean-it-fuh-be); an dat was d enda my problem wit Ignorant Rocks dat day.

Bout a hour latuh, all-a-we-trow-back-gyaffing...mosely bout goal-wurk…but Baje in mih hammock, e-caan-stap-laffin cause d odders bin down by d riva...dem didden see wuh Baje see an he caan stop laughin an sehin: “Eh-eh! But oy nevur in moy life see a man take-off like labba so…”

Jus den d truck come-in to pick-up-d-crew. An d driva an d mechanic tellin we dat-ow it got a man stan-up-by-d-junction-waitin, an dis man tell dem dat some-baddy-in-heah tryin-fuh-kill-e an-e-ask-dem if dey could-please collec-e-bird-cage-an-ebag. Wen e-did-keepin-gettin-up from d bow-an-d-arrow, Ignorant Rocks leggo-eprecious-bird-cage yuh sight? D-bag-wit-e-clothes still pon-d-grass whisside-e-leff-it wen-e-come-in- firse early dat mawnin.

Wen ah wavin-dem-off an promisin ah gon visit-dem in d back-dam some-timesoon; mih-fren-Baje caan-tawk cause e-still-shakin wid d-laughin.

Bout a month latuh, jus-yestaday, ah-fine- mihself-in-a GT pon a mission to buy supplies fuh – guess-wuh? – GOAL-WUK! Some-how all d tawk wit Baje affec my mine.

Today ah-got-fuh-admit dat is true wuh bage did-sehin – wen yuh see a rich-timble dat ‘SEHIN’ in a tes-battelle? duh ting does affec yuh-mine jus-lika-alcoholic does-tink dat jus one lill drink wun-urt-im, yuh site? Is-suh-come dat a week afta Baje gone, d same-day ah complete mih crab-oil wuk ah-jus-cudden-resis tekkin-a-lill-shot; ah pick-up mih shovel, mih battelle an mih buckit an ah walk-down to d creek whisside ah did see d goal pon mih place.

Less dan a month afta dat...ahada-ounce-ana-haf an two pennyweight in mih kiddy. It didden come quick, an ah didden-bin-in-no-hurry eida. Ah tell mihself dat ah prospectin, das-all. Ah move-up d crik...ah choose a new spot ev-ry day, certain ah gon get a pennyweight or two or jus a few grains, ev-ry-nite-wen-ah-weigh...Ah was lucky to get only two interruption; one time a truck bruk-down on d way from Akaiwanna an d crew it transportin come-in to-see-d-place. As usual dey had dey feast pon my fruit- trees; papaw...mango... cashew an jus wen dey gettin res-less an ready fuh explore d place, dey hear d truck comin-in. D-odder-time ah hear dis hail-out coming down from d hilltop above mih...ah had time to toss-back ev-ry-ting in a rich battelle ah did-holin in mih-han wen ah hear dem comin-down to d crik. Was some experience poke-knocka banna come to buy some sal-fish; ah cudden-a-leh-dem get a look at dat...Still, dey was curious an dey askin: “How it going bro?”

Ah tell dem, not a speck-a-indication man …ah jus gettin some practice yuh know?

Ah plannin a trip soon…got mih mind pon a crik near Hiawa Mountain dat Captain Roy did tell mih… Buh before ah cud done-tell-dem mih story ah was hopin woulda distrac dey mine from my crik? dem-man tek-off like akuri pon dem own story bout d Captain – ”Yeah boy I hear bout dat creek too…’ “...yeah man, Capt tell plenty people bout it; he seh dat dat creek ‘SEH-ING’ “…but it far baaaaad boy…Capt did promise to draw a map fuh…” “...Benjy did going but he find another place ‘fore he reach…”

An is so dey goin-on-an- on....Ah did know it wouda-appen-do; das-why ah mention Captain Roy Bowen name; ah did-know it gon tun-dem-on. Dat name got a ring- of-authority wen yuh tawkin bout goal-location in d Guyana-bush from Bartica to Yupukari in d Rupununi. From a lill boy of six, Roy Bowen use to trek-wit-e-fada ( a man dey useto-call “TALLEST MAN” cause he did-tall-baaad six-foot-six, an he use-to walk-wit-e-lill-son) to all dem far-away area like Perseverance Crik in d Siparuni. On dese trips Capt Roy seh dat-ow he didden waan-do nuttin but collec d quartz-rock from d gravel in aaall dem criks, fuh-e-sling-shot; buh-e-self didden even know dat same-time d lill-boy was gatherin a education lika en-cy-clo-P-dia bout d goal-bush.

Duh lill-boy grow-up to be a expert certify Essequibo-Riva-Captain, ana guide, ana farmuh ana-prospecta- jus-like-e-daddy. Ev-ry-baddy roun-heah in d goal-bush respect dat knowledge; before dey set-off fuh look fuh goal any-where bout-here dey does check-wit Capt Roy. He was mih fren, mih i-dren; e-get-kill in Siparuni back-dam cause a jealous man (e-own cousin) kill-e-cause e start locatin a crik Capt Roy did locatin comin from do udda-end ; wen-e butt-up wit d Captain sign-board? is vex-e-vex mek e kill d man – is ting lika duh goal does cause.

Ah wonda wuh Capt Roy mus-be sehing seein me lika-dis-today; me-ain-gatno-rite to be heah; is wuh I doin heah?...how-come I end-up heah?

(TO BE CONTINUED)

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

Al-Anon – helping family and friends of alcoholics

Hello Everyone, I hope this past week has treated you well. As I mentioned, this week’s topic will be Al-Anon - support groups for the family and friends of alcoholics, and what it’s like for them.

As I mentioned before, addiction is a family problem and every one suffers, not just the abuser.

This week, I highlight the experiences of some persons who have lived/ been married to alcoholics and wanted to share their story.

I hope that everyone who relate to these stories will attend an Al-Anon meeting and find true peace in their lives.

Next week I will write about something that tremendously affects many Guyanese and our mental health. I will speak about insomnia, which is the inability to sleep well at night.

Please do keep writing in at caitlinvieira@gmail.com and let me know what you would like to talk about!

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

“I found true peace”

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hen I came to AL-Anon, I was angry and frustrated about so many things.

Guilt motivated most of my behaviour. My heart was torn over my children’s and grandchildren’s journey. We were all suffering. My world was coloured by a childhood in an alcoholic home. I had no idea what hardships were ahead of me because I didn’t know anything about the family disease of alcoholism.

I married at a very young age, primarily to escape from home. My mother was an alcoholic and my father, brother and I suffered from being lost in the endless cycle of trying to help her.

I left home at 16, thinking I could take life by the horns and overcome all my obstacles.

I met a young man from a similar background and was married and pregnant with our first child at 17. Three years later, a second daughter was born. My marriage was very chaotic. Fighting, screaming, tantrums, and financial irresponsibility were only a few of the painful distresses we experienced, thinking it was a normal way of life. My children were caught in the web of pain and denial.

I became very depressed and found my way to an Al-Anon meeting. I don’t remember much, just getting there. I entered that room hopeless, full2 of guilt, and deep regret.

I loved my husband who was struggling for survival with depression and emotional distress. I was just beginning to see that my life was repeating the same patterns that I had lived as a child. That meeting was the spark of hope that helped me lift my head from a very dark place and made me want to live again. The love and acceptance I experienced through the stories of others began to wake me up to a new world of learning. I kept coming back and found support, friends, and an incredible sponsor.

I devoured the treasures of encouragement through conference approved literature.

I read from several daily readers such as ‘Courage to change’ (B-16), ‘Hope for today (B-27), and ‘One day at a time in Al-Anon’ (B-6).

Each day’s readings helped me to go on one more day.

As a mother, grandmother and now a great- grandmother, I still see many of my loved ones struggling in despair with the handed down traits of alcoholism and drug abuse.

The endless worry and guilt of my own contributions to my children’s pain had haunted me until I was willing to work the steps and relinquish my guilt to my Higher Power. It seems like I do Steps One, Two, and Three all the time to release the urge to fix and control.

Gradually, I yielded to the serenity and clarity, as I realised how God has guided me to this grace filled programme and a new way to live.

I have finally found a true family in Al-Anon. My husband and I are both involved in meetings and service, but are ever reminded that each day we must give our hope and expectations for our children and grandchildren to God. As I’m learning more through parents and grandparents support meetings, I’m finding true peace. ((Reprinted with permission of the Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Hdqts. Inc.,Virgina Beach, VA)

I chose life over survival (This story is from a Guyanese woman, who was married to an alcoholic and had so much to overcome) “I am the family member of a recovering alcoholic. I lost ‘Me’ to this disease for a very long period of my life but learning that Alcoholism was a family disease, saved my life. This disease impacted my life in every aspect - physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Understanding its impact and choosing a path of recovery has helped me to choose life over survival.

