Pepperpot 06 12 2015

Before the Road to Brazil â–ş Page III

Joan Cambridge's reflections from her rainforest journals

While others sleep

â–ş Page II

Hitching a ride to Yukuriba Falls on a Demerara Woods (now Demerara Timbers) tractor.

II

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

While others sleep

T

By Godfrey Wray

HE early morning mist hanging low over the murky Demerara River provided a welcome cover, yet its denseness made rapid progress a nightmare.

The specially-equipped two-seater Cessna 206 aircraft darted between puffs of swirling white clouds, the pilot concentrating on his dashboard where a powerful forward-looking infra-red camera sought to enhance visibility.

Two persons were in the cockpit: An ageless aviator everyone called ‘Sky’, and the tanned stranger who spoke little after giving directions to the proposed destination.

ANY MINUTE NOW The cargo was six styrofoam bales, their contents of no particular interest to the flier.

“Any minute now you should see a light blinking,” said the passenger, his voice strained as if the statement had been a laboured effort. He spoke with a Caribbean-flavoured Middle Eastern accent, and was dressed in a skin-tight black plastic suit with a tightly drawn hood. His feet were bare, and strapped to his back was a dark, water-resistant knapsack.

“There it is,” he hissed triumphantly, allowing a wisp of a smile to relax the tension that had tightened his face and body throughout the long flight.

Hassan slipped between the only two seats, moving directly to the rear of the plane. There he tugged at a ring on the floor. It yielded. Suddenly, a circular door flapped back with a dull thud, and a staggering blast of cold air rushed in.

Despite the chill of the early morning, the fervor of his mission kept him warm. Using both hands, he manhandled the six bundles closer to the specially-modified drop door.

And with one heave, he shoved each through the opening, then quickly secured it again.

It had all taken a mere two minutes.

He felt good. This was the beginning of a new mission that, once set in motion, could affect the balance of the worldwide Islamic struggle for which Allah had chosen him to be a leading player.

He climbed back over the passenger seat, handed the pilot a bulky envelope and said conversationally, “Fly straight ahead for another mile, turn around and climb to an altitude of 900 feet. I will tell you when we will part company.”

RATHER UNUSUAL The flier’s wrinkled brow developed more furrows as his thoughts moved sluggishly to assort themselves. This was unusual. On the three previous runs, his passenger would quickly get rid of his cargo and then urge him to get as far and as fast away as possible. However, today, the modus operandi was decidedly different. The enigmatic man was staying with his obviously valuable shipment.

But what did he care? The mission, like the others, had gone without a hitch, and he had been more than adequately compensated. He glanced at the thick parcel between his legs and knew without counting that the usual bonus had been added.

Godfrey Wray He asked himself: ‘When are you going to quit?’

It was the same query that popped into his mind every time he successfully completed a clandestine flight. And he knew that, once again, he would comfort himself with the same answer: ‘Just one more time.’

The sturdy little plane coasted quietly around its horizontal axis, then the pilot gently lowered the nose, keeping his eyes on the altimeter.

Switching on the wipers, he cut a clear swathe through the fog on the windscreen. He saw the murky river as it came into view beneath the cloud, and pulled back on the throttle to line up on the waterway as if it were a natural runway.

With the power almost at idle, he gave the signal. His passenger peered closely at the Global Positioning System (GPS) strapped to his parachute, then, when he was satisfied, pushed open the door on his side and disappeared without a goodbye.

The navigator was mildly surprised by the lack of farewell courtesy, but he shrugged and pressed a button, which made the door swing back on small hydraulic hinges. He hauled back hard on the joy-stick, and the plane responded by lifting its nose skywards. Glancing at the fuel gauge he could not repress a satisfied smile.

The needle indicated that he might not have to utilise the on-board fuel tanks, specially fitted to facilitate long-range flights.

COVERT LANDING Meanwhile, Hassan floated slowly downward, his descent controlled by another sensitive piece of electronic equipment on a strap of the chute. He had hoped to land on the bank of the river opposite the point where he had dropped the bundles, because he wanted to observe the retrieving operation without being seen.

But now he was drifting too far inland, increasing the possibility of someone seeing him and the parachute coming down. This was the risky part. He had to make a decision quickly.

Without hesitation, he pushed a red button on the radio-controlled device, and right away, his rate of descent accelerated.

In the early morning gloom, he knew he had to be precise in his calculations, or else he could plummet to his death. Looking down to gauge the distance, he counted ten seconds before releasing the button. A minute later, his tucked-in legs hit a soft surface that told him he was not far off his mark.

Two men in a boat had already hauled in four of the bundles, and were paddling after the other two.

SO FAR SO GOOD Hassan said a quiet thanks to Allah for delivering him safely to carry out another vital phase of his international mission. The only fear he ever harboured was about getting caught before he could unleash deserved vengeance on the avowed enemy of his people: ochestrating a catastrophe that would make September 11, 2001 look like child’s play.

He was not afraid of death. In fact, he embraced the concept. However for death to be pleasing to Allah, it had to be enshrined in glory. One had to complete a great mission, and, in the process, celebrate it with one’s own death.

Death was a friend, not an enemy. That’s what had been drummed into his head by a fanatical Guyanese father and teachers during the entire four years he had undergone special training in the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militia.

What was suicide to Westerners was an act of devotion to the real believer. Whatever was perceived to be the will of God obscured everything. One just had to have utter conviction in the martyr’s righteousness.

He had seen the face and evidence of death many times. Only once had he been disturbed. And it was that particular scene which had helped him to identify the true enemy of the Arab world.

He had seen the jungle-cloaked Jonestown once, but immediately recognised its potential. What lay before him was a goldmine rather than the grisly aftermath of colossal slaughter.

He was going to use the solitude and lack of attention to full advantage to set up the world’s most exclusive terrorist training camp.

It was perfect. He wanted a place where the American satellites, forever circling above, would have no particular interest.

And he was now looking at it. Jonestown was going to be in the news some time soon.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

III

Before the Road to Brazil (Reflections from my rainforest journals)

By Joan Cambridge CIRCA 2000 For more than ten years now, I’ve sat here on Yukuriba Heights observing the passing tide; not just the mother water Essequibo River rising and falling in her lyrical seasons, but the purpose of people, events and change.

I recall Sibali Hill (“Sibali The Bitch”, we called that hill) being the greatest challenge to getting here; even more formidable than the unremitting potholes on the Mabura Road (before the vested interest of Omai Gold Mines changed that reality), or the craggy “laterite hill”. It all seems like an eternity ago.

Picture it!

We are balancing on the edge of a severely eroded cliff above a gorge through which flows Sibali Creek, our backs pressed against the side of the overloaded Land Rover easing gently around an S-bend created by massive hillside erosion, fearing that any minute now, the vehicle could lean too far over and topple; or that the uncertain ground on which we’re standing might just decide to give up.

We searched in vain for a tree near Sibali Hill that was sturdy enough to hold a winch to power the ‘pick-up’ out of knee-deep slush bogging us down. We made it here by the sheer guts of our determination, sometimes walking to lighten the load, grunting, heaving, shoving most of the journey; never complaining; loving it all the way.

We encountered streams of pork-knockers forging through, some on foot, others conveyed through the trail in a procession of Land Rovers and ‘pick-ups’ and trucks plying back and forth on their way to the Pott Falls/Frenchman Creek gold-bearing areas.

Those were the days when it was possible, but too tedious, to get to Kurupukari by trail.

There was no road to Brazil, and the dredges, in great numbers, had not yet dreamed of Yukuriba and the Siparuni being accessibile by way of the Essequibo.

The dredges have come and gone away again in search of better hunting grounds, and now, perhaps the most pleasurable phase of our journey here today is Sibali Hill, a sweep of gentle gradients rushing forward to greet us in a gush of memory recalling her obstinate past.

We soon leave her to contend still with the more manageable treachery of the laterite hill.

And this, we know, will also pass.

We were surging after the idea of the Road To Brazil that we could see in the dim distance.

Some people, like Terrence Fletcher and his colleagues in the Trail to Rupununi Association, were also surging forward; they rushed on (perhaps too eagerly sometimes) to give the idea propulsion.

“The man”, in this excerpt from Jottings from My Hinterland Journals entitled: CENTU-

Hitching a ride to Yukuriba Falls on a Demerara Woods (now Demerara Timbers) tractor.

Navigating Yukuriba Falls RIES, CEMETERIES, SYMMETRIES, and published every Sunday in The Chronicle when Frank Pilgrim was Editor, was a member of the Trail to Rupununi Association.

MARCH 16, 1987: A red-letter day; not just because it’s Phagwah Day. The man sat in my cabin, right here at the kitchen counter, and said: “Me going put down one long building from here to down there...” ► Continued on page VIII

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Words: More delicious than food THE following are the results of the 2014 edition of the Guyana Prize for Literature as announced on Sunday, November 29, 2015: BEST BOOK OF FICTION David Dabydeen, ‘Johnson's Dictionary’ (Peepal Tree Press) BEST FIRST BOOK OF FICTION Subraj Singh, ‘Rebelle and Other Stories’ (Manuscript) BEST BOOK OF POETRY Maggie Harris, ‘60 Years of Loving’ (Cane Arrow Press)

plain in his writing. And in ‘Johnson’s Dictionary’, he has done just that: Been extravagant, daring the reader to stay with him as he offers ample rewards along the way.

Most of the rewards come by way of a writer who is an intriguing storyteller, fascinated by language and the delivery thereof.

Further, the difficulty in categorising this novel stems from the act or fact that its author has revisited many familiar subjects, attending to them this time from daring viewpoints, but moreso because its author has tackled tabooed subjects with refreshing and consummate ease.

This novel is not easy to categorise, and this difficulty is intentional on the writer’s part; a writer whose first novel is semi-autobiographical, and falls in the ‘easy’ category of social realism and now trespassing in the realms magic realism not unlike his literary ancestors.

BEST FIRST BOOK OF POETRY Stanley Niamatali, ‘The Hinterlands’ (Caribbean Press) BEST BOOK OF DRAMA Harold Bascom, ‘Desperate for Relevance’ ‘Johnson’s Dictionary’ is Dabydeen’s seventh novel, and it is not easy to categorise, mainly because Dabydeen is never overwhelmingly satisfied with his previous effort/s, always looking forward to his next book, his next seven books, hoping to break new ground with the next and the next and the next.

Dabydeen’s seventh novel is not easy to categorise because it has covered a lot of ground in its experimentation of how history can be reclaimed, repackaged and disseminated to larger and diverse consumer groups.

In this novel, Dabydeen has not portrayed history in a linear way, but in a disjunctive manner. The four parts of the novel appear disjointed, but they are connected thematically.

This novel is not easy to categorise in its experimentation of resurrection/reincarnation.

And it is by design that the book opens with the reincarnation of Manu, ‘originator of life’ (Page 11), who, in Hindu tradition, is called the ‘Progenitor of Mankind’.

And it is also by design that this seventh novel surfaces in the period ruled by the seventh Manu.

EXTRAVAGANCE Regarding his experimentation, Dabydeen declares he tries to be ‘extravagant’ instead of

David Dabydeen receiving his prize last Sunday from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo ALWAYS EXPERIMENTING Dabydeen is always experimenting with his writing and his readership; particularly his readership because it is this group that could make or break a book; a writer. And Dabydeen is on record as declaring that a writer must always take the reader to the brink of the precipice.

Also on record is Dabydeen’s declaration that a writer ought to incorporate beauty and redemption is his or her work. So we find Dabydeen weaving beauty and redemption among the gloomy, gruesome subjects he examines.

Despite the difficulty in defining this novel, it can be said that ‘Johnson’s Dictionary’ is a literary novel; it goes to the heart of the English language.

‘Johnson’s Dictionary’, the novel, harps back to, and on, matters relating to ‘Johnson’s Dictionary’ composed by Samuel Johnson, and published in 1755.

The dictionary, by Johnson, is viewed as the most influential of dictionaries. The correct title of ‘Johnson’s Dictionary’ is ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’.

At this point, it is useful to know about, or to have a refresher on, Samuel Johnson and his servant, for that 18th Century story is woven into this contemporary novel of the 21st Century.

Francis Barber (ca. 1735–1801) was the Jamaican manservant of Samuel Johnson in London from 1752 until Johnson's death in 1784. Johnson made him his residual heir.

Barber was also left Johnson's books and papers, and a gold watch. In later years, he had acted as Johnson's assistant in revising his famous Dictionary and other works. (Wikipedia) THE SETTING The novel, ‘Johnson’s Dictionary’, is set in the 18th Century London and Demerara, British Guiana, wherein characters from art and other sources come alive as the author rewrites their story.

Hogarth himself turns up as a drunkard official artist in Demerara, from whom the slave, Cato steals his skills and discovers a way of remaking his world.

The transforming power of words is what enlightens Francis when his master gifts him a copy of “Johnson’s Dictionary”.

Dabydeen’s novel revels in the connections of Empire, Art, Literature and human desire in ways that are comic, salutary and redemptive. (Book’s blurb) As mentioned before, the novel, ‘Johnson’s Dictionary’, is a literary novel; and a point of departure for me is the following: “Words are more delicious than food.”

