Pepperpot 07 03 2016

â–º Page XX Samuel Maughn photo

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Circle of Love New Day…

rebrands with collection of national songs

By Shirley Thomas

T

he Victoria Regia Quarter (Circle of Love), under the distinguished patronage of President David Granger Thursday evening launched their Compact Disc of National Songs of Guyana, entitled “New Day.” The event, described by the President as “an exciting cultural experience” was held at the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel and attracted a massive outpouring of support from a wide cross section of society.

Tracing the origin of the singing of national songs in Guyana, President Granger, exuding a sense of pride and joy, recalled that Guyana’s national songs have their origin in the centenary celebration of unification in 1931. British Guiana was formed from the three Dutch colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice. These colonies were unified under Sir Benjamin D’ Urban in 1831.

The centenary, President Granger recalled, was a major cultural festival. It witnessed, among other events, the first public singing of the Song of Guyana’s Children, composed by Rev. Hawley-Bryant, a minister of the Congregational Church. That song, starting powerfully and proudly with the words “Born in the Land of the Mighty Roraima” he said, has become a musical icon.

The celebrated Victoria Regia Quartet, comprised of Fenton Park (Leader), Clayton Hinds (Public Relations Officer), John Shephard and Charles Griffith, has been thrilling the hearts of Guyanese with their melodious presentation of clean and inPresident David Granger joined the Victoria Regia Quartet in singing “Let Us Cooperate” at the spiring performances, mainly gospel music and patriotic songs launch of their collection of national songs called New Day. (Adrian Narine photo) over the last several years. They have also made international appearances and have performed at numerous functions hostMeanwhile, the Head of State noted that Rebellion and resistance were common historical ed by the People’s National Congress/Reform, the current administration, as well as former experiences which are venerated in our national songs. They remind us of the price that our President Donald Ramotar. fore-parents paid for the right to be masters of our own destiny and the price that our generation The CD, which has as its opening selection the National Anthem, also features a thrilling has to pay to protect our nation. and heartwarming presentation of eleven more of Guyana’s most popular national songs, such Commenting on the attributes of our national songs, he noted that they are, for the most part as Valerie Rodway’s O Beautiful Guyana, Hymn for Guyana’s Children and Guyana the Free; associated with Guyana’s growing self-awareness, its struggle for Independence and freedom M.A. Cossou’s My Native Land; R.C.G. Potter’s Let Us Co-operate; and Way Down Demerara. from colonial rule. As he aptly put it, “Valerie Rodway’s Guyana the Free, celebrates the joy Known until recently as The Circle of Love, the serenading group is typically a cappela - a of the freedom.” group specifically known for singing using the mouth and vocals to produce various sounds By this token, he exhorted the Guyanese people to sing the national songs with a sense of without instrumental accompaniment. national pride and purpose.

The four grew up singing in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and in time, developed a Other hallmarks of national songs, Mr. Granger emphasized are: passion for singing. Today, even though having other occupations, they are rigorously pursuing • National songs distinguish us from other nations which, although they may share this niche, and spend quality time producing that which, when soothingly applied, provides common historical experiences, are different from one another. therapy, and is also said to be ‘the food of the soul’.

• National songs help to create that uniqueness by fostering a distinct national conPresident Granger said national songs form part of our symbols of nationhood, and alludsciousness. They are an inalienable part of our patrimony. They shape our national conscioused to the nostalgia associated with the singing of our National Anthem for the first time. “It ness. They define who we are made us feel proud,” he said, adding that singing of national songs constitutes one of the most • They remind us of our common experiences as a nation memorable of the cultural institutions created first by unification and, later by independent • Re-inforce our pride by depicting our country favorably; statehood [in Guyana].

• Re-affirm our shared values and aspirations; and President Granger said that Guyana’s National Anthem reminds us of our diverse origins • Re-recommit us to the duty to defend our motherland, concluding that “National and our common aspirations; that we are a multicultural society in which people of different songs recall the sacrifices and struggles of our three hundred and fifty year-long rough road to races co-exist. The diversity of our society must not, however, be viewed as a handicap, since freedom.”