As I reflect on my life, living with active alcoholism, I can now acknowledge some of the feelings I endured during my chaotic life at the time, just to name and identify a few: Anger- I was so angry at the alcoholic, I felt taken for granted and disrespected Resentful – of my broken dreams Hurt - that I could not trust my loved one Self-pity – ‘Poor me;’ my focus was on all that was missing in my life, feelings of being the victim, or at times the martyr.

Guilt – constantly feeling I had done something wrong to deserve this Shame – feeling responsible for the alcoholic’s actions and being ashamed Lack of self-worth/ low-esteem – I had difficulty in valuing myself as a human being.

Depression – I felt terribly sad, hopeless, empty, tired and anxious at times To avoid my feelings I used the only tools I had; I stuffed and medicated my feelings through busyness or compulsive working, hyper-focusing on everything and everyone else but me.

Physical care such as eating healthily and exercise were not priorities. Mentally I was drained; emotionally I was numb or angry (either extreme).

I withdrew from social activities that were once enjoyable or meaningful. My spiritual values and morals were tested as I became angry, impatient, judgmental and controlling.

Today, I am a member of the Al-Anon recovery programme. I have found serenity, I have self-worth and care for my myself physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually! I have the tools to guide me on how to do this, I am able to focus on the things that I am grateful for versus things I may lack.

I have learned that I have choices; I can choose to be angry and dissatisfied with my life or make positive decisions to change it. I can choose to remain in self-pity and live with guilt and shame over the things I have no control over or figure out what or who I have control over (Me).

I can work on expanding my understanding of how this disease has affected me (awareness), understand that I am powerless over the choices of another person (acceptance) and then stop, think and make a healthy decision on my way forward (action).

Al-Anon has been a gift of recovery. It is a fellowship of family members of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problem, believing that alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon has one purpose and that is to help families of alcoholics by practicing the Twelve Steps (adopted from AA), by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

For more information on Al-Anon in Georgetown, Guyana – please call 233-5844/600-0832”.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

VII

Court of Appeal rules

17 years was too long for Police Supt. to challenge dismissal

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Senior Superintendent of Police was removed from office on November 6, 1984 after serving 24 years, but it took him 17 years to challenge the decision.

On February 20, 2001 he filed a motion seeking a declaration that his removal from the Police Force was unconstitutional , null and void, and that he was entitled to his salary and superannuation benefits.

The trial judge who heard the case dismissed same on the ground that the delay of 17 years in filing the proceedings without an explanation was inordinate.

On appeal, that Court constituted Justices of Appeal Singh, Kissoon and Chang, held that the Appellant’s undue delay in filing his proceedings in a timely manner and with no explanation rendered the proceedings an abuse of the Court’s process which would undermine the integrity of the judicial system.

As such the appeal was dismissed.

Lawyer B. Gibson appeared for the appellant and Senior Counsel Doodnauth Singh appeared for the Respondent.

The facts of the case disclosed that in October 1987 the Appellant unsuccessfully petitioned the President of the Republic to reopen the matter and award him accrued benefits.

Fourteen years, later he also petitioned the Police Commission, but received no response.

Justice of Appeal Kissoon stated that among the grounds of appeal and the one that the court considered having regard to the trial judge’s decision was paragraph 3 (e): “the learned trial judge erred in regarding private law limitation as applying to fundamental rights.”

The Fundamental Rights (Practice and Procedure) Act, No.13 of 1988 makes no provision of a time limit within which a litigant may seek to secure his fundamental rights or constitutional rights.

However, Article 232 (9) of the constitution incorporated the Interpretation and General Clauses Act Cap. 2:01 for the purpose of interpreting the Constitution.

Section 39 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act provides “In any written law where no time is prescribed or allowed within which anything shall be, such thing shall be done with all convenient speed and as often as the prescribed occasion arises.”

This section has the effect as if it formed part of the Constitution and frowns upon delay in filing any proceedings in the Court. If a court takes into consideration an explanation that the Applicant petitioned His Excellency the President within the first three years and was awaiting a reply, the lapse of time between his petition to the President and his filing of proceed-

ings is so long that it should be taken for granted by the Commission that his dismissal from the force was lawfully and properly done.

The Appellant, having lain upon his rights for 14 years, awakened from his slumber, and pursued and insisted on his rights.

This inordinate length of time had elapsed during which the Appellant did nothing . This inordinate delay without a satisfactory explanation is fatal to the Appellant’s claim.

The statement by Sir Barnes Peyloch in the case of Lindsay Petroleum Company v. Hurd [1874] LRPC

George Barclay 221 although dealing with equitable principles are applicable in this case and all cases in which there is an inordinate delay without any reasonable explanation.

The Privy Council in the case of Durity v. Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago {2002} 60 WIR in dealing with the principle of delay under section 14 of the Trinidad and Tobago Constitution which is similar to our Article 153 state at page 459: When a court is exercising its jurisdiction under section 14 of the Constitution and has to consider whether there has been delay such as would render the proceedings an abuse or would disentitle the claimant to relief, it will usually be important to consider whether the impugned decision or conduct was susceptible of adequate redress by a timely Application to of the Court under its ordinary non constitutional jurisdiction.

If it was, and if such an application was not made and would now be out of time, then failing a cogent explanation the court may readily conclude that the claimant’s constitutional motion is a misuse of the Court’s constitutional jurisdiction.

Kissoon said that it was unjust to give a remedy to the Appellant due to his neglect in filing his proceedings in a timely manner.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

IX

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Gospel singer plans to help in fight against suicide

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

UYANESE international Chaplain and gospel artiste Eion Greaves has returned with a plan to help curb suicide and help restore Guyana.

Greaves, a United States based international Missionary, is one of the treasured musical producers singled out to be honored at the 3rd annual Guyana Music Awards.

But his plan involves more than receiving the award and more than just a performance on the national stage during the Guyana International Music Fest 2016 on April 30 at the National Stadium.

The award ceremony set for Sunday May 1 at the National Cultural Centre will see four of Guyana’s greats – Eion Greaves, Eddy Grant, Natural Black and Miss Guyana World Lisa Punch - receiving significant honour.

The refreshing reappearance of the artistes raises hope that the artistes returning home

offer a plan of how to change the world’s perception of Guyanese music.

Greaves’ song “The Plan” recommends righteousness as the plan for Guyana to prosper in joy and peace.

His music, which plainly sets forth the Gospel of the Bible, is expected to water the lives of thousands, bringing restoration and social healing.

What Greaves really intends to do is address the plague of suicide reaching dangerous levels, with Guyana ranking as one of the countries with the highest rates.

As a Missionary who travels the world healing masses of the spiritual and emotional sicknesses, labelled suicide as a gruesome and selfish act.

As a Chaplain, he has a specific role to restore peace at all levels, and as a musician ► Continued on page X

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016 Eon Greaves

Gospel singer plans ... ◄ From page IX he still plays his part in international conferences.

“We can be officers or we can be Pastors, but we are really peace officers. Chaplains can work from the president’s level, all the way down to the folks’ level; so we submit ourselves in whatever area. As a musician I do international conferences like symposiums and so for music; and as a Chaplain I do conflict resolution.”

Part of this aspect of his work is what is called “suicide solutions.”

His plan to return home regularly involves that latter part of his work.

“What has caused me to want to even come home is because of the rate (of suicide), because I’ve worked with suicidal kids in other parts of the world, worked with the parents helping them to cope with it.

“Some of them you actually have to go to them because they have already suffered the loss of a child. Something always triggers (suicide). There is a cause and there is an effect.”

He said in his work, he addresses too the root causes of suicide, which, according to him, is a plan of the devil which comes to steal, kill and destroy.

His “suicide solutions” missions include visiting families affected by suicide, or who have persons around with suicidal tendencies or have had members who committed suicide. He does counselling among other things to “to help them abort that spirit that might be in them.

“So we work with the parents and we work with the children.”

“As a Chaplain, I have to approach family members first of all, based on scriptures. If I give them just a remedy without giving them the root cause, the remedy will work but it will return. It’s like sweeping a house and forgetting that you had to fill it with something. You left it open and ten more demons come in.”

He said the job is tough but his love for children in particular keeps him connected to purpose, and God has equipped him for the mission. (Shauna Jemmott)

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

How to overcome a weight loss plateau

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o y o u stopped drinking soda, eating rice, bread and bringing junk food into the house, and the weight started to peel off. This boosted your confidence, so you joined a gym to burn some extra calories on the stationary bike. All of your efforts paid off and you lost weight, possibly even a lot of weight …well, for a while. But now you feel stuck; you feel as if you’ve reached a weight-loss plateau.