In this novel, Dabydeen’s experiment in the use of language has accomplished what many scholars find improbable to do: Review dictionaries. (To respond to this author, either call him on (592) 226-0065 or send him an email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com)

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

She stared death - and lived to in the face tell the tale

By Shauna Jemmott THE astounding story of 27-year-old Tomeicka Miller-Patterson is one of survival in the face of the most gruesome form of abuse, even as death came knocking at her door.

Tomeicka’s testimony is one of hope, endurance and resilience, even as she acknowledges the presence of God with her even in her darkest hour.

And although she survived the unsurvivable, she is yet fighting for survival for herself and daughter as she tries to find a way to put the pieces of her life back together.

TRAGEDY STRIKES One night in February, she was aroused out of her sleep with the realisation that she had unconsciously made a mistake by allowing to work a relationship that had already been dismantled. After objecting to the man on whom she had walked out sleeping in her house while he was no longer her man, he retaliated by stabbing her more than 27 times.

Andrew Patterson, her 32-year-old husband and attacker, was found hanging by a tank in the village the day after the attack; but Tomeicka has been broken, torn, literally ripped apart physically, emotionally and psychologically. Nevertheless, as she rightly put it, “God saved me.”

Sunday Chronicle caught up with this remarkable woman at her home in Parfaite Harmonie, one she calls her greatest gift since tragedy first struck.

Recounting the events of the darkest night of her life, Tomeicka said that after an eventful day, terror struck at sometime around the season of Mashramani 2013. There was a greasy-pole fun event as part of Republic celebrations at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, where she lived at the time.

“That night, I finished selling and I tucked in my daughter (to bed). I was

sleeping on the bed with her and I heard a knocking on the door. He came very late.”

She said she had, a few months before, ended the relationship with her husband, who was cheating and had become a “smoker”. She knew he smoked marijuana.

While the two were living downstairs at his mother’s house with their seven-yearold daughter, her husband had lost his job at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and had become frustrated, while she worked as a cook at Sita’s Bar in Georgetown.

He became excessively jealous, and would track her down, sometimes standing almost nightly at the corner just to see which vehicle she travelled home with, and sometimes travelling to the city, screening her from a viewable distance in the dark just outside her workplace.

She was his married wife at the time, and they were living together. He always waited a while after she entered the house before proceeding into the house himself, but she observed him many of those times. He also had an affair, and they would fight constantly over the other woman, monetary demands, and every little thing, triggering her alerting him and his mother that she was moving into a house she had shared with her mom, who had already passed on.

The dreadful attack came just months after. When she opened the door on that fateful night, he said he would like to have a talk, and she agreed; and in the midst of many questions and complains, she answered negatively to his key question.

“He asked me if I want him back.”

She said the man proceeded to ask if he could see his daughter, and she chose not to deny him the opportunity.

“He went in and picked up my knife on the way…

He wasn’t a violent person, so I wasn’t scared of him.”

Although they had had fist fights before, the man

had never used a weapon in any of the brawls. He went on the bed near his daughter, and after he fell asleep, she joined them.

“I jumped out of my sleep and I remembered everything, and I asked him to go.” It was late in the night.

“He said, ‘so you want me to leave?’” And while she answered, he drew the knife from his pocket and forced it into her left side breast, before drawing it out. Her daughter woke up when she began to run.

BLOOD EVERYWHERE “All I could remember (was) seeing a whole lot of blood. He stabbed me (first) to the side of my breast. I run through the back door and run over the road at the tyre shop,” she revealed.

At this point of telling the story, she began crying.

The woman had mentioned that she does not talk about the tragic events, nor does she even remember the date it happened; but she is reminded every day that she had travelled the abusive journey that took her close to the end of life’s road.

“He went to a wedding in the village (and) he was drunk.”

She said that on that night, there was no one to save her life, as the guard at the tyre shop was “locked inside”; and though he began shouting at her wrathful attacker, the man took to his knees while she fell on the floor and stabbed her profusely.

“I was so weak, I couldn’t even scream.” She said she felt an unbearable pain from the very first wound, but her husband behaved as if he was going mad and was about to kill her.

Though she seemed to confront death face-to-face, her path has been redirected to a new life; but it is one which is still so hard to live.

“I gave up on life that night. I could remember telling him, ‘Andrew, leave me leh I die’. I gave up, but God didn’t give up on me. I

A face of survival and strength

know of people who get one stab and died.”

knife.

As he stabbed her repeatedly, she kept holding on to the knife but he pulled it violently away, “bursting my hand (with every pull).”

She was fighting to fight him off, and it was a pretty long

THE VOICE “In the midst of it all, I could remember this voice just telling me ‘turn on your back’,” she said. “I was so weak, but I found the strength to turn. He was on

V

his knees. All the other 18 stabs, I received them in my back.”

She said she is grateful to God for giving her the strength to follow that life-saving instruction.

“There is that moment in your life where you can say ‘yes, there is a God!’ and that was my moment. I knew it was God who told me to turn on my back”.

The pain never stopped that night, and until now it dwells in her.

“I could remember asking for water, but Uncle Shawn said he wouldn’t let me drink water. They keep talking to me and asking me questions when they taking me to the hospital.

At the hospital, my eyes was closed but I could remember hearing everybody voice. I hear Sharmaine (a fellow villager) and someone else screaming, and then is when I said I really deh bad,” she recounted.

“I remember seeing plenty doctors around me ► Continued

on page XXXIII

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Back to basics

EIGHT out of every ten Guyanese above the age of twelve can read and understand this newspaper. We should be proud of this fact, especially when we consider that we are more functionally literate than the majority of the world’s nations, including Brazil and the United States.

But despite this fact, we have not been taking full advantage of our fortuitous situation, generally as regards health guidance, and particularly oral health education.

The American Dental Association recently held its annual convention in Washington, DC, which I was among the thousands dentists in attendance. Participants once again emphasised the vital role played by the print media in the fight to minimise dental caries and gum disease.

The organisation currently distributes millions of pamphlets as part of its national oral health education programme. Extracts from one of those pamphlets are presented hereunder.

Daily brushing and cleaning between teeth Dr. BERTRAND are important to your dental health because R. STUART, DDS. they remove plaque. Plaque is a thin, colourless, sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat foods containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids which attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with the teeth. After many such attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms.

If plaque is not removed with daily brushing, it eventually hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus forms near the gumline, gums can become irritated and inflamed. They become swollen and may bleed. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, and form pockets that usually become infected. If gum disease is not treated properly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed, and healthy teeth may be involved.

It may surprise you to know that 50 per cent of adults over the age of 18, and 75 per cent of adults over the age 35 have some degree of gum disease. It is never too early to start fighting back. Your dental team can remove calculus from your teeth, and treat gum disease that has already appeared. But daily dental care is in your hands. Brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth. Several different methods are acceptable, one of which is as follows: Place the brush at an angled position to the gums. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (half-a tooth wide) strokes. Brush the inner tooth surfaces followed by the chewing surfaces. Use the ‘toe’ of the brush for the inner front tooth surfaces. Do not forget the posterior faces of the last molars. Finally, brush your tongue and hard gums.

For general use, select the brush with soft, end-rounded or polished bristles. A toothbrush with a small head size should allow you to reach every tooth. Worn-out toothbrushes cannot properly clean your teeth and may injure your gums. Once the bristles start to turn backwards, it is time to change the brush. Brushes with hard bristles are used to clean dentures.

One way to clean between the teeth is with dental floss. Flossing remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and the gum line areas a toothbrush cannot reach. The following suggestions may help to learn about flossing. Break off about eighteen inches and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the other hand. This finger will take up the floss as it is used. Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and first finger with about an inch of floss between them.

Use a gentle, “sawing” motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Hold it against your tooth, scraping the other side of it, as you guide it gently beneath the gum line.

If none other is, this article is worth cutting out and keeping for constant reference.

In whose interest?

M

Y mother-in-law is our "nanny". We pay her $1200 per month, and she watches our three children every other week, based on my rotating work schedule. She has been doing this for eight years now.

She is a strong and opinionated woman who often runs me over, and my husband, too. I am typically good at asserting myself, but I have found it hard to do so in this situation. I thought that by paying her, we would have more say, but that's not the case.

Next year, our children have the opportunity to do an after school programme that will cost a fraction of what we currently pay her. I attempted to discuss this with my mother-in-law, and her response was, "Absolutely not! I will not have my babies go to this when they can be here with me!"

Can you offer an acceptable exit strategy? She has my husband convinced we cannot do it without her, but I feel I've been a good sport, and I've reached my limit.

Sherri Sherri, The target isn't your mother-in-law; it's your husband. You have to get him on your side.

Part of winning him over to your side is knowing you cannot rail against his mother. It is his mother; you have to be smarter.

Check into the programme; meet the people; learn their backgrounds, and see what they have to offer.

Know the programme inside and out; circumstances and hours. Do your due diligence, even to the extent of knowing how children benefit later in life from this experience.

Sometimes we have to use strategy to realise a worthy goal. You want your mother-in-law out of your hair; you want to reduce the amount of possessiveness she has about your children; you want to save money, and you want what's best for the kids.

Men often do not care that their mother and their wife are battling for supremacy in the household.

But what might your husband care about?

Giving him what he desires may win him to your side, but that won't happen if the money goes toward a new washer or dryer.

It has to be money towards something he cares about: A home theatre; boat; pro-basketball tickets; a new car? It has to be something he wants more than giving the money to his mom. Presentation is everything.

The other thing he might care about, with his offspring, is this: Bigger, stronger, faster, smarter.

What in the nature of those after-school programmes might make the product of his loins bigger, stronger, faster or smarter?

You've managed to keep the kids away from childcare. You appreciate that; it's a fortunate thing. Many people don't have access to a family caregiver, but now that the children are old enough, it probably is time to give them a new experience.

Parents decide for children; children don't get a vote. Just as the kids don't get to decide whether they go to school or what school they go to, this is a parental decision; only you can decide what they most need at their level of development.

You must believe the switch is ultimately in the best interests of the children, or you cannot do this. If it's not in their best interests, or if it is primarily because of jealousy of your mother-in-law, you should not do this.

We assume your mother-in-law isn't doing anything bad with the children. That means you can't alienate her for times when the kids are sick, or the programmes don't meet, and you don't have a backup.

You are not going to get your mother-in-law out of your life and have that money for yourself. At least, not right now. Her best argument is that the youngest is not ready yet.

But the wisest principle to follow is this: What's best for the children?

Wayne & Tamara

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

VII

Farouk loses appeal

C

- ordered to pay $40,000 costs

O N S E QUENT to a legal battle between Farouk Yasin and Citizens Bank, Guyana Inc. 1998, the conclusion of a High Court judge was upheld, resulting in his appeal being dismissed. Costs agreed on were in the sum of $40, 000.

Murseline Bacchus appeared for the Appellant, and Rafiq Khan for the Respondent.

According to Justice of Appeal Singh, who delivered the judgement of the Court: “Citizens Bank, the Respondent, by way of a specially endorsed writ, sued the Appellant for the sum of $17,149,505, being the balance of an amount due, owing and payable to the Respondent in August, 1998 namely the sum of $24, 749, 555 for which the Appellant executed a promissory note.

“The Appellant, in response, filed an affidavit of defence in which he deposed that there was no consideration for the loan. He contended that himself and the Respondent carried on commercial transactions as banker and importer respectively.

“The Appellant referred to a specific shipment of milk from a Dutch company, payment for which was secured by a letter of credit issued by the Respondent bank. He further deposed that the milk was shipped on December 15, 1995 instead of the original date of November 8, 1995, and upon arrival, it was found to be unfit for human consumption.

“Moreover, that he had instructed the bank to refuse payment on the letter of credit, but they did not act as instructed.

“He contended that the execution of the promissory note and mortgages in favour of the Respondent bank was procured by undue influence, unlawful coercion and or duress exerted on him. He gave no particulars.

“The Respondent bank

filed an affidavit in reply and exhibited certain documents. In that affidavit, the Managing Director deposed that on August 19, 1998 a term loan of $24,749, 555 was granted to the Appellant to restructure the outstanding balances on letters of credit numbers 21/96 and 27/96 respectively, and to finance the completion of construction of the Appellant’s business premises at 54 Line Path, Corriverton, Berbice. These letters of credit marked Exhibits B1 and B2 were both drawn in favour of Bailey Dairy Products Ltd. England and not in relation to any Dutch Company as the Appellant deposed.

“The trial judge ruled that the affidavit of defence did not disclose a triable issue and judgement was awarded to the Respondent bank. It is from this decision the appeal emanated.”

According to the judgement, the grounds of appeal were that: (i) The trial judge erred in failing to consider the affidavit in reply, the exhibits attached thereto, and the affidavit in answer to the reply which contained sufficient facts upon which the Appellant was entitled to an order for leave to defend; and (ii) the trial judge did not consider and/or properly consider whether the documents before him satisfied the second part of the proviso to Order 12, Rule 4 (2) of the Rules of Court.