Guyana is enriched by its cultural diversity, the Head of State affirmed.

Defence of our mother land The defence of our motherland, the President emphasized, is a sacred duty, adding that the success of any defence depends on national unity and social cohesion.

“A divided nation is a weak nation,” he warned.

President Granger said that Guyana’s National Anthem reminds us that we are a multicultural society in which people of different races co-exist.

The diversity of our society must not, however, be viewed as a handicap, since Guyana is enriched by its cultural diversity.

Chairperson of the launching ceremony Cheryl Sampson recounted her past interaction with the group, through their performances for the PNC/Reform and recalled that music has always been the driving force that propelled them to action.

The Victoria Regia Quartet she said was so renamed through the inspiration of President Granger who requested that they put together a collection of national songs for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee. To date, Sampson, said, the Quarter has developed into one of Guyana’s most traditionally sophisticated groups.

The recordings were done under the coaching of Mr. Burchmore Simon, Chief Executive Officer of Kross Kolor Recording Studios.

Public Relations Officer, Clayton Hinds expressed gratitude to and presented tokens of appreciation to the many persons and institutions that so kindly made significant contributions to the preparation and launching of “New Day.” The Victoria Regia Quartet’s DVD is now on sale at a cost of $2,000.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

III

HINDSIGHT, FORETHOUGHT & RANFOREST REALITIES AN OPEN/LETTER/REQUEST TO GUYANA LANDS & SURVEYS COMMISSION

Dear Commissioner: Re: Requesting Permission To Allocate Land At YUKURIBA HEIGHTS Yukuriba Falls Essequibo River, To Associates Of YUKURIBA CREATIVE FARMING COMMUNITY (YCFC) For Beneficial Use As Curators & ‘Conscience’ Of The Guyana Rainforest.

After reading your warning notice, we hasten to inform you that we’ve already launched YCFC with an informal occasion on May 15, 2016. At that event we announced we’re setting aside three (3) acres for the Burrowes School of Art to establish a Philip Moore Retreat. We’re also creating a Maroon Sculpture Trail dedicated to ‘Maroons of the Americas’.

In pursuit our mission to be as significant for THE ARTS & THE HUMANITIES as the Iwokrama Community at Kurupukari is to SCIENCE, we propose to undertake a number of other such initiaves requiring the “allocation” of portions of the land at Yukuriba Falls focused on the cultivation and production of organic food as well as ideas for sustenance and the overal benefit of the Guyanse nation.

As for *beneficially occuppying the land, please note Mr Commissioner, that we were enthusiastically doing this when we were crudely interrupted by a lengthy court case occasioned by the Guyana Land Commission’s cashier informing me one day as I attempted to pay my provisional lease – “Ms Cambridge, they instructed me not to take any money from you for Yukuriba Falls.” This was all part of the widespread conspiracy by the previous administration served by the Guyana Lands Commission, to dispossess African Guyanese like myself of our lands, through the facilitation and protection of squatters. ...so to the Courts – RE: Lands & Surveys

5033/95 App. J. Cambridge –v- Ministry of

...a battle lasting almost eight years, during which The Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission eventually informed the Judge: “...we cannot continue with this case...we can’t seem to find Ms Cambridge’s file.” Fortunately, I was able to produce a copy of my file with every document relevant to the case; which fact facilitated the outcome. I/we won that case and have since been striving to get back to that place, that point at which we were so

crudely (there’s no other way to say it) interrupted. See Synopsis Yukuriba Story (attached) All of the above (and more) Mr Commissioner, is indeed why I’m respectfully...publicly, herewith requesting (as set out in the above Caption) your permission to – continue allocating land at ‘YUKURIBA HEIGHTS’, Yukuriba Falls, Essequibo River, to enterprises allied with YUKURIBA CREATIVE FARMING COMMUNITY (YCFC) as Curators & ‘Conscience’ Of The Guyana Rainforest. ...trusting your response will be early, as well as positive.