Possibly you’re at a healthy weight, albeit above your dream weight, but those stubborn 5-10-15 pounds are still lingering. Why? Are you just dreaming too big and searching for something that is out of reach?

If you’re at a healthy weight, this might be because the body likes to maintain a stable weight, also known as set-point weight. While your

body’s set point can be adjusted, it can take some time to get there.

As you are losing weight, it can be tempting to cut calories too low to shed pounds faster. The down side to this technique: your muscle can be used as energy and this gradually slows your metabolism to spare energy. Whether you find yourself above your body’s natural setpoint weight or if you’re hard pressed to lose those vanity pounds, here are a few ways to

help you get over that weight-loss plateau.

Adjust your calorie intake. As you lose weight, your metabolism can drop because your body requires less calories or “energy” to fuel a smaller you. The calorie intake that you initially had when you began your weight-loss journey will need to be adjusted to match your body’s current needs for weight loss. Make sure to revise your calorie goal every 10 pounds or so.

► Continued on page XIII

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016 ► From page XII

Focus on quality. Busting through a weight-loss plateau is more than calories in and calories out. Processed foods won’t cut it anymore, thus quality whole foods like vegetables, beans, high-fiber fruits and lean proteins are needed for your engine to burn body fat.

Rotate your routine. Going for walks or slugging away on the treadmill for the past four months?

It’s time to change up your workouts. The muscles become familiar with the same old workout, making your regular routine less effective. To see a change in body fat, you have to get outside of your fitness comfort zone. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been shown to burn body fat effectively. Try doing speed work at the track, a boot camp class at the gym, spinning class or alternate walking and running intervals. Note: Just progress slowly and deliberately when incorporating high-intensity exercise into your routine. Doing too much too fast can leave you too sore, tired or even injured.

Know your numbers. Hormone imbalance may be the culprit. If you’ve been watching what you eat and exercising more and your weight is not budging, consult with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could make it difficult for you to lose weight.

Sleep. A full night’s sleep is vital to losing body fat because it resets your hormones. Even a little sleep deprivation can lead to increased cortisol, a stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to body fat accumulation around the midsection.

Keep a closer eye on your caloric needs. Research has shown that people often overestimate how many calories they burn during exercise, and underestimate how many calories they eat. Use your basal metabolic rate as a benchmark to subtract the approximate number of calories burned during activity. Keep in mind that the number of calories burned during activity can vary.

Flush with fluids. Keep your hydration in check since the body will often crave food when you are even mildly dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration are similar to symptoms of hunger, so it’s easy to confuse the two. Aim to drink 80-100 fluid ounces (2.35 liters) of water per day plus additional fluids lost during activity.

Increase muscle mass. Want to burn more calories at rest? Lift (heavier) weights and follow a strength-training program to build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, and the more body fat you’ll shed.

Eat more protein. Protein has the highest thermic effect of food, meaning eating protein burns more calories during digestion. Protein also contains an amino acid, leucine, that numerous research studies have identified as a potent catalyst for burning body fat.

Put these tried and true tips into action, and soon you’ll be saying, “What weight-loss plateau?”

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

Mother J - From not talking to anyone in school to entertaining thousands

N

By Telesha Ramnarine

O one could convince her as a youth that she would one day become an actress because she knew how shy she was. But today, she is able to stand on the stage and entertain thousands at a time in play after play.

Meet the beautiful Sheron Annette Cadogan-Taylor, well known as ‘Mother J’ from the popular series “Agree to Disagree” which rocked local television back in the days.

Sheron cannot explain what really accounts for the transition but all she knows is that the butterflies in her stomach always disappear when she starts to perform.

“I really didn’t see myself as an actress anywhere in my youth. I was very shy. People told me they never thought I would become an actress because of how shy I was in school. I never spoke to anyone in school, and in every school, I probably had like one friend. I was always the mum one. Theatre develops your confidence.”

In fact, Sheron, born and raised in Albouystown, Georgetown, succeeded in acting to the point where she has secured several awards including Best Actress, Runner Up, Best Newcomer, Best Director, Best Original Guyanese Play, and Best Costume.

Sheron’s first play in 1992 was called “Rope and the Cross” but the one she enjoyed doing the most was playing a 16 year old blind girl who was sexually violated in “Why didn’t he

Sheron Cadogan-Taylor

Performing Guava Jelly at Theatre Guild ask Cora?”

Born to parent Gloria and Rudolph (both now deceased), Sheron spent her primary school years at St. Stephens, Central and Smith Memorial Primary Schools before moving over to Charlestown Secondary. She also spent some time at Critchlow Labour College and the University of Guyana.

Because acting is not very lucrative in Guyana, Sheron says a day job is necessary. As such, for many years now, she has been managing Inter law Consultants, under retired Justice Donald Trotman.

She is also Director/Producer with H&T Theater Arts and Horizon Arts Production.

For 12 years before her current day job, Sheron worked with Martin Stephenson, another lawyer, who is now deceased.

“I like stability. That explains why I have held only two jobs so far. Once I am dedicated, I am dedicated. If I am here, I am here. That’s just me. I don’t like jumping from one place to another,” she offered.

A SIMPLE BEGINNING Explaining how her acting career began, Sheron recalled participating in a yearend concert at Critchlow Labour College where her performance was praised. At the end of the show, she brushed off suggestions that she should join the Theatre Guild.

“One day I was home cleaning and doing chores and not even thinking about what that

person said to me. But I suddenly thought to myself “There are so many societal that I should check out issues. We have so many books, Theatre Guild.” conferences. People go sit down, Sheron turned up at fall asleep and whatever. But to Theatre Guild and sat quietly at the back looking on me, when you see certain things as Andre Subryan (now played out before you, live on deceased) directed a play. stage, it hits home deeper.”

“He saw me and asked what I was doing there. I said I was just there to see what was going on. He told me to go up on the stage and not to even try doubting him. I went up. He wanted an extra dancer for a play he was doing. Although I knew nothing about dancing, I rehearsed and started dancing. I was in display and next thing you know, I am at the Guild and I am being placed in play after play and got awards and so forth.”

A few years ago, Sheron has also started directing plays and won the National Drama Festival with 83 Million G’s, Watch the Ride, and Till I find a Place 3. She co-produced some with Ronald Hollingsworth. “I think I have achieved quite a lot in the industry. I never thought I would be able to produce and direct.”

Sheron views acting as another avenue of addressing social issues. “There are so many societal issues. We have so many books, conferences. People go sit down, fall asleep and whatever. But to me, when you see certain things played out before you, live on stage, it hits home deeper.”

To her, acting is not just about the money.

“It’s to get a message out there to the young people; to get them doing something other than getting into trouble. With the introduction of the Drama School a few years ago, you find more young people are going there, but what do they do with their talent when they leave the school?”

Sheron has written “The Ex” which will be coming out soon and will be soon be co-producing “Till I find a place 3.”

She is married to the loving and supportive Paul and has four children Kenesha, Tenesha, Shania and William.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

CONSUMER CONCERNS:

R

ecently, as published in the newspapers, the Ministry of Public Health adumbrated a new policy for the purchase of drugs and medical supplies for his Ministry.

On the face of it, the new policy put forward is an improvement of the past but on reading it carefully, there appears to be some refinements necessary.

The first major change is that each Region will estimate the drugs and supplies it needs and forward the requirements to the Ministry. The Ministry will make central purchases to benefit from economies of scale and quality control. It is suggested that an officer or officers should be deployed to the Region to give guidance and ensure that the drugs are not wasted or stolen.

The Minister mentioned that the Ministry would be moving away from brand-

name drugs and equipment to generic ones. Presumably, the main reason for this is that generics are much cheaper than brand-names.

Brand-name drugs have a universal acceptance and are covered by insurance in case such drugs cause harm to the user. The great attraction of the generics is that they are so much cheaper and a budget goes a longer way.

In buying generics, the Ministry will generally have to monitor to ensure that such drugs are not below standard. There are a number of well-established firms with proper laboratories which supply quality generics and the Ministry should source these. Sometimes, generics made by unknown firms tend to be deficient in strength and this could have harmful effects on patients especially in surgical procedures.

Incidentally, country of origin of drugs is no guarantee of quality or safety.

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The new policy for purchasing drugs and medical supplies – some refinements For example, several years ago, the local market was inundated with fairly cheap drugs coming from a firm in Hamburg, Germany. All products carried Helms labels

Pat Dial and gave the impression that they were German products.