Order 12 Rule 4 (2) stipulates: “The judge may, on any hearing under this Order, give judgement for the Plaintiff on his application, provided that if the defendant by his affidavit shall satisfy the judge that he has a good defence to the action on the merits or shall disclose such facts as may be deemed sufficient to entitle him to defend, the Judge shall give leave to defend.”

Continuing with the delivery of the judgement, Justice Singh said:

“Mr. Bacchus, Counsel for the Appellant, contended that the affidavit, in answer to the Respondent’s reply, disclosed sufficient facts, and had these been considered by the learned judge, the Appellant ought to have been granted leave to defend with pleadings.

“I make the observation that the affidavit in answer is numbered 1158 of 1998, a different action number from the present.

There is no evidence that there was any application to correct the action number on the affidavit in answer. In the affidavit of defence, the Appellant had disclosed that he had filed action 1158 of 1998 against the Respondent.

One is, therefore, left to wonder whether the affidavit in answer is part of that action, since it bears the same number.

“At Page 42 of the record, Senior Counsel Mr. B. DeSantos, in his submissions on the Appellant’s behalf, referred to a letter of credit numbered 43/95 which related to a transaction with a Dutch company. Moreover, there is no reference by Senior Counsel to the facts deposed in the affidavit in answer.

“It might have been prudent for Senior Counsel to have filed a supplementary affidavit of defence, instead of an affidavit in answer to the affidavit in reply.

“Order 12 does not make provision for the filing of such an affidavit. However, even if it is argued that the term ‘or’, used in October 12 Rule 4 (2) is disjunctive (see s.

7 of the interpretation and General Clauses Act, Cap 2:01) and that the Rule makes provision for the disclosure of facts to the Court apart from those deposed in the affidavit of defence, that contention would fail, since, in this particular case, the action number on the affidavit bears no relation to the present action.

“Neither is there any evidence of an amendment being granted. It is obvious

that the reference to the transaction in relation to a shipment of milk imported from a Dutch Company in 1995 does not relate to the facts as stated in the affidavit in reply and the documents exhibited thereon.

“As regards the contention at Paragraph 10 of the affidavit of defence that the promissory note and mortgages were illegal and void, the author, Duke, in his Treatise on the Law of Immovable Property in British Guiana at Cap 14, speaking on mortgages, state the law as follows: ‘A mortgage of land is a registered deed passed by a borrower (the mortgagor) charging his land by way of security for the repayment of the Loan.

A mortgage deed is, in reality, a judgement, and to use the phraseology of English law, it is a registered judgement against

George Barclay

the land.’

“In this particular case, the mortgages executed as security for the loan, not having been set aside, still subsist.

“As to the promissory note, this Court is bound by the decision of Zephyr v.Bank of Nova Scotia [1988] 42 WIR 192, which states that there are three possible defences to such a note, namely: Fraud,

duress, or for consideration which has failed.

“It is important to note that the Appellant in this matter had not provided any particulars with regard to these special defences.

“For all the reasons stated the appeal is accordingly dismissed and the conclusion by the trial judge is upheld. Costs agreed in the sum of $40, 000.00.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Before the Road ... ► From

page III

“Where?”

“Here; right here,” he said.

I didn’t mean to scream, but I had fried the fresh himmorah Brown had caught in a creek three miles away. I’d steamed some in cassareep, and there was fresh cassava bread. Brown and I and Capt. Roy were going to sit down to a meal and some history. The man was down the hill in the ‘logie’ with his crew of Road to Brazil builders; they had come in the afternoon with a tractor, a truck with food, and an idea that they could get to Lethem in ten days.

Capt. Roy Bowen -- who grew up in the area; who will talk endlessly when asked; and has talked to me on tape about the Kurupukari Cattle Trail and all the present-day Rupununi businessmen and ranchers who had no other recourse but to walk their load on bull cows for miles on trail (the old Kurupukari Cattle Trail); about Art Williams and his transportation; great balata-boat captains such as Captain Fanfare under whom he grew from small-boy boat-hand to become a certified river captain himself; about the old order that’s changing, changing and will irrevocably be transformed by this Road to Brazil -- looked at the man and asked: “To Lethem in how much time?”

“Ten days!”

“Me brother, they have a thing name swamp; they have 52 miles.”

“Ten days!” the man snaps, stubborn as a mule.

“You alone or what?”

“Me and everybody.”

“Trucks too?”

“Truck; all...”

“You going to widen the bridges that too narrow, from Camoudi Creek, so the truck can pass over?”

“I going to widen them.”

“You going cross over the truck, the tractor, to Kurupukari? You going to float the pontoon?”

“Yes, straight to Surama and through to Lethem. Ten days. The boys at Surama cutting, coming through to meet me; they meet halfway already...”

As the man reeled off his plans for the area, I wondered: “What’s the difference between the Indian who had known no change and myself? History?

Yes, history. The understanding of history; the recording, interpretation of it for future generations, and the knowledge of it that forestalls any repetition... Yesterday I screamed. Today I sit at the beginning of this Road to Brazil phase of my history, aware and alert. Progress does not have to mean greed, confusion and...

“CAPITALISM GONE MAD!” There we were, ready for a quiet evening, good food, good talk, cassette recorder all set and ready for an after-meal session of oral history when...

A rumbling sound coming through the forest.

“Vehicle!” Brown said, sitting up.

After a while, there it was! A faint rumbling that grew and grew to a rush; then a roar coming through the forest.

“Big one,” Brown said. “More than one big one,” he added.

I ran to the front of the cabin, alarmed. Whatever it was sounded like the advent of doom; as if it would huff and puff right through the bush, up the hill, and blow my cabin clear into the river. I saw a Land Rover first; then a bulldozer; then a skidder, in that order. I saw the man standing triumphantly, waiting, welcoming the confusion in my life. Then, smiling up at me, he said: “We going to make a movie, Joan.”

I put on the siren in my throat, opened my lungs and screamed.

MARCH 21, 1987: I still feel like that “Indian who had known no change”... But what about me? What about that Indian?

I didn’t mean to scream, but listen now. Hear? The birds have come back. The ten-ton truck and tractor with trailer; the bulldozer with huge wheels churning up the earth; grease stains on the grass... Sweet William crushed…have gone away now. I screamed; they couldn’t get away from this ‘mad-woman’ fast enough. Next morning, they were packing and leaving.

Now, Listen to the toucan:

“You know; you see that, man?”

Two axe man come!

Two axe man come!

Two axe man come!

Come quick!

“I fly over...”

What if that Indian had screamed? Would his story then be so irreversibly mine today?

“Yes, you a man dealing with technology; I forget.”

At this point, I butt in to beg the man to listen to the people who lived there all their lives.

“Look you have Capt. Bowen, Brown… Listen! Talk to them! You may learn something!”

“I ain’t got to ask nobody nothing. No! Ten days to Lethem! I gotta get there; I going!”

“Not even if they got ten Christ, you ain’t gon mek dat, mih brother. It have a thing they call rainy season; it going to catch up with you. Any time bush cut and grow back in this bush, it have a thing name hold-me-back plimpla; guana tail; hirihiri bali; whatever you want to call it. Thick, thick, thick… You going stall up. Then you gon start again next year to clear again; and you have the swamp to divert and...”

Capt. Roy still trying to convince the man.

“Ten days! I gotta get there; I going!”

But why? Why such unhealthy haste? I wondered; I asked.

“Brazil need port,” the man said. “Me go put down one abattoir at Kurupukari.”

But what about the people who are already at Kurupukari? What about Capt. David Andries and his family; a dynastic family who’s lived at Kurupukari since 1933?

“They going to work for me...

“One sawmill at...

“One paper mill at...

“One peanut factory at...

“One long building from down there to down here!”

MAY 18, 1987: Today, some people came by here on the way to Lethem; they’d hired a truck. Cost them ten thousand dollars. They knew they could get to Lethem by road, ‘cause “…it was in the papers.”

And what happened to the man and those ten days on the Road to Brazil? Will they ever get to Lethem?

My thatched open sided house

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Reawakening the Guyanese imagination W

By Barrington Braithwaite

HEN Gorbachev’s Perestroika and Glasnost ended communism, what was recognised in the ensuing years by Western child entertainment providers who were invited to engage that society, was that children in Russia had lost their sense of the excitement of humour; those faculties had somehow become repressed and dormant.

When I read that years ago, I attributed it to the trauma of a war of extinction waged against the Russian people in the complex scenarios of WWII. But a similar war was waged against the people of Haiti. Even worse, isolation, mass media ridicule, and economic strangulation.

IMAGINATION AT WORK Yet, they empowered themselves and prevailed in a unique way; theirs was the application of the imagination, enveloping themselves with all its colourful attributes and cosmology.

Voodoo, with its elemental philosophy and symbolic language, allowed them to define the New World through values and the value of things in respect to themselves, and for the Haitian people that worked in their interest. Thus, as a community, they endured.

In the case of Guyana, the arrival of American TV in the late 80s with its diverse and dynamic currents of mesmerizing expressions saw cinemas that once housed the small talent shows, and were a cultural experience, being allowed to die a natural death so as to allow piracy and no directive to the local TV stations to accommodate local talents as they evolved.

How could the most profound dimension of the human consciousness be allowed to whither? Culture has been the torch bearer of the human species; the first language written in the caves across continents was written by ancient graphic artists, thereby allowing us to understand origins and geography; from the Sahara to Europe, they have summoned our attention.

cast the first stone”, or the most profound metaphor in the Christian religion, “Neither shall they say, lo here!

Or, lo there! For, behold, the Kingdom of God is within you” manifesting at the dawn of humanity through the Arts, and the eternal story of the Master, with his gift of talents to his Servants; talents that must be invested or else we betray the gift.

THE CHALLENGE

The challenge, for us, begins with the setting of the mood; the creation of the product, and the recognition of its value. These are not necessarily political challenges, but rather the task of enlightened foresight that require a corps with an agenda; an agenda that will not have, at this time, study space in our schools or activities in the communities at large to support it.

It has to be cultivated where the decline began; in the schools, where, in the late 1980s, popular music and ‘big sets’ went into the schools, and junior ‘bubble sessions’

IX

passions of Bacchus.

I can recall the good intentions of Ganga Time’s Roy Brummell, whom I didn’t get to ‘ganga’ with on his recent short visit to ‘GT’.

When Brummell was involved in raising ‘Folk Festival’ at GBC, I was enthralled by his enthusiasm, as nothing was done on the 1st of August, [Freedom Day], and Folk Festival had favourable elements.

Then I felt his despair as Folk Festival morphed into a ‘Bubble Session’. I witnessed that decline; and when ACDA (African Cultural and Development Association) emerged, I was eager to spearhead the release of Freedom Day from GBC, and launch the now well-grounded Emancipation Day. Today, the infrastructure is there, awakening the senses, another task in quick relative gaff, before we explore the movement that launched grassroot theatre in our age; no, I’m not talking yet about my brother, Harold Bascom or Grace Chapman. Linden at one time held the cultural torch. I’m talking about ‘Sam Chase, the people’s man

INDEFENSIBLE The indictment against the neglect of the symbolic language of culture is not defensible. The immense value of culture missed the religious community, because of the fossilised dictate that good is this way and not that, which does not apply to the myriad moods of the muses.

Yet, before the existence of the novel or published book, there was the Griot, Meistersinger, Dub Poet and what other names they are called among the nations.

Aesop, the Ethiopian, told his immortal tales, but none embodied the cultural gift of the storyteller like Jesus the Nazarene, whose challenge of the cultural status quo of the day was done with parables and poetry; parables like “Who among you that is without sin

The griot in African culture

took over the school’s year-end play, gymnastics, the costume skit, and the poetry and drama.

Back in the day, most school play costumes were made by the talented ‘Sewing Class’, now called ‘Clothing and Textiles’. Many of our theatre personalities started in the schools. We have unwittingly induced a generation to liquor and smut, not that there isn’t a time for everything, however, the timeline must constitute a balance between the tastes and temperament of the creative mind and the perennial

from Pacoo Dam’; his padnos Jack Mellow, Lennox Greaves and Zeda Martindale.

Before we go there, to begin, we have to extract our minds from the comfort of the hard work of the creative people of other nations; learn from them ‘fuh real’, and begin to explore parallels of hard work done from our perspective.

This, the editors of our media, public and private, our law-makers, ‘dem nice folks’ in education, and we ourselves have to persevere, and not bury our talents.

X

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

The importance of good mental health

I

Hello everyone

thought I'd begin my stint as a columnist by explaining why my feature is so important.

The significance of good mental health and addiction has been more often than not- overlooked and dismissed.

Someone asked me why I accepted the offer to write a column on mental health.

It's not because I've always wanted to be a journalist; and I have years of experience in this field.

Truth is, I haven't; and I don't. The honest answer is simple really. If we fail to confront something, we will always fail to change it.

MOTIVE It is my hope to provide readers with education; an outlet to start a conversation and a support system; to encourage them through admission and self-acceptance; a will for involvement; and finally, a passion and yearning to see this change, much like my own.

Guyana has many faults, yes, but in it undoubtedly resides the most patriotic people I know, myself included.

I grew up here, and my children will grow up here. I want them to live in an environment where they feel loved, comfortable, accepted, stimulated and educated.