It turned out that none of the products were produced in Germany but rather in the “bottom-houses� in various countries of East Asia. It was the Bureau of Standards which uncovered the fraud and had Helms banned forthwith.

The other major change effectuated in the new policy is in the bidding documents.

These changes include being allowed to bid for specific lots of items and also be allowed to bid for a partial supply rather than 100%.

There will also be adjustments to the requirements to be met by suppliers as to the validation of the standards of the drugs supplied. These changes were made, according to the press reports, to accommodate the bids of small suppliers. The Ministry should provide laboratory testing for all drugs bought from non-reputable generic firms or have the suppliers

provide valid certificates from reputable laboratories.

Such testing or certification should be a necessity from smaller suppliers who tend to source their supplies from the cheapest suppliers.

In any case, the bidding documents must ensure that the interest of the consumer takes precedence over that of the supplier or anyone else.

There are one or two requirements which the New Policy does not mention as stated in the press release.

The first is the requirement of the storage of drugs. Every supplier should have facilities to store the drugs he is supplying to the Ministry since

many drugs deteriorate with poor or inadequate storage.

The Ministry must inspect such storage.

And secondly, the expiry times should be specified in the Policy; a supplier may offer an extremely attractive price but with an expiry date which is in a few months.

Lastly, it is suggested that the Ministry should give priority to locally-produced drugs since surveillance as to quality would be easier and this would help towards achieving national drug security and may also induce some suppliers to embark upon manufacturing.

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Room

by Emma Donoghue

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

Tonight at the 2016 Academy Awards, Brie Larson Akash Subraj will most likely win her first Oscar for her performance as “Ma” in Room. The film is based on Emma Donoghue’s 2010 novel of the same name, which tells the story of a young woman who is abducted in her teens and forced to live for years in a twelve-foot square room with her young son, Jack – the product of rape by her abductor.

The interesting thing about Room though is that it is narrated by the five-year old boy. A child narrator in an adult novel is highly unusual, especially for a novel such as Room which deals with some very heavy themes and issues that are quite sensitive considering that the author came up with the story after being exposed to stories of real women who were kidnapped and held hostage for years.

In such a depressing novel, Jack definitely functions almost as a beacon of innocence – not only in an individualistic and moral sense, but also in a much, much wider sense that reflects how he has been shielded by the love of his mother and has not been tainted or corrupted by influences of the world outside the room in which he has lived all his life. The novel’s opening lines show this warmth and innocence and mark the point where the reader learns that Jack’s voice telling the story is a device meant to buffer us from the deeper horrors of the tale: “Today I’m five. I was four last night going to sleep in Wardrobe, but when I wake up in Bed in the dark I’m changed to five, abracadabra.”

However, that quote also shows us the main thing wrong with Room. The child narrator obviously speaks like a child and has a child’s understanding of the world, so his presentation of complex actions, emotions and ideas are filtered by him and reduced to childlike simplicities before being presented to the reader. So, Ma’s days of ill health and severe depression are simply referred to as days when Ma is “gone” and the screaming “game” Ma gets them to play is in Jack’s mind just a game but in reality it is his mother’s furtive attempt to get someone on the outside to hear them by having them both scream as loudly as possible for several minutes each day. ► Contiuned onpage XVII

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

XVII ► From page XVI

Furthermore, Ma has reduced Jack’s already limited understanding of the world by leading him to believe (as a form of protection) that everything outside of room that they see on the television (including the ocean, dogs and trees) are unreal and only the things in the room are real. Jack’s narrative voice is difficult to understand at times because of his age and because his own understanding of the situation is so limited.

Halfway through the novel, after the intense and well-written escape scenes, Jack and Ma are restored to the outside world and although the reader might think the rest of the story consists simply of happy scenes highlighting the joys of freedom, Donoghue tempers these by including the many difficulties of readjusting to life in society, of reconnecting with people, of learning the ways of the world again, and building a new life while coming to terms with the harsh reality that was the past.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

The future of wildlife is in our hands

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ith rainforests and low rolling savannahs teeming with wildlife, Guyana is a country of immense biological wealth. However, the importance of wildlife is not always recognised or understood, presenting enormous challenges for the goal of sustainable use.

Globally, wildlife, be it plant or animal life, is often mistreated or misused in pursuit of short-term benefits, often only for a few. To place emphasis on the importance of wildlife, worldwide, the United Nations General Assembly has set aside March 3 to be celebrated as World Wildlife Day annually. This year World Wildlife Day will be celebrated under the theme, ‘The future of wildlife is in our hands’.

Why is the future of wildlife important?

Contribution to the economy – the Wildlife trade is a very lucrative one. Activities such as logging, trading of animals such as monkeys, parrots, snakes and even parts of animals, once practiced sustainably, has the potential to greatly improve a person’s eco► Contiuned on page XIX

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016 ► From page XVIII nomic position as well as the country’s economy.

Provides raw materials – materials such as wood, paper, and even clothing are obtained from wild plants and animals.

Maintains ecological

balance – the interaction of various types of wildlife within the environment ensures there is a balance of nature through complex food webs, and nature cycles, e.g., carbon cycle.

Provides food – wild-

life animals are eaten by us humans, while trees provide various types of fruits which we eat.

Recreation – the beauty of nature is ideal for relaxation. Many activities such as bird watching, p h o t o g r a p h y, h i k i n g , camping, boating etc. are made worthwhile because of wildlife.

Why is the future of wildlife in our hands?

Because Wildlife provides so much for us as humans, we tend to overdo and overexploit through habitat destruction, illegal trade and intentionally hurting wildlife species.

However, we need to realise that these actions impact wildlife negatively, by causing a decline in numbers of significant species such as Arapaima, which causes a disruption in the balance of nature.

It is therefore imperative that we as humans ► Contiuned on page XX

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

The future of wildlife ... ► From page XIX realise just how important is the role we play when it comes to wildlife conservation, since it is our actions that result in the negative issues they face.

It is time for us to consider the long-term benefits we can gain from wildlife and not be short-sighted in seeking to fatten our pockets now without consideration for these precious forms of life.

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or you can contact the Agency on 225-5467-9. Also check out our Facebook page, Environmental Protection Agency-Guyana.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

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Factbox: Why the Zika virus is causing alarm

(Reuters) Global health officials are racing to better understand the Zika virus behind a major outbreak that began in Brazil last year and has since spread to many countries in the Americas.

The following are some questions and answers about the virus and current outbreak:

How do people become infected?

Zika is transmitted to people through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same type that spreads dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said Aedes mosquitoes are found in all countries in the Americas except Canada and continental Chile, and the virus will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where Aedes mosquitoes are found.

How do you treat Zika?

There is no treatment or vaccine for Zika infection. Companies and scientists are racing to develop a safe and effective vaccine for Zika, but the World Health Organization (WHO) said it would take at least 18 months to start large-scale clin-

An aedes aegypti mosquitoes is seen in The Gorgas Memorial institute for Health Studies laboratory as they conduct a research on preventing the spread of the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in Panama City February 4, 2016.

ical trials of potential preventative shots.

How dangerous is it?

The PAHO said there is no evidence that Zika can cause death, but some cases have been reported with more serious complications in patients with pre-existing medical conditions.

It has also been associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system.

How is Zika related to microcephaly?

Much remains unknown about Zika, including whether the virus actually causes microcephaly in babies, a condition defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems.

Research is under way in Brazil to confirm the suspected link to microcephaly, with initial findings expected within months, according to public health officials.

Brazil said it has confirmed more than 580 cases of microcephaly, and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,100 suspected cases of microcephaly.

Research in Brazil indicates the greatest microcephaly risk is associated with infection during the first trimester of pregnancy. Recent studies from other countries have shown evidence of Zika in amniotic fluid, placenta and fetal brain tissue.

What are the symptoms of Zika infection?

People infected with Zika may have a mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain and fatigue that

can last for two to seven days. But as many as 80 percent of people infected never develop symptoms. The symptoms are similar to those of dengue or chikungunya, which are transmitted by the same type of mosquito.

How can Zika be contained?

Efforts to control the spread of the virus focus on eliminating mosquito breeding sites and taking precautions

against mosquito bites such as using insect repellent and mosquito nets. U.S. and international health officials have advised pregnant women to avoid travel to Latin American and Caribbean countries where they may be exposed to Zika. â–ş Contiuned on page XXII

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

Factbox: Why the Zika virus is causing alarm ◄ From page XXI How widespread is the outbreak?

Active Zika outbreaks have been reported in at least 34 countries or territories, most of them in the Americas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Brazil has been the country most affected.

Africa (1): Cape Verde Americas (29): Aruba, Barbados, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela Oceania/Pacific Islands (4): American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Samoa, and Tonga What is the history of the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is found in tropical locales with large mosquito populations. Outbreaks of Zika have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and the Western Pacific. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys and was first identified in people in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania, according to the WHO. Can Zika be transmitted through sexual contact?

The U.S. CDC said on Feb. 23 it was investigating 14 new reports of possible transmission, in addition to a previous case in Texas.

In two of those new suspected cases, the infection was confirmed in women whose only known risk factor was sexual contact with an ill male partner who had recently traveled to a Zika outbreak area, the agency said.

The reports suggest sexual transmission may be a more likely means of spreading Zika than previously considered, the CDC said. All cases involve possible transmission of the virus from men to their sex partners.

British health officials reported Zika was found in a man’s semen two months after he was infected, suggesting the virus may linger in semen long after infection symptoms fade. The WHO has advised women, particularly pregnant women, to use condoms.

The PAHO said Zika can be transmitted through blood, but this is an infrequent transmission mechanism. There is no evidence Zika can be transmitted to babies through breast milk.

What other complications are associated with Zika?

The WHO says because no big Zika outbreaks were recorded before 2007, little is known about complications caused by infection. During an outbreak of Zika from 201314 in French Polynesia, national health authorities reported an unusual increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome. Health authorities in Brazil have also reported an increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Long-term health consequences of Zika infection are unclear. Other uncertainties surround the incubation period of the virus and how Zika interacts with other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue.

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

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Fridays at the office

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ridays is one of the best days of the week but one of the trickiest days to outfit. Depending on your work environment, you might be able to pull off super casual styles, while others may have stricter clothing rules. So what should a savvy professional wear on Fridays? My advice is to stay away from anything that shows too much skin and get comfortable with shoes, a stylish wedge or pumps.

Balance whatever you wear with what is appropriate for your office. Only express a little more of your personal style than you might wear on Mondays. Jeans should be paired with a classic buttoned-up collared shirt, if not a blazer thrown over is always a good idea. Keep the look really sharp with heels. If you are more on the corporate side, then replace suits with skirts or dresses. Whatever your dress code, I have some ideas to create the ultimate casual Friday styles available at Pink Memo Boutique.

This slinky black and white striped skirt in a flattering and supple ribbed knit calls out your curves. You will love wearing this with classic pumps and a 90s-minded top will make the most of its elegant two-piece. Wear it to work on Fridays and spice up the office.

This floral look is more fun and flirty. If you don’t know what to pair it with, just easily add solid colours. I chose a classic fitting wrap top, solid black; this simply did it. It took nothing away from the skirt. A belt always emphasizes curves; it's very feminine.

Three pieces: so many possibilities. This blazer works from Monday morning with a pencil skirt to Friday with a tank and jeans. A red blazer can brighten your day and keep the compliments coming.

What about that little black dress (LBD)? Every woman should have one. Add a blazer and a stylish pair of shoes and head to work.

Aim to please with this midi striped geo print dress. The sexy shape, three quarter length sleeves with belt deliver an allaround flattering look. Paired with simple skin tone shoe, this helps create a look that's irresistible for Fridays at the office.

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

Rockstone - Not just about fish

Story and photos by Alva Solomon Rockstone has featured on the tourism calendar annually over the past 10 years because of its Fish Festival, but with dwindling interest from outsiders, the community is now seek alternative sources of employment and funding.

Rockstone is located just an hour away from the town of Linden. So, if you’re travelling from the capital, Georgetown, it will take you about three hours to get there overland.

The community is governed by an Amerindian village council, but there is also a Community Development Council (CDC) which, though not active, remains part of the everyday life of residents.

Of course, fish as a means of livelihood has not been abandoned, but the village leader - Toshao Rudolph Simon – says there are now other initiatives such as craft making and agriculture.

He admits that the Fish Festival has lost its appeal and part of the reason may be because it has not stayed true to the original intent and is now just a “big sport” of revellers with no real interest in the community or the various species of fish.

The timing of the festival too could be another reason why many have lost interest, since when they do show up for the Festival, they could hardly bring in a catch from the winding river around Rockstone.

The villagers have even resorted to catching the fish

before the Festival so as to ensure persons have the delight of fishing. “…we had meetings and we discussed that if we could get some ponds and we place this Arawanna and Lukananni (fishes); so that when you get your wheel rod and you catch , you pay”, he said in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

“A lot of people come here and they catch no fish.

“So you could catch the fish and you pay and it (money) comes into the community”, Simon said.

But many go to the area for the Festival in order to fish in the river, not artificial ponds.

Ao with no fish around at the time of the Festival and with its new reputation of being just a regular “sport” the interest is dying away.

“That’s why we encouraging the people to do other things.

“We have a craft centre which we built recently and that is among the projects we are using to market this place,” Simon said.

Several years ago, the Canadian International Devel- Uncle Berty, one of the elderly farmers of Rockstone opment Agency (CIDA) through its GENCAPD project involved mostly women, fell by the wayside. had assisted the residents in developing an ornamental Today however, there are several projects which fish project which saw the species of fish, usually found are being pursued by the community. This includes a in aquariums, being exported. cassava-mill project, which is being funded through a The intent was that the funds would assist in the deprogramme of the Ministry of Indigenous People Affairs. velopment of Rockstone. Simon said, the project, which

A Rockston resident spins cotton, which was picked and dried from the tree in her yard

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016 Many households depend on logging as a means of income, and according to Simon, in the past 11 years residents have utilised the community’s State Forest Permit (SFP) in order to do so.

Rockstone can only cut 11 meter cube of logs per year under this permit regulated by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

The logs are sold locally as well as through exports to other areas in Region 10.

Recently residents have benefited from a potable water project which is in its developmental stage.

The project, which is being managed by the community in conjunction with the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) provides for water being pumped from a natural spring 500m in depth to a reservoir which is powered by four solar panels connected to three batteries. A water pump carries the water to six tanks at the top of a hill and using gravity feed, water enters the pipes at 15 households.

To complete the project, Simon said that the area is in need of water mains to connect other households to the grid and he plans to approach the authorities to get this done. This project, he noted, will work in tandem with others, such as the cassava mill project to the benefit of Rockstone.

But political problems have threatened to stymie the growth of Rockstone.

Deputy Toshao Keeron Williams told this newspaper recently that Rockstone was predominantly occupied by Hinterland residents who relocated there from regions all across Guyana. In addition, it was populated by other persons from the Coastland and at the time a Community Development Committee (CDC) was established to overlook the affairs of the community.

“To my observation, it is that everybody wants to rule …this is the main problem”, she said.

However, Simon claimed that the CDC was not doing the work it set out to do and so it was decided that an Amerindian village council be formed. This resulted in a split in the village whereby some persons remained and encouraged the CDC as the community’s regulatory body while the Amerindian council had its own mandate.

Having led the village council for some three years to date, Simon said that this rift has affected Rockstone’s development as

some persons have not been cooperating in pushing developmental projects.

“We have our vision plan that we are carrying out but not everyone is cooperating”, he said.

Williams on the other hand, believes that with a new government in place, the community can work together in future.

“It is a new leader (President David Granger), so let us follow the new leader and develop this community “, an optimistic Williams said.

“To me, I think is that we have to come together to get this place developed. But we have to also be accountable while doing that.”

About 350 persons live in Rockstone.

Williams said that Rockstone is one of the “nicest places” in Guyana, made up of different people, but its development depends on the people themselves.

Keeron Williams , deputy Toshao of Rockstone makes a phone call from the booth in the centre of the community. It is the only means of communication at the area, and persons sometimes sit for hours while waiting on a call from their loved ones

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Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

The beautiful game

A boy stands as a goal keeper as children play soccer on a road in Yangon, Myanmar, July 15, 2012. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

An Angolan youth plays soccer in the streets of the capital Luanda, January 30, 2010. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

Children play soccer in the Vila Autodromo slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 28, 2015. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016

Thailand's infamous tiger temple fights to keep big cats (Reuters) Thailand's controversial Tiger Temple, dogged for years by talk that it supplies the black market and mistreats its animals, is fighting to keep the big cats after wildlife authorities rejected a bid to extend a zoo license that expired in 2013.

The Buddhist temple, home to more than 100 tigers, has been investigated for suspected links to wildlife trafficking and wild-

life activists have accused it of illegal breeding of the animals.

Thai wildlife authorities have sent ten of the temple's tigers to a wildlife sanctuary.