I want them to feel supported, rather than discriminated against if they ever reached out for help. More importantly, I don’t want to have to wait until then to see this much needed development.

SOCIETAL PROBLEM I asked myself what was the root of the problem when it comes to general mental health in Guyana.

In preparation for this, I asked random individuals whether mental illness and drug abuse were the suffering individual's problem or a societal issue.

I interviewed 22 people of different genders, age groups, s, ethnicities, religious persuasions, and socio-economic backgrounds, and more than 50% said it was the individual's problem, as “they brought it on themselves.”

And therein lies the biggest problem: Little or no understanding, empathy or unity. It's no one's fault really, as educative and consistent information is rarely distributed throughout our country.

The sad truth is, absolutely everyone is affected by mental illness and drug abuse.

Are you upset because crime is so rampant? Are you upset that your car has been broken into, or something treasured has been stolen from your yard or home?

Have you been up all night, worried about your friend or family member who is a victim of domestic violence? Are you concerned about the future of Guyana as so many of our youth are dropping out of school? Is it hard for you to trust the person you love and have a stable relationship because the HIV rate is so high? Is your business suffering because employees call in sick so often? Have you or a friend been to a funeral of someone who died in a road traffic accident? Do you miss that person who succumbed to a heart/liver disease or cancer? Don’t you wish you could encourage that family member or friend to stop using drugs? Have you mourned the loss of a suicide victim recently?

A COMMUNITY THING Unfortunately, for most of us, the answer to the majority of questions will be yes. More importantly, in fact, more often than not, all the aforementioned issues are caused by addiction and/or mental illness.

An individual who has any addiction is six times more likely to attempt suicide. 63-77% of the women who suffer from domestic violence will also suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.

A school survey recently presented by the Guyana Drug Information Network showed that the average Guyanese will start drinking at nine years old.

Really! Think about it. It is a societal issue, and the majority of the problem lies within the community. Luckily for us- this also means the solution lies within our community. And the question is: How can we make a positive change? The first step is simple: Awareness.

Before one places judgement and blame, it is important to note that we Guyanese are particularly vulnerable to all these issues. How and why you may ask?

These answers and other critical discussions will be published every week.

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

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

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

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XII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Ali’s guide to fine dining ...

CAFÉ TEPUY RESTAURANT The Café Tepuy Restaurant is located at the Roraima Residence Inn, R8 Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park. You can order from the menu or pre-order your desired dish. The cuisine is both international and local and created by our top shelf chefs.

Whether you are dining alone, or as a couple or group, Tepuy has the capacity to accommodate approximately 50 persons for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The ambiance is superb. Go see for yourself.

FEATURED DISH: One of Café Tepuy’s signature dishes is the PRAWNS SUPREME. It is jumbo prawns stuffed with crab meat and wrapped in bacon, then pan fried.

It’s served with potato fries, baked potatoes, potato wedges, creams potatoes, white rice, and vegetable rice with sautéed vegetables.

THE ROYAL TEPPANYAKI RESTAURANT At the newly-opened Royal Teppanyaki Restaurant, located in the Princess Hotel and Casino at Providence, East Bank Demerara, you can find chefs performing shows, juggling utensils, flipping a shrimp tail into a shirt pocket, tossing an egg up in the air and splitting it with a spatula or flipping a flattened shrimp piece into diners' mouths.

FEATURED DISH: YAKISOBA is perhaps one of Teppanyaki’s most appetizing foods, and it literally means “grilled/fried noodles”. Fried noodles with chicken or shrimp and vegetables in tonkatsu sauce.

Want to try it at home? Heat garlic butter in large skillet over medium-high temerature; cook and stir chicken/shrimp and garlic in hot oil until fragrant. Stir noodles into chicken/shrimp mixture; and finally, add tonkatsu sauce and simmer.

THE EL DORADO RESTAURANT The El Dorado Restaurant at the Pegasus Hotel features an outstanding Italian menu in an upscale and sophisticated atmosphere.

Our Executive Chef, Paul Hamilton and his team have put together an exquisite selection of authentic Italian dishes to tempt the most discerning of palates.

Enjoy a hearty Minestrone Genovese with freshly-made Italian breads, or sample the Ricotta Ravioli Gratin, Fettuccine Carbonara, or aged Angus rib-eye steak.

Polish it all off with the exquisite Tiramisu or Amaretto Pear Tart, and an Italian Kiss one of our specialty coffees served with homemade biscotti.

FEATURED DISH: MINESTRONE GENOVESE: Sauté the onion, garlic, leek, celery and carrots in olive oil at medium heat.

Season with salt and pepper, then add the rest of the vegetables. Raise the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil.

Add the canned beans and the soaked porcini with their water. Add pasta and cook to al dente texture; season with salt, pepper and a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

CARIBE BOARDWALK POOL BAR The Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown’s Caribe Boardwalk Pool Bar and Grill gets even more exciting from this weekend.

The hotel plans to create the most sizzling pool party every weekend for the month of December, 2015. There will be no entrance free. Entertainment will be provided by several renowned disc jockeys (DJs) and live bands.

Not only will attendees be moved by the pulsating rhythm of the Caribbean and the festive season, but the spirit of Heineken Beer and Marriott’s sensational sushi specials.

FEATURED DISH: A few sheets of nori, a little rice, a bit of savory tofu and some veggies, and you’ve got the ingredients for a dinner party where guests create their own combination rolls.

When you personalize offerings with flavored edamame, mixed-grain rice, and homemade pickled ginger, your sushi spread will be a hands-on feast guests wouldn’t forget.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

XIII

True beauty and the eye of the beholder

W

By Dominique Hunter E have all heard it before, perhaps more times than we would have liked. I would venture even further to say that at this point, it has become one of those statements that provokes an eye roll every time a friend casually remarks, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” whenever our tastes aren’t quite aligned with theirs. Regardless of our individual responses to that statement, polite or otherwise, it makes for an interesting framework to consider the recently concluded 27th annual exhibition held by the Guyana Women Artists’ Association (GWAA) at the National

Gallery of Art, Castellani House.

ORIGIN Before giving a brief overview of the exhibition, it is important to examine the origin of the statement, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and its relevance to the discussion.

Although scholars have dated similar expressions as far back as the 3rd Century BC, it wasn’t until the 19th Century that the statement made its first appearance in print. In fact, it was an Irish novelist, Margaret Wolfe Hungerford, who has since been credited with coining the statement. And as overused as it may seem to be in the 21st Century, there is still value in the reading of it

centuries later.

More often than not, it seems to be the go-to statement for explaining away a particular kind of aesthetic or quality that is somehow thought to be deviant from what is considered popular or socially acceptable at the time.

But how often is the statement really considered?

Author and artist, Dominique Hunter There are a number of factors to contemplate within the statement itself. A casual assessment presents three seemingly straightforward components. There is the “eye”, the physical object that makes sight possible; the “beholder”, the person whose lived experiences shape their vision, what the “eye” sees and how it is seen; and finally, “beauty”, an ideal molded by the same experiences that inform the “beholder”.

RATIONALE Now that we have established the parameters of each component, the next question is perhaps why? Why is it so important for us to be aware of these, and how is it relevant to the viewing of a work of art?

Persons viewing some of the exhibitions on opening night (Photos courtesy Anna Correia)

► Continued on page XVII

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

ELECTRICITY FROM THE AIR

F

REE energy from the air! Sounds like a fantasy, but that is what the entrepreneur and former science minister, Lord Drayson has unveiled at London's Royal Institution.

He claims that a technology called Free-volt can be the power source for the "Internet of things", allowing low- energy devices, from wearables to sensors, to operate without being plugged in.

The technology involves harvesting radio-frequency energy from existing wireless and broadcast networks, from 4G to digital television. It doesn't require any extra infrastructure; it doesn't require us to transmit any extra energy; and it’s recycling the energy which isn't being used at the moment.

The technology, which has been patented, could now be used by organisations such as supermarkets which are preparing for the next phase of the Internet, where billions of small, cheap sensors are providing Online data about their operations.

New dad, Mark Zuckerberg to give back

L

AST Tuesday, Facebook CEO and his wife Priscilla Chan honoured the birth of their daughter, Max, by committing to spend 99 per cent of their Facebook shares, some $45B worth at current prices, on humanitarian projects over the course of their lifetime.

But now, some are raising questions about the unusual structure they have created to transfer their money.

To put it simply, Zuckerberg is not giving 99 per cent of his wealth to charity; he is pledging $45B in Facebook shares to a new private limited liability company (LLC) called ‘The Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative’. Most billionaires, like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, when they give to charity, give shares or money to a non-profit, a Foundation or a charitable trust. So, why would Zuckerberg choose to disburse his money through an LLC rather than a Foundation? Industry watchers say there are three possible answers: Lobbying, investing and disclosure.

LOBBYING Non-profits are limited in the amount of money they can spend on lobbying, and they cannot give to political campaigns. Zuckerberg's new LLC can do both of those things, and will likely seek to fund political change.

According to the letter to their daughter Zuckerberg and Chan released on Facebook Tuesday, the initiative will participate in policy and shape debates.

Holiday lights, gadgets killing your wi-fi

I

F you want super-fast Wi-Fi in your home, you may want to turn off your holiday lights.

While problems with network congestion and infrastructure take most of the blame for slow broadband, devices such as baby monitors and home phones can interfere with your Wi-Fi because they compete for frequency.

Still, the good news is that a few simple changes to the location of the router and other devices can lead to a noticeable improvement in performance.

Here are some tips from the regulator to maximise your Wi-Fi speed: 1. Restart your router: It can do a world of good to restart your router when you're having connectivity troubles. This allows it to search for a new channel that isn't being used by other devices.

2. Move your router away from electronic devices: Halogen lamps, electrical dimmer switches, stereo or computer speakers (and Christmas) lights have all been known to cause interference to broadband routers. Keep your router as far away as possible from other electrical devices, as well as those which emit wireless signals such as baby monitors.

3. Move your router to a central part of your home: Walls and furniture can act as obstacles to your Wi-Fi signal. Power cables running through the walls and floor can also create interference. Your best bet is to put your router on a table in the centre of your home, and keep it away from other devices.

SAMSUNG UNVEILS GALAXY A7, A5, A3 (2016) SMARTPHONES SAMSUNG has updated its Galaxy A series of metal-bodied smartphones with the unveiling of the 2016 models of Galaxy A7, Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3.

The new Samsung Galaxy A7 has a 5.5-inch Full HD (1080p) display and runs on an octa-core processor with 3GB of RAM. On the other hand, Galaxy A5 has a 5.2-inch screen with Full HD (1080p) resolution; it also runs on an octa-core 1.6GHz chip, but comes with 2GB of RAM. The last model in the trio, Galaxy A3, sports a 5.2-inch panel with HD (720p) screen and runs on 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 1.5GB RAM. All three smartphones run on 5.1.1 Lollipop version of Android and come with 16GB of internal storage, with microSD card storage up to 128GB. Samsung Galaxy A7, A5 and A3 feature 13MP cameras with LED flash on the back and 5MP cameras in front.

Connectivity features of the three handsets include 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, microUSB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC; Galaxy A7 and A5 support Cat 6 LTE, while Galaxy A3 is limited to Cat 4 LTE. Samsung Galaxy A7 and A5 support fast-charging and feature fingerprint sensors.

The battery capacities of Samsung Galaxy A7, A5 and A3 are 3,300mAh, 2,900mAh and 2,300mAh, respectively.

Quite impressive!

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

XV

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

Your mattress?

(Daily Argosy: September 1, 1960) A NEW striped blue-green mattress was found in front the gate of Mrs. Cuff’s residence at 217 Lamaha Street.

Apparently, the mattress was dropped there by a cartman.

The owner is invited to call at Mrs. Cuff’s residence.

Medical Department keeping close watch - on vampire bats situation in North West (Daily Argosy: July 27, 1960)

First shipment of manganese off (Daily Argosy: August 11, 1960)

THE first ship to carry manganese ore left Port Kaituma on August 5 with cargo of more than 2,000 tons.

The vessel, the M.V. “Ambrosio”, navigated the Kaituma River and the canal leading to Port Kaituma without difficulty.

Ore was loaded overnight at the rate of 400 tons per hour. The M.V. Ambrosio will be carrying ore to the Chaguaramas stockpile in Trinidad, from which larger quantities will be drawn off from time to time for ocean -going vessels.

‘Noah’s Ark’ flying out today - with rare B.G. animals for U.S. zoo (Daily Argosy: April 14, 1960)

A FOUR-man U.S. expedition will leave B.G. this morning after spending over one month in the interior, hunting for rare animals and for the black jaguar, which is said to be found here.

The expedition was sponsored by the “Blade”, a daily newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, U.S.A. and the Toledo Zoo, one of the best zoos in the U.S.A. Dr. Larry Tatzlaff, the leader of the expedition, was accompanied by Messrs. Phil C. Skeldon, Director of the Zoo; Dan Danford, Curator of Mammals at the Zoo; and Outdoor Editor of the Blade, Lou Klewer.