But the temple, which bills itself as a wildlife sanctuary, has denied links to illegal trafficking, and wants to hold on to its tigers.

"This is their home. They are happy here," said Supitpong Pakdijarung, an official of the foundation that runs Wat Pa

Luang Ta Bua, as the temple is known in Thailand."The government has to find a budget to take care of them," Supitpong, the body's deputy chairman, told Reuters. "Here, the money comes from donations. It is about giving and generosity."

Supitpong denies accusations that tigers bred at the temple have been sold on the black market.

But the allegations of

mistreatment of tigers had dented Thailand's tourism image, said Teunchai Noochdumrong, director of the country's Wildlife Conservation Office.

"The world is looking at us," he added. "The temple did not allow officials to enforce the law. The temple has affected Thai tourism."

In the past, attempts by wildlife officials to inspect the tigers have been blocked by the temple and its abbots.

Thailand has long been a hub for illegal wildlife trafficking, as a place where everything from exotic birds to reptiles, and even bears, is for sale, driven by international demand for exotic meats and rare pets.

Successive governments have launched campaigns to curb

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Tigers play at the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi province, west of Bangkok, Thailand, February 25, 2016. the trade in illegal wildlife, but with varying degrees of success.

One visitor to the temple said the tigers should be left there, rather than being confis-

cated.

"These animals are used to being around people," said Victoria Carpenter, an American tourist.

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Catholic Diocesan celebrates 60th Anniversary

Sixty years ago, on the 29th February, 1956, the Roman Catholic Church in Guyana was elevated from being a Vicariate to become a Diocese.

When a church is a vicariate or more specifically, an apostolic vicariate, it is a local place that is on its way to becoming a diocese.

Instead of having a Diocesan Bishop it is administered by an apostolic vicar, a priest or bishop appointed by Rome.

Upon becoming a Diocese it is automatically headed by a Diocesan Bishop appointed by Rome. In addition to the celebration of Mass on the anniversary day from 17.00 hrs at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Diocese

is planning an event to bring the diocese together in a fun atmosphere.

This event will be held on Monday July 4, 2016 (Caricom Day) at the GCC ground Bourda. There will be competitive fun games with the different regions competing for trophies and other prizes and the ultimate title of champion!

All families are invited to come out with their picnic baskets and spend the day having fun either as spectators or by participating in other fun activities. All parishes and regions throughout the diocese are encouraged to come out to support their teams and join in the celebration. (Michella Ali)

The first Brickdam Cathedral

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Governor Cuffy of Berbice

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By Francis Quamina Farrier

hen Guyana became an independent country on May 26, 1966, Cuffy, the leader of the 1763 Berbice slave revolution, was honoured as a "Hero of Guyana." History reveals that Cuffy was "a house slave."

That in itself debunks the theory by some folks that

'house slaves' were more loyal to their masters, and looked down upon their fellow enslaved sisters and brothers with scorn.

I have heard recordings by the African-American Civil rights fighter, Malcolm X, lambasting the "house slave" mercilessly. That was some 200 years after Cuffy had waged a bloody war of liberation for all the enslaved Africans in Berbice.

In a way, Malcolm X demonized his fellow Africans,

The statue of Cuffy in Georgetown who were designated house workers by the slave owners, while others were designated as field workers. The house slaves did not appoint themselves to work in the Massa house of their own accord. It was the Massa who made such appointments.

However, even if some of the house slaves did in fact look down upon their field sisters and brothers, then Cuffy's revolutionary spirit and astute leadership proved that there were indeed, those house slaves who were as revolutionary as any field slave.

So it has been proven without a doubt, that some house slaves were anything but docile, and did not worship the white Massa, as Malcolm X so propounded.

Sad to say, there are still some right here in Guyana who seem to harbour those sentiments, so glibly expressed by the late African-American Civil Rights leader, Malcolm X. Now, let me establish that, although it was the worst enslavement of humans in the history of the world, slavery of Africans in the New World, was not the only occasion of slavery.

It is recorded in the Holy Bible that Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. That story which recorded early slavery, is in the book of Genesis, the very first book of the Holy Bible.

Chapter 37, verse 28 states: "Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt." So, for those who accept the Bible as a holy and accurate history book, then its report of slavery in its very first book proves that slavery was around almost from the dawn of time; and not with the African slave trade.

While that Biblical Joseph rose to power in Egypt because of his ability to correctly interrupt dreams, Cuffy came to power by dreaming of freedom for himself and his fellow enslaved African sisters and brothers in Berbice, hundreds of thousands of centuries after that Genesis report, and fighting for that freedom.

As a house slave, Cuffy endured the indignity of having to serve his masters who looked down upon him, not as a human with thoughts, hopes and aspirations, but something just a little better than the animals of the â–ş Continued on page XXXI

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016 the Dutch prevailed. The leadership of Governor Cuffy, though flawed, was exemplary. He had, in a way, establish a country with an organized leadership; agriculture being paramount.

During a recent visit to Fort Nassau on the upper Berbice River, I noted that the land was way above the level of the river. I also saw evidence of fertile farm lands in which crops and cattle flourish.

It is obvious that Governor Cuffy recognized that agriculture was very important for the survival of his people. He established his headquarters at Fort Nassau.

That location was already occupied by the Dutch as a military outpost. There are still Dutch graves in relatively

Fort Nassau ► From page XXX fields.

The slave owners accepted that the enslaved people could talk. But the Slave Masters were of the view that the enslaved African People were unable to think. That was a very big mistake. Cuffy also suffered the pain and indignity of hearing the slave masters and overseers returning from the slave huts at nights and boasting of their sexual escapades with the young enslaved African females.

In February 1763, Cuffy and other enslaved Africans on the lower Canje river in Berbice, South America, broke loose and waged a war for freedom, which lasted for about a year. Cuffy lost the war, but not the admiration of generations after him. He is now, officially, a Guyanese Hero.

Shortly after Guyana gained political independence in May 1966, a Guyana coin was minted, as well as a Guyana postage stamp printed, which bears the image of Cuffy.

There have been historic publications, such as poems as well as plays, in which Governor Cuffy is the principal character. His image, along with a few other Guyanese heroes, is also on the inner dome of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry on Water Street in Georgetown.

So what were some of the activities of Governor Cuffy during the months of the war for liberation?

First, he appointed himself as Governor of Berbice.

He waged a severe war for freedom. Like the great Nelson Mandela who came along over two centuries later, Cuffy was also, inclusive of his former masters, and offered the lower portion of Berbice to the Dutch.

He established a new country on the upper Berbice and Canje rivers area, which were above sea level.

Cuffy also engaged in agriculture on the very fertile lands of the Upper Berbice and Canje rivers.

However, Governor Cuffy faced a very astute military enemy in the person of the Dutch Governor Hoogenheim.

Only in his mid-thirties, the Dutch governor engaged Cuffy in a series of letters back and forth, which gained him time to receive support from Suriname and Holland.

Meanwhile, Governor Cuffy was distracted with the war efforts, by trying to subdue Ms Georgie, a Dutch woman who he took revenge on for what the Dutch males had done to the enslaved African females.

What is not generally known is that during the Berbice Slave Revolution, quite a number of Dutch soldiers deserted and joined up with the African fighters against their own fellow Dutch military.

Cuffy was getting the upper hand. However, the Dutch Governor was undaunted and engaged Cuffy in correspondence, even as Cuffy was focusing more and more on revenge of the female. But she, like Hoogenheim, was unshakable. Discord among the leaders of the revolution was also growing, and in the end, with military reinforcement from Suriname and Holland,

XXXI good condition at Fort Nassau.

This location is being well maintained by the National Trust, and attracts a few tourists annually. There is likely to be more tourists to Fort Nassau later in this Jubilee Year.

A visit to this historic community should be made by more Guyanese, so that they can have a feel of the spirit of Governor Cuffy, and the 1763 Slave Revolution, which was the beginning of a long Journey to Freedom for Guyanese, now poised to celebrate their Golden Anniversary of Independence.

That journey commenced over 250 years ago, under the leadership of Cuffy, a “house slave.”

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Seven Beauty Essentials

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e've all been pondering on the right makeup kit and often ask "what is the right product for me?" Although makeup is about personal style and preference, there are products out there to make life easier and efficient, so we can focus on the more important things in life, like having stronger faith, and more shoes…hahaha.

Moving on…here are seven essentials that will make it easier to function well in society.

1. The holy grail of all makeup products: Mascara..."if eyes are the windows to the soul, then the lashes are the window dressing." --James Vincent.

Forget what you heard, mascara is a go to item. One of the more recent trends is false eyelashes! But the need for that can be minimized by adding mascara, instead of applying fake lashes every day, two (or ten!) coats of mascara will easily do the trick.