Dr. Tatzlaff said yesterday that they had caught 35 different types of animals, fish, reptiles and birds. The expedition caught about 10,000 pounds of rare animals, and a specially chartered plane arrived in B.G. yesterday to transport the flying Noah’s Ark to the U.S.A. Mr. Danford said that the animals will enhance the Zoo’s collection which is already one of the most outstanding in the U.S.

THE Medical Department is keeping a close watch on the reported outbreak of paralytic rabies caused by vampire bats, which has so far taken the lives of three children, with the death of a fourth suspected in the Aruka area in the North West District.

The first threat of the disease for this year occurred in May when an adult in the North West died under condi-

tions which pointed to (although not verified) infection by vampire bat bite.

Since this occurrence, two children from the Aruka area died at the Georgetown Hospital from paralytic rabies.

About 11 days ago, another child from the North West was brought to the City and succumbed through the bites of vampire bats.

The Medical Department, a spokesman said yesterday, had already taken steps to combat the outbreak of the disease, and serum and vaccine have been provided by the Department for treatment in the North West.

Residents of Aruka have been alerted by Medical officials to avoid being bitten by bats of any type.

In 1953, there was an outbreak of Paralytic Rabies in the Kurupung Creek.

Last year, Mr. Greenhall attached to the Ministry of Agriculture in Trinidad visited B.G. and carried out a survey of the bat population in various parts of the country.

As a result of Mr. Greenhall’s visit, two young Guianese were sent to Trinidad during the early part of this year to undergo training in the identification and destruction of bats.

Fined $50 for cruelty to dog (Daily Argosy: April 20, 1960)

HIS Worship Mr. Frank Vieira, at New Amsterdam Magistrate Court on Monday, fined Gaspar a fisherman, $50, costs $6 or two months after he had pleaded guilty to a charge of cruelty to a dog in the New Amsterdam Market on Tuesday, April 19.

R.C. Joseph Best, R.S.P.C.A Inspector told the Court that the defendant struck the dog with a rope on the eye.

Booklet says...

We have rocks 2.5 billion years old (Guyana Graphic: September 6, 1968) A NEW booklet written by former expatriate staff members of the Geological Surveys Department has disclosed that radiometric tests in the Barama-Mazaruni area show that some of the rocks there are over 2,500 million years old.

Others in the Roraima area, believed to be the source of river bed deposits and diamonds, have been dated as originating 2000 million years ago before the period when the sea invaded Guyana and reached as far as the foot of the Pakaraimas.

These disclosures are contained in the booklet, ”The folded Precambrian of northern Guyana related to the Guiana shield”, written by Dr. E. Williams, Dr. R.T. Cannon and Dr. R.B. McConnell, who were formerly attached to the Geological Survey Department, but are now in various parts of the world.

The booklet, which contains a series of geological studies and was recently published, is available at the Ministry of Information, which said that it was written as a follow-up to the Provisional Geological Map published in 1962.

The Ministry said that it was intended to set out the facts on which the authors based their conclusions concerning their interpretations of the Guiana Shield area.

Uitvlugt murder accused to die (Daily Argosy: April 9, 1960) CYRIL Boodhoo, a 33-year-old cane cutter, also called Paltoo, who on Sunday November 29, 1959, battered to death his 72-year-old father–in-law, Samaroo, also known as ”Gun” with an axe handle at Uitvlugt Estate sideline dam, was yesterday found guilty of murder by a jury at the Demerara Assizes.

The jury deliberated for nearly three hours. His Lordship, Chief Justice Luckhoo sentenced the accused to death.

The case for the Crown was that there was a family dispute between the accused and the deceased, whose stepdaughter, Doris, was the wife of the accused. They all lived in the same house.

On the day in question, the accused returned home with some friends, and the deceased protested about their behaviour.

A quarrel ensued and the deceased left for the house of a neighbour named ‘Girlo’ with Doris accompanying him.

Around 4pm, the deceased returned to his home and after an exchange of words, the accused struck the old man several blows with an axe handle. Death resulted in about 15 minutes, and the Police at Leonora Police Station were notified.

Crown Prosecutor was Mr. G.L.B. Persaud, and the accused was represented by Mr. C.E.R. Debidin associated with Mr. S. Sukhan.

(Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at cliffantony@gmail.com or cell phone # 694-0913)

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Two aged women cry out for help A

Ann Vieira displays a piece of her cherished handicraft

By Shirley Thomas

FTER decades of providing domicile for women in their twilight years, Chase’s Retirement Home, formerly known as Chase’s Indigent Home, located on Robb Street, Bourda, is about to close its doors.

And word is that the building has been sold, and is soon to be demolished.

Such information has put the residents at their wits’ end, and from eight persons on record as at mid-March of this year, the numbers have dwindled, with most of them seeking alternative accommodation.

This is compounded by the poor and insanitary conditions at the facility, which is in a virtual state of disrepair. And so today, there are only two remaining.

Those who have already left include the former matron of the Home, a spunky 92-yearold Ms. Beryl Austin, who is now accommodated at another private senior citizens home.

The residents say that about two weeks ago, they received a visit from someone who claimed to be an official of the Mayor and City Council (MCC), saying that it had been recommended that the building be torn down so they would have to vacate the premises.

The women, who are between the ages of 78 to 92, and who all provided quality service at various institutions during their active years, would have been living there or at other senior ► Contiuned onpage XVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

XVII

True beauty and the ...

► From page XIII

Implicit in the statement is subjectivity. With regard to any topic, every aspect of the statement can be challenged and deconstructed a million times over, presenting new readings each time. And it was precisely that which was done by a group of Guyanese women artists at their most recent exhibition.

Under the theme, “True beauty”, a modest group of seven women has produced various bodies of work that engaged distinct perspectives and, in most cases, marked the continued exploration of interests that have shaped each artist’s style over the years.

O’Donna Allsopp (GWAA’s most senior exhibiting member), Aiesha Scottland, Anna Correia, Tara Bentinck, Myrna Bernard, Jennifer Gibson and Dominique Hunter have put together an exciting exhibition of more than one 100 works of art to mark the association’s 27th year of exhibiting in Guyana.

INTERRPRETATION As expected, the interpretation of such a theme pro-

duced a varied and seemingly disparate aesthetic within the gallery space. And perhaps this could be linked to a number of factors, including (but not limited to) age, geographic location, skills acquired, and the type of art education available to each person.

Nevertheless, it was especially interesting to view each artist’s rendering of the exhibition’s theme, some obvious and others not so much.

Some artists chose to marvel at the textured beauty found in Guyana’s hinterland regions (Allsopp), while others found beauty in the woman as a Madonna figure, as well as her role within the family unit (Correia).

There was beauty to be found in the layered processes, as well as the outcomes, in the case of Gibson’s intricate batik paintings, and Bentinck’s beautifully made textile pieces.

Scottland’s mixed-media drawings hinted at moments of self-reflection and contemplation of the recent revival of the natural hair movement. Bernard was the only artist

Vice-President of the Guyana Women Artists' Association, Aiesha Scottland addressing the audience at the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House

to use her own photography as the foundation of her strikingly abstract digital artworks.

And while there were photographic elements in Hunter’s mixed-media collages, those were all found material. She instead chose to undermine the idea of “true beauty” by employing popular advertising tropes found in magazines in an attempt to critique the manner in which the female body continues to be idealised and “sold”.

Regardless of the technical approach, upon closer observation, the content of each work of art on display at Castellani House was grounded enough to ensure a cohesive representation of the theme, “true beauty”.

The result was a delightful exhibition that was well received by patrons of the National Gallery of Art. (Dominique Hunter is an independent visual artist who recently graduated from the Barbados Community College with a Bachelor of Fine Art (First Class Honours)

XVIII

Two aged women cry ...

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

► From

page XVI

citizens’ homes for more than a decade.

DESPERATE SEARCH Unfortunately, they are now finding it difficult to secure accommodation that they can afford, or a guarantee of privacy, peace and quietude so much needed in their lives at this time.

The two women who are still living at the Home have been on a desperate search for a resolution to their plight. They have checked out several senior citizens homes, but with their only guaranteed income being their pension of $17,000, they are nowhere even close to being able to meet their financial obligations.

The rentals are between $30,000 to $35,000 which will cover accommodation, meals and electricity. However, a deposit of $32,000 has to be made to cater for any kind of illness. Some Homes are reported to be requesting the downpayment of the approximate cost of burial, in the event they should die while at the facility.

These demands associated with house-hunting continue to take a great toll on the women, Avril Gordon (78) and Ann Vieira (80), who, over time, have begun to show visible signs of grief.

Gordon has gone from an able-bodied,

out from behind the cataract. That condition has left her severely visually impaired.

Before the tough times, there was never a dull moment or wasted time, as Vieira, when not catering or preparing pastries for sale, was engaged in needle work, doing smocking and the like. She still has samples which she cherishes and keeps to remind her of her handiwork when she was blessed with perfect vision. A member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses body, she says she still tries with great faith to be able to read her Bible and Daily Text, but admits, “The eyes getting weaker.”

Vieira, who hails from Aruka, in the North West region, has fond memories of growing up at that location, then later moving with her parents (Martina and Frederick McLennon) and siblings to Morawhanna, where she had her schooling. Morawhanna, an estuary off the Atlantic Ocean that is the gateway to the North West District.

She has had much exposure to plants such as sugar cane, the various types of pineapples and pasture grass such as lakunta, pangola and elephant grass. She has the art of making cassava bread and other by-products, and delights in telling stories of catching crab on the banks of the Morawhanna River.

What she found annoying about crabs, however, was that once they enter the farm,

Smockings and other works of art made by Ann Vieira witty and even fashionable personality to a pensive and introverted woman who seldom utters a word for fear of what is soon to come, hoping and praying that God will make a way for them.

Meanwhile, Vieira, who until recently always had a ready smile and a story to tell about her youthful days, is almost a recluse now. She used to tell everyone about the times she spent working with the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) and GuySuCo at Matthew’s Ridge before retiring. She talks of the setting-up of a thriving cottage industry and producing pine-apple chunks, pineapple syrup, pastries and other finger foods, and the good relationships she forged with customers while living for 18 years on Forshaw Street, Queenstown.

LIFE TAKES A TURN But with age, things have taken a turn. A few years ago, she developed cataract and had surgery. Over time, she continued to have vision tests, only to be told one day by the ophthalmologist that she has glaucoma coming

they would eat and destroy the crops of corn or whatever was within their reach.

She and each of her siblings had their own stocks, which they attended. “We each had our own pig, fowls and ducks, and we took such pride and joy taking care of them,” she now recalls.

Such memories, Vieira says, serve to rejuvenate her and give her a sense of having had a good life.

She was married to Bertie Vieira who passed away about 30 years ago. They had five children, two of whom are now deceased. The three that are alive have their own families, but keep contact with her and help her financially and otherwise. “But they have their families, and space is the problem, especially since I have my own basic home furnishings,” she lamented. Vieira says her one desire is to be able to find a home into which she could settle before her sight deteriorates further, and where she would not have to be a bother to anyone.

“I guess it cannot happen in a day, but I need to get out of here in less than a week,” she sighed with resignation.

Smockings and other works of art made by Ann Vieira

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

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XX

A tribute to 50 years of friendship

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By Godfrey Wray ILLIAM Shakespeare’s Julius C a e s a r, Act 3, Scene II: ‘I come

to bury Caesar, not praise him.’

With a bit of modification, I say: ‘We have come to bury Raschid after we praise him, deservedly so.’

The person who, in a fit of pique (And who shall

remain nameless), once suggested to me (Of all people!) that Raschid Osman was an enigma wrapped in a mystery didn’t know him at all; and up to this day, I forgive his ignorance.

A GENTLE GIANT Raschid was (Hard to use that word) a gentle giant, just over five feet tall, but who easily managed to transcend life’s idiosyncrasies. He lived for his family, and thus he was amply rewarded.

The day before he died, I noticed that his pace had slackened, but he was still gung-ho. He had gotten back his cherished radio programme; Yvonne (his wife) was recovering from a slight cold... And guess what? Ruth (daughter) was coming from Trinidad. He was beaming, agog with anticipation.

Ruth (I know it is not possible, but as the old people, like me, would say), I know you “before you born”. It was always Ruth this and Ruth that. Then Yvonne; then the school.

One day I came into the office and Raschid signalled that he wanted to speak with me. Before he could say anything, I asked: “You think I could have a Ruth-less day today?” A creased forehead and raised eyebrows told me clearly that he hadn’t taken too kindly to my sardonic humour.

Raschid never suffered fools gladly. And I often wondered why he wasted time, given my abysmal ignorance of things classical, cultural or even culinary.

He often prevailed upon me to raise my levels, but I was a lost cause from the beginning. We would be rapping about mundane things; then Raschid would casually interpose with something about C Sharp Minor and D Flat Major. I honestly thought those were ‘call-names’ for some nebulous groups. Most times, all I could do was offer an apologetic ‘shake-head’.

FLOORED Recently I did a Sunday piece on Albouystown. Raschid said it was well done, but I had thrown some heavyweight punches at his place of birth. I stopped in my tracks, and looked at him askance. “Say that again!” I managed. Calmly, he replied, “You think you’re the only one from Albouystown? I was born there too.”

I confess, I was floored!

Raschid Osman! Queen’s College! Albouystown, and the fact that I had never heard him use a dirty word! It was

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Raschid Osman incongruous; almost unbelievable!

I would tease him by enquiring about “the composer with the long name”.

“You couldn’t be speaking of Tchaikovsky, would you?”

I would plough on, “And what about Placido Domingo and Fr?d?ric Chopin?” A lecture would follow, and, suitably chastened, I would spend my night devouring the likes of ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘The Nutcracker’. Next day, I was ready to regurgitate my new-found knowledge.

And I would surrender once again to musicologists whose names I could never pronounce properly.

REFERENCE BOOK Mr. Osman was a veritable reference book on every subject under the sun; except sports. The Times Crossword was the closest he got to those “barbaric forms” of games. But with his wry sense of humour, he could easily have been a sword fencer: Thrust, Parry, Riposte… And the conclusive Touch?.

I must have lost all our Queen’s College–St. Stanislaus College exchanges. But coming second to a legendary opponent is no dishonour.

He was always incisive; never caustic. Cryptic; never verbose. His writings were gems; his reviews legendary.

One man said his column should have been named, ‘The Cutting Edge’. Guess he hadn’t done a good job with whatever production he’d put on.

Raschid’s imprimatur will forever remain stamped on our hearts. Indeed, he was a little giant, and Bent Street will miss his measured strides.

My friend leaves a rich journalistic legacy and much

more. I hope the powers that be act swiftly to preserve the gems of literature that lay dormant in many a dust-coated library. It would be a sacrilege if we allow Raschid’s God-given talents to disappear into the dustbin of neglected history, like the writings of my mentor, Carl Blackman, another stalwart of yester-year.

I’ve said more than enough. I can visualize Raschid pointing an admonishing finger, warning me of the ills of platitudinous ponderosity. So, I go reluctantly, knowing that with him gone, I’ll be left with a superfluity of unoccupied time.

The friendship that ends never really began. Thus, not even death will erase our 50 years of bonding.

Goodbye my friend. I know I will see you again, but, hopefully, in the very distant future.

Rest in Peace, Brother Raschid.

NOTA BENE: The Celebration of Life for Raschid at the First Assembly of God church on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 was not just a concert. It was THE concert. And one could be forgiven for thinking he or she was at the National Cultural Centre.

Glowing tributes. Interpretive dancing by Raschid’s sister. Songs of Inspiration by talented groups, and the superlative Eulogy by daughter, Ruth, who expertly used her flute and voice in a rare combination.

The sermon by my favourite pastor, Rev. Murtland Raphael Massiah, was indeed a gem. And, guess what? I’m sure I heard a whisper of approval coming from the direction of Raschid’s casket. It seemed to be saying: “A+; A+; A+.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

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Fitness, Health, Wellness and you!

Truth and myths about dieting and exercise

G

ROWING up in Guyana and being in the fitness industry, I have heard of many theories of what foods can and cannot be eaten, what exercises are better with producing results.

In reality, the most persistent myths are those that contain at least a kernel of truth. And some myths help us to get real dietary and fitness wisdom that actually might help our health.

Here’s a cold, hard, science-based look at some of the most repeated ones, and what really is the truth behind them.

MYTH: Calories eaten at night are more fattening than those eaten early in the day.

TRUTH: Calories are calories, and it doesn’t matter what time you eat them. What matters is the total calories you take

in. Many people believe that eating in the evening makes the body store more fat, because it’s not burned off with activity.

In reality, though, it’s not eating in the evening that stops you losing weight.

In fact, it’s consuming too many calories throughout the day that will be your dieting downfall! Providing you eat less calories than you burn each day, you’ll lose weight, regardless of when you consume those calories.

MYTH: We can burn more calories exercising during the morning hours.

TRUTH: While exercising during the morning can be quite refreshing, and we tend to have more energy after a ► Contiuned on page XXV

Light & Fit Greek-toasted coconut

Noshavyah King during one of her workout sessions

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Simple secrets to the right combinations

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EED to look drop-dead gorgeous after work in your work-day apparel? Then up-grade. Learn about this simple secret to the right combinations to create gorgeousness. Change a few details and: Voilà! Your office wear upgrades splendidly, just in time for dinner with the girls or a gathering with friends.

This week, I’ve featured some really cool looks to help switch up your wardrobe, whether you’re working in the corporate world or a more relaxed work environment.

To learn more, contact Marcie De Santos on 685-4545.

LETISHA DASILVA: Fitted bodice in navyand-white stripe and flared black lace skirt with midnight blue lining lends a modern twist to a classic dress

DAWN GAMELL: Here, Dawn rocks the pink to Bibi’s aqua boxpleated skirt suit with matching heels

BIBI UDAIRAM: Bibi just loves simplicity.

Aqua box-pleated skirt with matching tank top and a belt does the trick.

Every time.

LUANN PELLEW: How about putting a fresh spin on that little black dress (LBD)?

Every woman should have one. Form-fitting pencil dress featuring floral bodice and solid skirt gives Luann that chic look. She upgraded with a gorgeous snake-skin shoe, the beautiful tones of which work well with the dress.

CHANNEY WONG: A simple sheath with plunging neckline and matching heels and Channey is ready to roll

ALI WILLIAMS: Ali rocks a beige peplum pencil frock with pink and purple trim. She tops off the look with killer shoes, which, though a bit different, make the already stylish look ‘pop’.

RIAH AUSTIN: Riah pairs black stretch slacks with a lace peplum top. To give her the finish she sought, she donned a pair of heeled multi-coloured strappy sandals.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

XXIII

‘Protection Games’

Taking courtroom drama to another level

A

By Rabindra Rooplall LL is set to roll for the local drama, “Protection Game”, featuring veteran Guyanese actor Mahadeo Shivraj, who has directed over 30 plays.

He is set to captivate his audience once again as he acts, produces and directs another blockbuster movie.

In Somnauth Narine's “Protection Game”, the father, played by Shivraj, must decide whether to operate within the confines of the law by using the services of a high-priced lawyer, or operate outside the law. It all comes down to: How far will a father go to protect his son?

In this murder mystery heightened with suspense and risqué West Indian humour, love, devotion, and adherence to law, the storyline has garnered a high-profile cast, and is expected to blow the Guyanese public away.

Explaining how this mur-

der-mystery suspense-thriller came about, Shivraj said Narine is a close friend who is an extremely talented writer.

He said it was Narine who conceptualised the storyline and after just a month of writing, premiered the finished work.

“He discussed with me what he was thinking about, and I just thought it was really good. All of my movies fall into different genres and I like change; I like something different,” Shivraj said.

Shivraj described the film as filled with West Indian humour, love, devotion and adherence to law.

After the script was finished Shivraj began doing his bit; he began hunting for persons who would fit the nearly 30 speaking roles. He admitted that finding cast members to fit the characters had not been difficult. He shared that, when asked, everyone was enthusiastic to be a part of his latest project.

The film will be shot in Guyana and is the first of Shivraj’s films to be shot

A manacled Michael Ignatius, who plays Ravi, being escorted into the courtroom to face trial by jury

entirely in the city. His others had been primarily focused on the country areas of Guyana. A third of the movie is set to take place in the High Court while there will also be a lot of scenes in police stations. He noted that the actual shooting takes the least amount of time while the planning and editing takes up the majority of time.

Nonetheless, Shivraj is already looking forward and is hoping to release the movie sometime in late May next year, preferably on or the day before Guyana celebrates its Independence Day anniversary.

Shivraj stressed that the movie would be dedicated to the people of Guyana.

Some of the actors include: Businessman Roshan Khan who plays the Judge Jadwah, Chronicle’s very own Akash Persaud who acts as prosecutor Baldeo, Ron Robinson is the Defense Lawyer, Michael Ignatius as Ravi, renowned actress Margaret Lawrence, wellknown playwright Godfrey Naughton, Max Massiah, Nirmala Narine amongst

One of the many scenes from ‘Protection Games’. Centre is city businessman, Roshan Khan, who plays the Judge Jadwah, while left is Guyana Chronicle’s Akash Persaud, who plays Prosecutor Baldeo. Right is veteran actor, Ron Robinson, who plays the Defense Lawyer

others.

The movie is presently in shooting stage and Shivraj expresses confidence in its success. He explained that over the years, the level of support he had been expecting never surfaced.

He said too that the lack of copyright laws was also a concern of his and controlled the amount of money he made. “When you put your movie on DVD it is pirated so there are no real returns,” he said.

He continued, “So I’ve just kept asking over and over again for my movies to be endorsed as a product of Guyana so that others can pick it up and make it big; with endorsement it can reach a wider audience, even head out into the Diaspora. Many people here don’t MAHADEO Shivraj, who plays father of the accused, know about my movies still, Kampta Beharry, talks to a reporter in one of his even though I’ve made five.” many scenes at the High Court He said too that support

from corporate sources is also difficult. While there had been persons over the years who have responded positively with donations, Shivraj said that he has been the one providing the majority of funds for his films. But while such a reality would daunt the spirits of other persons, Shivraj is determined to keep pushing himself and promoting his country through his work.

In 2010, he made his debut as a film director/ producer with the movie “Till I Find a Place,” which was filmed entirely in Guyana and received rave reviews. He subsequently produced, directed, and starred in three more films, “A Jasmine for a Gardener”, “Brown Sugar Too Bitter for me”, and “83 Million Gees”, all of which received good reviews from critics and audience alike.

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Scholar with Guyanese roots making waves in Ontario

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Dr Dionne Patricia Duncan at her recent graduation

A

By Frederick Halley DISTINGUISHED scholar with Guyanese roots, who recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Health Policy Management and Informatics, is the new general manager of the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association

(MACCA).

Dr Dionne Patricia Duncan, whose parents, Hector and Util Duncan, are both Guyanese, took over the reins of the Ontario Trillium Foundation-funded entity a few months ago, and is extremely proud to be part of that body.

Delivering the charge at the recently-held 28th Annual Scholarship Awards Ball, the first under her stewardship, Dr Duncan’s address focused mainly on the importance of education as it relates to realizing career goals.

Directing her remarks to the several young people who were awarded scholarships, Dr Duncan reminded them “that education is important because it equips us with the expertise that is needed in helping us to realise our career goals.”

Dr Duncan, who also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Mass Communications, a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, an Executive Degree in Business Relations from York University and Kellog-Schulich School of Business, exerted that “education is instrumental in the development of our values and virtues. It gives us an insight into living and teaches us to learn from experience. It makes us self-confident and develops our abilities to think and analyze and judge. It fosters equality and socialism.”

According to Dr Duncan, her Guyanese parents taught her from an early age that education was more than reading, writing and arithmetic. “It is one of the most important investments a country can make of its people and its future and is critical to reducing poverty and inequality.”

Dr Duncan told the students that their education process should be considered a self-enlightening one and “it is critical to the overall development of an individual and society at

large,” She posited that education provides knowledge about the world. “It paves the way for a good career. It helps us to build character and increased enlightenment, all the while laying the foundation of a stronger nation.”

Extending congratulations to the students who were being honoured, Dr Duncan declared “you are all distinguished and worthy of this auspicious scholarship. Remain focused throughout your social and academic careers. She also praised MACCA for its ongoing work to support and recognize student achievement. “Through your services, programmes and scholarship, you have truly made a great impact on the lives of Markham youth and York Region.”

The association offers a wide range of services, including Saturday morning tutorial programmes for Grades One to 12, monthly book club meetings, steel pan classes and summer reading programmes.

Apart from being general manager for MACCA, Dr Duncan also serves on several boards within the Greater Ontario Region, including Wychwood Open Door, a charitable organization.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Truth and myths about dieting ...

► From on page XXi

good nights rest, the amount of calories you burn is based on the intensity of the exercise routine, and the effort you put into it. Whether morning, afternoon or night, it’s all up to you!

MYTH: Chug a protein shake after a workout.

TRUTH: I see this being done on a daily basis. It’s like eating another meal; and you are better off eating real food. Protein shakes, powders and bars are good for emergencies, but they are the lowest quality food; the products are more processed. The best way to get protein is through foods such as turkey sandwiches, Greek yogurt with nuts and fruit. Martin Gibali, Chairman of the Department of Kinesiology at Master University in Hamilton, Ontario agrees that “protein sources in real food are Number One. Cheaper and real food may provide other benefits, vitamins and minerals. Some of the foods may act synergistically, in ways we don’t understand.”

MYTH: As long as I workout, I can eat as much as I like during the day.

TRUTH: There are some people who starve themselves also to lose weight. The gym doesn’t negate a bad diet. Also, emerging research suggests that if you’re sedentary most of the day, it may not matter how hard or often you exercise. People who spend more time sitting during their leisure time are at increased risk of dying early, regardless of daily exercise.

MYTH: Lifting weights (especially women) will make you bulky.

TRUTH: Adding weights to your fitness routine is excellent and very beneficial to the body and the strengthening of bones and muscles. However, for toning, light weights 2-3 times a week is recommended.