Quickly transforming the face from flat to fabulous.

The eyes are always the main focus of the face, and usually what captures the most attention. Choosing the right mascara depends on lifestyle, personal preference, and environment. If you know you're a crier, then opt for waterproof, triathlon resistant mascara, but those don't always give the best volume or can flake easily...my personal trick is to apply Voluminous Masacaras on the top eyelashes, and use the waterproof formulas for bottom lashes, it's the best of both worlds, and genius (if I may say so myself).

2. Foundation Powder: This is a good way to keep oiliness minimal and still maintain a well-toned skin. Apply with a powder puff and wisp away with a large brush. You can also do touch ups around the T-Zone area where the face is more likely to shine during the day.

3. Eyebrow Pencil: I always keep at least two shades of brow pencils in my kit. It's imperative for you to have at least one. If your brows are blonde you may use a pencil shade darker than your hair colour.

If it is dark brown or black, a shade or two lighter would suffice. WARNING: do not ever use BLACK eye pencils on your eyebrows!

► See page XXXIII

Chronicle Pepperpot February 28, 2016 â–ş From page XXXII 4. Black and Always Black Eyeliner: The only acceptable place black eyeliner is allowed is on the rim of the eye and the creases of the eye to contour or exaggerate the shape of the eyes. Black eyeliner when used correctly can lift the shape of the eyes without the need of plastic surgery. For a smokey natural look you can smudge the eyeliner at the base of the lids and fade it outwards. Black eyeliners work for any skin tone; it has the power to make even the most tired eyes into bombshell beauties.

5. Tinted Moisturizer: this product is perfect and I believe is better than the new trend of BB and CC creams. It's not a primer mixed with moisturiser, it's a light sheer toning lotion for the face. Most Tinted Moisturizers are well equipped with SPF, which helps to provide an extra layer of sun protection and an prevent premature ageing. It's best applied in the morning before heading to work. It's every professional woman's must-have product.

6. Shimmer Highlighting Powder: to make sure the face looks less matted out and more uplifting, luminous and youthful, have a shimmer highlighting powder. This product is best applied on the nose bridge and cheek bones. For darker brown skin, a peach toned highlighter works; for Ivory skin stay away from red pinkish colours and opt for a more tanned copper tone to give the illusion of sun kissed skin. There is nothing more dreary than dull flat powdered skin - it screams "a mortician did my makeup!"

Stay away from dry skin, and embrace shimmer.

7. Tinted Lip Balm or Lip Stain: This is the absolute best alternative for a natural, elegant look, without the overpowering brilliance of a highly pigmented lipstick. It's sophisticated, it's fine, and when you sip Champagne it won't stain the flute! A tinted lip balm or lip stain is every foodies delight. No more reapplying your lipstick, matter of fact, you might have a hard time removing your lip stain. It's an endurance product, and the p erecting companion, if you don't have one, get it!

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Apple encryption stand highlights mobile operators' dilemma (Reuters) Apple Inc's stance on privacy in the face of a U.S. government demand to unlock an iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino attackers has raised awkward questions for the world's mobile network operators.

Top executives at this week's global telecom industry gathering in Barcelona admit they are constantly trying to strike a balance between the expectations and demands of their own users,

A worker climbs outside an Apple store in Hong Kong, China, in this April 10, 2013 file photo. REUTERS/BOBBY YIP/FILES government regulators and national politicians.

Apple's stand -- it argues that to unlock the iPhone would violate its free speech rights -- has brought questions over these competing forces to the fore, exposing gaps in some telecoms operators' own approaches.

"It's very complicated, we don't have a clear position," Vodafone Chief Executive Vittorio Colao said, adding that the UK-based mobile operator is in more than 25 countries and must respect the security laws in each of those and more.

"We have privacy and customer safeguards as our number one value...I understand why Apple has a similar concern" he said.

However for others it is more clear-cut.

"Do I understand Apple’s position? No, honestly, it's difficult for us to say that we share it," Orange CEO Stephane Richard told journalists at the Barcelona event.

Richard, who runs France's biggest telecom provider said he appreciates Apple's position on user privacy, but this must be considered alongside the need for security services "to have the maximum means to catch people who have bad intentions".

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Battling the dry spell - How the people of Kumu Village are coping with the dry weather

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By Alva Solomon laudette Ignacio sat in her chair, staring into the Kanuku Mountain Range in the distance. Her facial expression was one of hope mixed with worry as she contemplated coping with the prolonged dry weather conditions in the Rupununi.

Ignacio is one of several families living at Kumu , the small Amerindian village near St Ignatius in the North Rupununi. Kumu is a satellite village of the larger St Ignatius Village which lies adjacent to the region’s administrative capital, Lethem. It is home to 20 plus families, all of whom live in troolie homes, scattered across the Kumu landscape.

“We get water from the well but we keep digging it. ...still we get to do our washing and bathing but it salty to drink”, Ignacio, a mother of nine said.

“The rains poured heavily on February 10; was a Wednesday “, she asserted, since that date was a significant one for all of Region Nine (9).

She said she farms on a plot of land aback her home, which stretches along the village lands south to the foot of the Kanuku Range. “I’m a mother and so I have to find ways of getting water while the children father work on the farm.”

The family plans mainly cassava and banana on a smaller scale. “The cassava is to sell and we plant bananas to use and sometimes we also plant ► Contunued on page XXXVII

Water flowing at Kumu Falls last Saturday, a welcome sign for villagers

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► From page XXXVI eddoes,” Ignacio said.

As her daughter and her classmates scribbled one of the trio’s homework on a stool nearby, Ignacio walked to the side of her home where the family has been digging their small well almost daily for water.

She said that the water level in the well has been receding gradually since the year started but last week the situation grew immense.

“It really salty to drink so we have to depend on the village “, she said.

The village leader, Emrit Francis was not at home when this newspaper visited his home. However, his wife and children, who were in, related that he had travelled over the Lethem that day to meet with government officials . “He would have relate this problem that we having “, his wife noted.

“Everything dry right now; we need water,” she lamented.

“The villagers now dig a new one (well) by the benab side... right there they burst a spring “, she said, noting that the villagers would then full water into tanks from the spring and distribute to the residents. “They distribute water house to house and leaving it in buckets and so”, she said. ► Contunued on page XXXVIII

This resident of Kumu spoke of the impact the dry weather has had on the village.

The dry conditions close to the Kumu Falls. Here residents of the community and other areas usually converge on Sundays for recreation.

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Battling the dry spell Claudette Ignacio stares into the distance as her daughter and peers sit nearby.

► From page XXXVII This arrangement began last week after the situation worsened. Prior to last week, the schools at Kumu – a nursey and primary - requested assistance from the regional authorities and water was being provided to the school weekly.

On Saturday, the village leader, Senior Councilor Emrit Francis and other residents spent the day distributing water from the well near the community’s benab and this continued all day on Sunday. The village was assisted with a pump from the Disaster Preparedness committee which was established in the region to address the dry weather conditions several weeks ago.

As this newspaper travelled further south into the village, it was evident that the situation has reached a grim state. Many wells appeared dry, while some persons dug deeper for water. The landscape was parched and some cows roamed the dry savannah lands, searching for greener vegetation and water.

For the residents of Kumu , the situation may soon change . It has been raining in several parts of the region and the community’s most prized landmark, the Kumu Falls, was blessed with additional water recently.

As this publication travelled a further 15 minutes by all-terrain vehicle (ATV) into the village, the Kumu Falls was gushing with water, and our guide stopped in surprise as he listened to the sound of the water hitting the rocks. He said a week prior, the falls was dripping while a part of the base was dry.

The waterway flowed into the creeks at the base of the Kanuku and several cows were roaming the banks of one the waterways.

Last weekend, a visiting team of government officials, led by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, met with and listened to the concerns of the residents of the region at the Tabatinga Ground on the outskirts of Central Lethem. An official of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) related that usage, including the safe use of water has been the message sent to affected residents of the region. These messages were being passed onto the villagers by their respective community leaders.

Unlike the Coastland, the Rupununi experiences a different weather pattern with prolonged rainy and dry seasons. However, the current conditions have grown past the expected stages through the El Nino conditions.

For the people of Kumu , the conditions may be beyond their control but the residents have adapted to the conditions with help from the authorities.

It is now a waiting game for the rains.

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'Neerja' best film we've seen this year Bollywood Movie Review

By Shilpa Jamkhandikar (Reuters) The latest in Bollywood’s attempts at retelling real-life stories, Ram Madhvani‘s “Neerja” is a shining example of what happens when the film-maker respects his source material and doesn’t introduce unnecessary melodrama.