However, it is very difficult for women to build muscle; you would really have to overload those muscles to create bulk (Ask any body-builder). Women have too much estrogen to build huge amounts of bulk. Guys build muscles faster, because they have testosterone. So ladies, don’t fear the barbells. Strength training helps decrease body fat, increase lean muscle mass, and burn more calories.

MYTH: Exercising during pregnancy can be harmful to both mother and baby.

TRUTH: With permission from you doctor or physician, exercise is highly recommended!

If you were on a daily fitness routine before becoming pregnant, you should continue that routine, as long as you feel comfortable. However, beginning an intense routine suddenly should be done with more precaution. Starting a more low-impact routine like walking, biking, swimming, low-intensity aerobics or Zumba would be more beneficial. I was nine months pregnant and still teaching my aerobics classes, which caused some people to raise their eyebrows in astonishment. All the squatting helps, since I actually delivered my son in the squatting position! So, do lots of squats!

MYTH: Doing sit-ups and crunches will give you a six-pack.

TRUTH: You may have done all those crunches in vain! You can do all the abdominal exercises in the world, but if ‘cardio’ and strength training are not added to your routine, it will never happen. Some are blessed (Not me!) that way, without ever having to do a single crunch or exercise. But if you are like me, you’d better hit the gym!

But the good news is: We all have ‘abs’ somewhere, but to actually see the definition, we need to burn the fat over the abdominal area. If you were to put a piece of fat in a hot frying pan, it would melt. The same happens with body fat during exercise. To burn the fat, we need to generate heat through exercise.

MYTH: Vegetarian diets will help you lose weight more easily.

TRUTH: As is the case with diets that include meat, some vegetarian diets may contain fewer calories, less fat and more fiber. But if they are not properly planned, more often than not they’re equally high in fat and calories as a meat-eater’s diet. It’s just as easy for vegetarian diets to include fatty and sugary foods such as chips, cakes, sweets, chocolate, biscuits and fried foods!

Whether you eat meat or follow a vegetarian diet, it’s important to stick to your daily calorie allowance (depending on your weight-loss goals) and follow healthy eating guidelines.

Base meals on high fiber, starchy foods; fill up on five fruits and ‘vegs’ each day. Choose low-fat dairy products; include low-fat sources of protein in your diet, such as beans, eggs( if you eat them) and soya, and keep fatty and sugary foods to a minimum.

MYTH: You can spot-reduce for bigger butt and toned arms.

TRUTH: Just like your abdominals, until the fat is gone, you wouldn’t see those toned muscles. Don’t focus on any one body part. Try to get them all!

MYTH: Potatoes, bread, pasta and rice are fattening.

TRUTH: Due to the increasing success of diets such as Atkins, foods high in carbohydrates have had a rough time in the past few years. But there’s actually no proof that eating healthy carb-rich foods are more likely to make us gain weight than any other food. The trick is: Everything in moderation! Ultimately, it’s an excess of calories that makes us pile on the pounds; and it doesn’t matter where those calories come from. In fact, more often than not, it’s the fat we add to carbs that boosts the calorie content; fats such as butter on toast, creamy sauces with pasta, and frying potatoes to make chips.

MYTH: Your weight is the be all and end all, and if you are skinny, exercising is not

XXV

necessary.

TRUTH: I hear this one often, “I am already slim, so I don’t need to exercise.” But, it’s such a misconception! Your first reason to exercise should be for a healthier lifestyle.

Just as sleep is important to us, so should exercising daily. Then, there are those who weigh themselves every day on the scale. Week after week, they see no downward trend in the weight, and get impatient. They also start saying, “I haven’t lost any weight. This is pointless! I’m not accomplishing anything working out!” Most people don’t realise that after a few months of exercise, they are healthier, because they’ve reduced risk factors such as blood sugar levels. Even though a person may not be losing weight, his or her health will have improved in ways that cannot be measured. They’re stuck on this perception that weight is the ultimate barometer for fitness; they don’t realise the progress they’ve made, and eventually give up, sadly. Whether slim or overweight, exercise should be part of your daily routine! (Noshavyah King is a certified personal trainer, aerobics instructor, Sports and Conditioning Coach and Zumba Instructor. She is also the owner of Genesis Fitness Express located at the Transport Sports Club)

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

CLUES ACROSS 1. To make him talk, captured spy in a movie might have acid very slowly ––– onto his skin.

2. Incorrect speculation in a daily newspaper column about his ––– might amuse a newly-appointed civic official.

7. If ––– became serious enough to the public they’ll usually appear in Front Page headlines.

8. The form of something.

10. When very fat, have a funny waddling gait.

12. Aged.

14. The wife of a travelling salesman might complain about the way he has to ––– about the country.

15. Track.

17. Beverage.

18. The ––– made by an animal impressionist is likely to make a small child laugh.

19. At her golden wedding anniversary, an old lady might roguishly say her husband had been the ––– of her beaux.

20. If a murder pistol is found in –––, you wouldn’t be surprised if it yielded valuable clues.

CLUES DOWN 1. As a woman ––– her hair she’ll have a mental picture of how she hopes it will look.

2. Prod.

3. Richard’s nickname.

4. Conscientious little boy trying to ––– very carefully will naturally be quite upset if another boy jars his elbows.

5. Having ––– excellent coffee made by new type of percolator inventor would be excited.

6. Good-natured chauffer may well be amused if the criticizes his driving.

9. Considerate husbands regularly compliment their wives on the way they –––.

10. Musicians.

11. Having difficulty finding original birthday gift for friend, you’d indeed appreciate ––– suggestions.

13. A sufferer from gout might ruefully ascribe his condition to the life he ––– as a young man.

16. In a picture an unusual ––– of model herself might gain attention of someone flipping through a fashion magazine.

17. Most men find there’s the odd occasion when they just don’t hit it off with their –––.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

XXVII

Jamaican designer raves about our food

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By Alex Wayne OPULAR Jamaican fashion designer Keshon Hawthorne is here to show case at the Reflections Fashion Show slated for this weekend at the Theatre Guild. He was invited here by local designer Nelison Nurse who happens to be the promoter of the event.

Nurse is creating history amongst his designing peers by netting the much sought after Jamaican designer to showcase at his event and contacted this publication to inform that he had eventually netted the ‘hard to get’ personality who has been invited by other designers but sadly could not make it here before mow, because of other international assignment.

Sitting down to chat with

to showcase my stuff at one of his events. I am completely blown away by the refreshing hospitality that has been extended to me since I arrived a few days ago, and I am definitely hooked on Guyanese food… I have never tasted anything so good like the good Creoles cook-up rice, pepper-pot, roti and curry, and now I don’t think I can ever do without the chicken foot and cow heel souse, and black pudding that I have eaten here.

What impressed me particularly also is the warmth and quite stirring I have received by almost everyone with whom I have interacted in Guyana, and I just feel as if I belong here…As if these people are my real family…I feel so much at home in Guyana, more so since it appears that there is not really much stigma attached to male fashion and designing

collection that featured clean cut lines and excellent finish… However his pieces were structured, they still maintained their femininity when it came down to movement and fit. The colour trend of red, black and white that was used extensively at the Style Week event was also used in Hawthorne’s collections.

The use of ruffles, the styling and red, white, black and blue colour palette suggests that the inspiration of this line may lie in Europe.

More specifically Paris and Spain…

His collections were not only cohesive from beginning to end, but also it was something that would be suitable for the modern woman.

Keshon Hawthorne is a young and absolutely talented designer from Kingston, Jamaica. He has designed for

Jamaican fashion designer, Keshon Hawthorne (center) and models showcasing his designs. the much celebrated Hawthorne, he just could not stop raving about the quite pleasant treatment he received at the hands of Guyanese, neither could he stop voicing his addiction to our rich Guyanese foods.

“I am an extremely busy man but when I was invited

by Mr. Nurse I particularly took time out to be here because I am very impressed by his creations as a young designer and always wanted

as in my home country….I am definitely coming back soon…”

Mr. Hawthorne promises to make a smashing entrance with his pieces at the Reflections Fashion Show and is even giving away a few of his pieces to lucky patrons in the audience.

The designer who showcased at the 2014 Saint International Style Week particulary gave patrons goosebumps with his

Kevino Kouture in the past and studied at Garmex Academy. He’s amongst the top names in Caribbean Fashion and top choice for his signature women in trousers and evening wear. He also received high ovations at this year’s Style Week Jamaica for his latest collection.

Fashion Designer Keshon Hawthorne is one of those designers that are not afraid to express his inner dreams and thoughts for

women when it comes to design. Keshon is amongst the top names in Caribbean Fashion and top choice for his signature women in trousers and evening wear.

He also received high ovations at this year’s Style

Week Jamaica for his latest collection.

At heart, Keshon is a Kingstonian, and hailing from the Island of Jamaica in the Caribbean is quietly confident and very approachable in public. It is my opinion

that Keshon is a loveable person that you just want to hug and gave encourage► Continued

on page XXVIII

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Jamaican designer ... ► From page

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ment. You’ll also be in for an eye opening experience after having the briefest of conversation with him.

And he is firmly rooted to what he does, as was detected from his responses

during our exclusive interview “Never apologise for staying authentic to who you are. Even if it goes against what everyone says is “correct”. Is there a correct way to be YOU? And how is the correct way to be you dictated by another person?

Whatever makes you smile, do that! Whoever makes you happy, be around them!

Whatever brings you joy, celebrate that! Whoever has your best interest at heart, keep them around! Life is really simple. We make it complicated by trying to please everyone else instead

of the most important person, SELF (spirit not ego)”!

This designer was also celebrated when he showcased at the prestigious ‘Mission Catwalk’ event in Jamaica which is pursued by almost every Caribbean designer. Here’s a quote from one of the organisers from the Haute People organisation.

“As soon as I saw the "Mission Catwalk" photos on Facebook, I was so excited. I'm so excited that Jamaica finally has a show of this magnitude and that it will be a launching pad for talented new designers.

There was one person who stood out to me the most from all those pictures. This person's style was just so amazing that I just had to reach out to him as soon as possible. We just had to go "Behind the Seams” with the super-talented Keshon Hawthorne.

He was all beaming as he told the tale of his eventual designing fame…

“I got started in fashion designing from high school and then i went to Garmex HEART/NTA Academy to expand my knowledge. My sense of style is bold, and show stopping, look at me…

(Points to self and smile), and edgy but yet chic and classic… What I enjoy most about fashion designing is that I can express myself as a creative person and think ‘out of box’ to enhance garments for people. My most challenging experience in the fashion designing is going on Mission Catwalk because I had to think about the design, type of fabric suitable for my design, how to execute it, and also about hair and makeup all in one day… But I pulled it off successfully” And he was smiling widely when he talked about his inspirations “My Mother inspires me a lot because she was a teenage parent who gave up a lot of stuff just to make me feel comfortable in life, so it motivates and strengthens me to conquer the world by storm” While concluding our interview Hawthorne said, “Learn, live, and breathe the fashion industry. Have personality and be focused always… The keyword is RESEARCH and never stop researching, it puts you a cut above the others”

Some of his artistic designs that brought him much fame.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

XXIX

This week on Merundoi CHICKEN gat feddah, but he can't do fowl wuk. How will Vic deal with Jai’s dilemma?

Jai gets drunk and endangers Ashma and the baby.

Meet David, Sonia, David Jr and Maya Michaels. Is this a dysfunctional family?

Vic and Namela return home from Berbice and are greeted with some disturbing news.

Carole calls Sonia early one morning with some juicy news. Will Sonia meet her despite her husband’s warning?

Don’t miss this week’s episode.

The Domestic Violence and Prevention of Suicide Storylines are supported by the European Union and PAHO WHO. Listen to Merundoi on line: www.merundoi.org.gy

XXX

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Household Corner...

10 HANDY MUST-KNOW HOUSEHOLD HINTS

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id you know that separating bananas from the bunch makes them last longer? Or that the best way to reheat a pizza, so it retains its crispy base, is to warm it in a frying pan? No? Then read on, because these must-know household hints will change your everyday living!

Bananarama Pull bananas apart before displaying them in your fruit bowl. If you leave them connected at the stem, they'll ripen faster and go brown quicker. Who knew?!

Flexible vacuum To suck up hard-to-reach gunk under your fridge, or behind a bookshelf, insert an empty paper towel roll into the end of your vacuum cleaner and bend, or flatten it, to squeeze into these difficult spots.

Foot odour If your feet smell less than swell, wipe them down with a vodka-soaked washcloth to get rid of the stench. It's the same principle as rubbing alcohol (which works equally well if you'd rather drink your Grey Goose). Vodka contains alcohol, which is antiseptic and drying, so it destroys odour-causing fungus and bacteria, and dries out the moisture that lets these organisms grow.

Fend off weeds Instead of tossing your daily ‘rag (newspaper)’ in the recycling bin, use it as mulch and deter noxious weeds. Simply wet the sheets and put the layers around your plants and garden beds, covering with soil as you go. The weeds won't be able to get through the wet newspaper layers.

So cheesey Wrap cheese chunks in aluminium foil and store in the fridge to keep your cheddar fresher for longer, and to keep mould out.

‘Mozzies’ be gone!

If you have the kind of blood that attracts mosquitoes like a moth to a flame, then listen up: To keep the pesky blood suckers at bay, place a fabric softener dryer sheet in your pocket. Mosquitoes are repelled by the scent, and you'll smell like summer breeze all night!

Crispy leftover pizza To reheat a pizza so that the base is out-of-the-oven crisp, heat your leftover slices in a frying pan on low-medium heat on the stove until warm, and wave goodbye to the days of soggy microwave pizza.

Reopening enveloppes If you seal an enveloppe and realise you've forgotten to include something inside, just place it in the freezer for an hour or two and... Voilà!

The enveloppe will unseal without a trace!

The microwave oven To keep bacteria from taking up permanent residence in your kitchen sponges, rinse them with water at the end of each day, squeeze, then put in the microwave oven for three minutes. Let cool before touching. Do the same with your cutting boards, if they are microwaveable. .

Blisters The classic breath freshener—and powerful antiseptic—can also ‘do a number’ on blisters. Moisten a cotton ball with Listerine and dab it on your blister three (3) times a day until the area dries out, and no longer hurts

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

XXXI

The Golden Pig

By Neil Primus ETHEL was a bad girl. Everyone kept out of her way. She was always ready for a confrontation. If you looked too hard at her, and she didn’t like it: Trouble!

It was difficult not to look at Ethel. She was young, beautiful and very sexy. When she dressed, it left little to the imagination. She was not afraid to flaunt her assets for all to admire or gawk at.

At 22, she was one of the most attractive women in the village of Staten Field. All the men admired her; all the women disliked her. It was with the latter that most of her clashes occurred.

Early one August evening, Old Mrs. Kirk saw Ethel passing in one of the shortest skirts imaginable. If she only coughed, it would be a matter of sudden exposure. Mrs. Kirk had six children; all girls. They were married with children and living overseas. She knew how to raise good young ladies.

As Ethel strutted by, Mrs. Kirk called out to her.

“Child, go home and put on some clothes before you ketch cold na!”

“Wha you sey?”

This was ample warning to shut up and mind your own business.

“Yuh showing out all yuh body. Yuh nah shame?”

Ethel lost it. She give poor Mrs. Kirk a good Guyanese busing. Mrs. Kirk heard things about herself that even she didn’t know of. She quietly withdrew, leaving Ethel to rant on. After someone shouted that they had called the police, the angry woman hustled away.

Everyone was wary of her. One wrong word and you were in for a good cuss- out. Even Pastor Cuffy was very circumspect when speaking to Ethel.

Once he invited her to church, and she said in a wicked undertone: “Dis is all the clothes I have pastor. Can I wear it?”

Well! Even the preacher, who was blacker than 10 past midnight in an eclipse, blushed, right down to his well manicured toenails. He looked away guiltily, because Ethel was wearing very little, and he knew it would be pandemonium in church if she appeared dressed like that. Even though it would increase the male membership, he would have a mini riot among his loyal ladies. No way!

Ethel had a very busy nightlife; she worked out of a Brazilian nightclub, and was one of the favourite girls. Her professional title was ‘Glamorous Escort’. The club was in the nearby town, and was frequented by most of ► Continued on page XXXII

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

The Golden Pig ► From page XXXI the men in the village. Only a few had not utilized her services; most of them were married men.

She kept their secret and their money. Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday’s were her busiest nights.

After work, she would get a lift to the head of the village, and walked the mile-and-a-half in. Ethel lived at the very last house in the village.

The house was left her by her mom, who was deceased. She never knew her father, and had been sexually abused for years by a number of her mother’s male friends. Mom turned a blind eye,

because the men were her only source of income.

Her mother died when she was 14, and Ethel stopped going to school. She had affair after affair with the men of the village, and became very unpopular with the women. When the Brazilians opened the club in the town, she got a job there.

Her walk home was usually uneventful; everyone was usually sound asleep, long before 2 or 3am in the morning. She had the road to herself, and except for a few annoying dogs, nothing bothered her. Sometimes, she would take off her high heels and walk barefoot along the dark, unlit road.

One fore–day morning, Ethel had a very strange encounter. To this day, many people have doubts about her story. She was walking along the village road on her way home on that fateful morning. The click, click sound of her heels tapped out her rate of progress. It was a casual note. In the nearby bushes, Ethel heard a rustling noise. She glanced in that direction, only to see a fat pig ambling from the undergrowth. Smiling to herself, she strolled on.

As she walked, she sensed that something was amiss. Glancing back, she saw the pig walking in her direction. This didn’t bother her one bit, and she continued on. Click! Clack! Click! She glanced back once more; the pig was drawing nearer. On she went, Click! Clack! Click! The sound was much louder now. Looking back, Ethel became worried. This animal was catching up to her. Worse, the click, clack click was not only her heels, but the pig’s hooves. It was keeping perfect time with her.

Ethel increased her pace. Click! Clack! Click!

Clack! The fat pig kept pace. She stopped suddenly. The sound ceased. Sweat began to trickle down her face, back and arms. She started an ungainly run; the pig trotted closer. Ethel started to tremble.

What was going on here?? Then, the old fire in her burst out, and she rounded angrily on the animal.

“Get!! Why de hell you followin’ me?”

The pig’s eyes glowed, and a smooth voice said: “Yuh shoulda neva talk!”

Poor Ethel couldn’t believe her ears. Then, something even more incredible happened. The pig grinned at her, and skinned its teeth. To Ethel’s horror, the animal’s mouth was filled with flashing gold teeth! Then, the pig gave her a golden glow.

Its body shone like the noonday sun.

“Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh!” The smiling animal came at her at a gallop.

With that, Ethel let out a scream that would annoy a deaf man. Kicking her expensive shoes away, she took off with a sprint. The jolly pig followed, jeering her all the way.

“Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh…!”

Ethel knew that the animal was catching up with her fast. She looked around desperately.

Where could she seek refuge? The only place with lights on was the church. Although she never liked going to church, it became her best choice at that moment. She scaled the fence and banged on the door. Of course, nobody was there. Then a strange thing occurred. The pig stopped on the road, and its grin became an ugly snarl.

“Ah must ketch up wid yuh some time! Yuh like walk late!”

Then, the fat pig disappeared. Ethel placed her head on her knees and wept.

The next day, people passing by were shocked to see Ethel on the church step. When dawn broke, she ventured out. She told everyone who cared to listen about her experience but many didn’t believe and only laughed at her. Only Mrs. Kirk understood. She called Ethel and spoke to her.

“That is a bad jumbie you meet up, chile. If it ketch yuh, yuh dead!”

Ethel promptly left the nightclub and got a job at the supermarket. She was home every day before dark.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

She stared

death in the face ► From page V and the doctors stitching and cutting me like if I was a piece of cloth,” she said, adding, “I felt everything”.

It was a miracle that she lived, but life was a path she was destined to take.

They found her husband hanging dead the next day. She spent five days in hospital; and being discharged the day of his funeral, she cried for many things. Their daughter is now nine years old, and Tomeicka says that although it was her child’s father who had tried to kill her, it is hard to watch her child grow without a father.

It is hard to work with wounds that have affected her lung and destroyed the nerves in her left hand. The cuts in her hand she received while fighting back have resulted in her hardly being able to grip anything with her hand, but things are getting better. She walks briskly and flashes a quick smile every now and then, but no one knows the extent of her indwelling pain.

STRANGE FIRE A few months after that devastating incident, a strange fire burned her house down. A security guard next door, the only witness, said the fire had travelled along the electrical wire straight to Tomeicka’s house.

A woman stronger even more than she realises, Tomeicka believes every path of her life was destined to be, as her Pastor once prophesied that God has a blessing in store for her.

“One Sunday after church, my Pastor was praying. My eyes were closed but I felt it as he was standing in front of me. He said, ‘Tomeicka, raise up your hand’, and he touched the palms of my hands and he said ‘receive it’. I didn’t know what I had to go through to get it,” she pointed out.

But Tomeicka believes that the blessing is a house she has received from Habitat for Humanity. Tomeicka said she believes God has been merciful to her because of her dedication towards building the church. The two-storey building was being erected while she was still lived with Andrew, but that relationship was full of storms. She would climb to the roof daily, not just working, but it was a daily climb to freedom.

“I always used to be on the roof. I just use to feel free, like I just wanna do something for God. My Pastor always asked us ‘Who going up?’ and I would say ‘Pastor, I going up’,” she said, and added, “When I came down, I had to return to problems”.

GOD IS IN CHARGE Tomeicka’s life is a testimony of God’s power to deliver, and it is an example to many. She recalled that, in her younger days, her mom never trusted Andrew, and had warned her against the relationship. She now advises young women to always trust the instincts of a mother.

Now she works three days weekly at Sita’s Bar, but with just $10,000 weekly in her pocket, it is very difficult to make ends meet, especially with a daughter preparing for National Grade Six Assessment Examination early next year, who is scheduled for an eye-surgery. She is asking President David Granger or any other individual to please assist her, since her needs far outweigh her income. The 27-year-old woman, who had also dropped out of school (at Kuru Kuru College) after her mother took ill, is seeking assistance for a chance to write the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate Examination (CSEC), so she can have a better chance at a better life.

Ever since her attack, she has never received counselling, and is seeking help to find peace inside.

She wonders who will answer this time around as she cries for help.

Her smile camouflages the pain which lies deep within. Domestic violence survivor Tomeicka Miller-Patterson stands in front of her house which was built by Habitat for Humanity.

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Still going strong - despite two fires

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

Businessman, Dennis Charran

By Michel Outridge MEET the unstoppable humanitarian who defied the odds of two devastating fires at his business place and continues to invest locally. He is no other than businessman Dennis Charran, who is always willing to assist the less fortunate and children.

His disposition is very simple; he’s a down-to- earth kind of guy who treats everyone the same way. And to top it off, he is very humble.

Charran has invested his time and a significant sum of money which he has declined to total in many charitable projects for children in the form of feeding programmes.

He is the managing director of Comfort Sleep the lead local manufacturers of foam mattresses and pillows who established his business at Industrial Site, Eccles, East Bank Demerara, about 14 years ago.

The business had two devastating fires in a one month period which reduced the factory to rubble but he rose above that and made a comeback in six months.

Charran told this newspaper that seven years ago he saw the need to contribute in a tangible way to several children’s homes and primary schools across the country where he initiated a feeding programme.

He explained that he would provide the groceries for more than 500 children with three meals per week and with volunteer cooks.

Charran added that when he started the feeding programme in primary schools he catered for 100 children but has since expanded because he saw the need to do more having noted its benefits.

The businessman said the Guyana Chronicle that he has also partnered with Habitat for Humanity and they also support 21 children through a feeding programme who are differently able and orphans as well in several children’s homes for a year now.

Charran told this publication that he believes in children and would give to them continuously in an effort to spread joy and much so he has embarked on three Christmas parties in the city, Berbice and West Demerara for children.

He said they will be fete on goodies and gifts and a tradition he has funded for several years and last year he transported 500 orphans to princess Hotel where they had a grand time in the Fun City section for children.

The father of three daughters said that his family resides in Canada but he chooses to stay here in Guyana and invest locally with quality products at an affordable cost.

Charran is a grand father of one and is very fond of children and sees to it that they are taken care of in some way especially through his feeding programme of which he says will continue.

Comfort Sleep products (mattresses and pillows) are being sold at Giftland Mall and is also readily available at the factory as well.

Comfort Sleep has a staff complement of 30 and all products are locally manufactured from imported raw materials.

Charran said he is proud of his business and what he does because he takes pride in his job and produces quality products so much so it was recognised at an international level and he was the recipient of an award in Geneva, Switzerland in September this year for star in quality product.

This spritely, upbeat businessman told this publication that Guyana is home for him although he is a citizen of Canada and will endeavour to continue his business here locally.

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

English

Chronicle Pepperpot December 6, 2015

XLIII

Robbers almost make Tonto a widower

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HE newly married husband of Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, is still trying to get over a road block attack which would have cost him his life.

Olakunle Churchill, was recently attacked few days ago with his friend who had just returned from the United States of America, on a visit to Ghana for the first time.

It was gathered that Churchill, who had just picked up his business partner cum friend from the Kotoka International

Joke, Olu celebrate 30 years of marriage VETERAN actress, Joke Silva, and her husband, Olu Jacobs, who is also an iconic figure in the movie industry, are no doubt one of the most respected couple in the showbiz industry in Nigeria.

The husband and wife are being looked up to by many in the industry because of the longevity of their marriage.

Despite both of them being celebs, Joke Silva and her husband have kept their union for 30 years, a thing that is rare in the razzmatazz industry in Nigeria.

Not too long ago, their union clocked 30, and they celebrated it by renewing their love for each other.

On November 16, 1985, the couple exchanged marital vows, and they have remained strong since then. In celebration of 30 years of being together as man and wife, they shared some romantic photographs.

Airport in Ghana, was accosted by a yet to be identified group of hoodlums.

The fierce looking men also had on them dangerous weapons which they had intended to use to harm the two men, but for the timely intervention of security men who were called as the matter got out of hand.

Luckily for Churchill and his friend, the security men drove them home safely and later reported the attack to the appropriate police quarters.