Madhvani chronicles the 1986 hijacking of a Pan Am flight in Karachi, and tells the story from the point of view of Neerja Bhanot, a senior flight purser who saved hundreds of lives and died while saving passengers from bullets.

Madhvani is an ad film-maker and “Neerja” is his second full-length feature in 13 years, but he handles it with the deftness of a pro. Along with screenwriter Saiwyn Quadras (who also wrote “Mary Kom“), Madhvani weaves an intimate tale about a waif-like young woman who finds the courage to stand up to hijackers.

The first few minutes set the tone. The opening credits roll, interspersed with shots of Neerja partying and later readying for her flight,

while the hijackers prepare for their mission by arranging grenades and bombs.

Throughout the film, at crucial moments, Madhvani juxtaposes Neerja’s current situation with her past life — family, doting mother, a short-lived marriage, and baby steps towards a better life with boyfriend Jaydeep (Shekhar Ravjiani) — effectively painting a composite portrait of a 23-year-old.

It couldn’t have been easy to recreate a hijacking on a set, but all credit to cinematographer Mitesh Mirchandani and production designer Aparna Sud, who help the audience reimagine a horrifying ordeal. Throughout, director Madhvani handles the narrative with restraint, never overdoing emotions or violence and letting many things go unsaid.

Sonam Kapoor may seem a poor choice to play Bhanot, but she grows into the role.

Towards the end, you cannot help but be moved by her performance. She is at once stoic, child-like and scared.

This is an author-backed role that she bites her teeth into.

Shabana Azmi, playing

Lata Mangeshkar to honour Ranveer Singh (Indian Express) “Bajirao Mastani” actor Ranveer Singh will be honoured with Dinanath Mangeshkar Award in April, says melody queen Lata Mangeshkar.

The Mangeshkar clan — led by Lata — honours artistes to commemorate their father Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar’s death anniversary every year.

This year, the award will be bestowed upon Ranveer at a function to be held in Pune on April 24.

“Ranveer is a very good actor and seems to be a very positive human being. He spreads happiness wherever he goes. We are happy to give this annual award, named after our father, to Ranveer,” Lata Mangeshkar said in a statement.

Ranveer made his Bollywood acting debut with “Band Baaja Baaraat” in 2010. He went on to feature in hit films like “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela” and “Lootera”.

Lata Mangeshkar

Ranveer Singh

Neerja’s mother, is the other highlight of this film. Azmi’s speech at the end of the film is one of the most poignant moments on screen this year, and that alone is worth the price of a ticket.

The flaws are few and the high points are many.

“Neerja” is the best film we’ve seen this year.

Sonam Kapoor in Neerja

Foreign film Oscar favorites zoom in on stark worlds (Reuters) Despite all their differences, harrowing Holocaust drama "Son of Saul" and the coming-ofage tale "Mustang," the two frontrunners for the best foreign language film Oscar, both place their characters in a claustrophobic world of stark choices.

For "Son of Saul" director László Nemes and "Mustang" director Deniz Gamze Ergüven, a win at the Oscars on Sunday would mark an especially significant breakthrough, since these are the first full-length films of their careers.

In "Son of Saul," the film's title character is an inmate at the Auschwitz concentration camp who risks

his life to attempt a proper Jewish burial for a boy he believes is his son.

As a member of the Sonderkommandos, doomed prisoners given some preferential treatment for a time, Saul risks execution with any misstep.

Hungarian-French director Nemes depicts the Holocaust with a continuous series of close shots of Saul as he carries out his nightmarish job of herding detainees to their deaths and collecting their bodies for the crematorium, all the while trying to find a way to bury the boy.

"By narrowing the field of vision, I really wanted to rely more on the imagination of the viewer, not tell the

viewer what to think or what to feel," Nemes, 39, who comes from a family with relatives who died in the Holocaust, told Reuters.

The public, especially younger people, risk losing an understanding of the Holocaust with the passage of time, which is why he opted for the film's visceral style, Nemes said. "People tend to consider these things as if they belong to history, as if history was in a different dimension," he added.

The fate of five orphaned sisters in Turkish-French director Ergüven's film "Mustang" is far less dire, yet their life choices are sharply constrained in their conservative

Philippines may ban pop singer Madonna for disrespect to flag – report (Reuters) American singer Madonna may face a ban in the Philippines for disrespecting its flag in her concerts this week in the capital Manila, a domestic broadcaster said on Friday, citing a historical commission official.

The 57-year-old entertainer is on a world tour to promote her "Rebel Heart" album, and did sold-out shows on Wednesday and Thursday.

"She ridiculed our flag," the official, Teodoro Atienza, told radio station dzBB, adding that Madonna violated a law that prohibits the wearing of the Philippine flag "in

whole, or in part, as a costume or uniform".

The singer and concert producers could be held liable for the violation even if they were unaware of the law, said Atienza, who is chief of the heraldry section of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

"They may face deportation and might not be able to return to the country. She also allowed the flag to touch the stage floor, which is another violation."

There was no immediate response from the organizers of the concerts, held in the

same hall where Pope Francis met Philippine families last year.

Madonna's next stop will be in Singapore on Sunday.

A Roman Catholic bishop in the Philippines this week urged the faithful to boycott Madonna's shows over her "suggestive" performance and "vulgar" clothes.

Roman Catholics make up about 80 percent of a population of more than 100 million in the Philippines, where the church has strong influence, blocking legislation on the death penalty, divorce and samesex marriage.

Singer Madonna performs during her concert at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France, December 9, 2015, on her Rebel Heart Tour. (Reuters photo)

A scene from Mustang

A scene from Son of Saul Turkish village.

After the girls are seen playing on the beach with some boys, their grandmother and uncle imprison them in a house by installing iron bars on the windows. Then, they start arranging the young

women's marriages.

As it becomes clear that the uncle has been sexually abusing at least two of the girls, the youngest sister plots an escape to Istanbul.

"It's a kind of prison-break movie, showing

how with force of will, one can break through walls to reach a different future," said Charles Gillibert, who produced the film.

"Son of Saul", Hungary's official entry, has already won a Golden Globe, numerous U.S. film critics awards and a prize at the Cannes film festival. "Mustang," France's contender, has also fared well at Cannes and on the European awards circuit.

They will compete at Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony with Colombia's Amazon exploration tale "Embrace the Serpent," the World War One era drama "Theeb" from Jordan, and Denmark's "A War" about a Danish army commander in Afghanistan.

It is a man's world (again) in the Oscars best picture race (Reuters) From abandoned astronauts to testosterone-fueled Wall Street traders, dogged reporters and frontiersmen bent on revenge, it is a man's world in the best picture race at Sunday's Oscars with women again taking supporting roles.

The Oscars have not seen a female-led film win best picture in a decade, since "Million Dollar Baby" starring Hillary Swank won the top accolade in 2005.

The #OscarsSoWhite backlash that took place this year after no actors of color were nominated has overshadowed much of the coverage of Hollywood's awards season.

Yet the male-dominated race is indicative of the larger gender gap in Hollywood, observers say.

Male stars from Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy to Christian Bale and Matt Damon anchor the frontrunners for best picture this year in Wall Street misdeeds film "The Big Short," pioneer-era revenge tale "The

Revenant," Boston Globe's Catholic Church probe "Spotlight" and space adventure "The Martian."

"Brooklyn" and "Room," both female-driven films and whose leads are both nominated for best actress, are included in the pack, but neither film is predicted by awards pundits to win the best picture contest.

"A woman's film is always harder to get made at a studio," veteran film producer Lynda Obst told Reuters.

"They (studios) have never been convinced that a female market 100 percent exists."

That is despite the box office success of big budget films with female leads, including Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games" franchise, Shailene Woodley in the "Divergent" series, Scarlett Johansson's "Lucy" and newcomer Daisy Ridley in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

But studio executives attribute the success of those films to the popularity of the star actress rather than the strength of the female mov-

ie-going audience, said Obst, who has produced films such as "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Interstellar."

According to a study published this week, women made up only one-third of speaking characters in 414 Hollywood movies and TV shows in 2014.

"Award shows can only be a reflection of the material out there," said Katherine Phillips, professor of leadership and ethics at Columbia Business School.

Much of the problem, Phillips said, lies in movie studios sticking to business models that have worked in the past, leading to "history repeating itself over and over again." Films with popular male leads tend to do well on average at the box office, so the formula is replicated.

"The film industry has been lazy," Phillips said.

"You have choices to make and there are easier choices, lazier choices and sometimes harder choices to make about diversifying what you're showing people."