A LUTA CONTINUA! Joan Cambridge; Lease # A12321 *Note: Though other crops have not survived the years of attrition, we believe the (250) coffee plants we put down at Yukuriba Heights must have even multiplied...

IV

Cinemas, movies, and Guyanese society (Part 2)

B

By Terence Roberts ecause the importance of movies to Guyanese society does not depend only on movies created at present anywhere but rather on the specific content of movies going back in time, the society is intellectually and morally compelled to consume movies which are relevant to the social betterment of itself.

Two basic obstacles stand in the way of achieving this today: (1) The privatization of duplicated films for buyers and borrowers free to choose whatever they wish to see and (2) The end of cinemas with professional staff members knowledgeable about past and present films, and who chose them for the public based on sound knowledge.

So permanently important is this second function that even in all the metropolitan cities where all the latest movies are seen in Cineplex box cinemas, there are Film Centers with large auditoriums (the Lincoln Film Center, and MOMA Film Program in New York, the TIFF Center in Toronto, the BFI Center in London, etc), which show every day mostly films from the 1930s to the 1980s, for the simple reason that a large percentage of citizens ( including students of film and hardcore film fans) know that the social concerns, creative freedom and conscientious commitment of film producers, directors, actors and actresses, are far less, or even sought after now, since films have largely become technical or scientific projects and sensational audio-visual entertainment.

However, the films of the past 20th century still exist, are carefully preserved, and maintain their overall superior social value when compared to present day films, give and take about 10% of new exceptions.

On TV, the TCM channel offers 24 hours of the best vintage films, an interest which Neflix does not share. Yet it is said that 60% of TCM devotees are between the ages of 25 and 54, and they include leading filmmakers of today, like Scorcese, Spielberg, and Sidney Lumet, among others. Soon TCM will include films from the international Criterion Collection, the best films on DVD, period.

Such a comparison reveals that most of today's metropolitan films are inevitably concerned with their own present day hi-tech urban environments, and endless forms of crime and violence within it, or threatening it; or with futuristic and fantastic scenarios which act as audio-visual consumer play things.

For the metropolitan viewer, such films and TV programs are primarily entertaining past times which exaggerate or distract from their mundane day-to-day real problems. This new production style of countless metropolitan films today differs drastically from the content of films made between the 30s and 80s, at least.

For Guyanese citizens in all their diversity, a myriad of social problems rooted in the individual character of citizens, and debated, discussed, bemoaned today, can only be ignored by a popular consumer medium like movies to the detriment and bewildering decay of their social fabric; despite an increase in salaries, new governments, new electronic gadgets, new industries, jobs, religious and charitable organizations, international foundations, schools, universities, etc. In fact, these social problems can even be activated or increased by various adopted aspirations transmitted subliminally to gullible minds of a current Guyanese generation by current metropolitan films devoid of any relevance to the everyday human lives within their nation or society.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Looking at those decades between the 1930s and 70s in Guyana (excluding the political riots, vandalism, and ethnic violence between 1962 and 64), an undisputed far lower occurrence of robberies, homicides, public corruption, public garbage dumping, uneducated opinions, speech and behavior, existed in that far less prosperous era when most white-collar workers rode bicycles to work, when a refrigerator at home, much less a car, was a privilege; when gunshots in neighborhoods, even by the police, were unheard of, when downtown Georgetown was alive with cinema programmes, plays, restaurants and late night window shopping, and local yards with lawns, white fences and flower gardens looked like those in 1950s Hollywood color films.

All this cannot be attributed to some sort of strict dictatorial pre or post-colonial State control, or only to the effect of school teachers, priests and religious doctrines, but rather to the daily availability and popular consumption and attention paid to about 150 American and European films seen weekly in nine Georgetown cinemas, supported by informed weekly reviews of new releases. If anyone thinks those films were mostly action-packed, shootem-up Westerns, and violent crime dramas, they should think again, and perhaps put aside their prejudices and see countless precious films which set a high social standard while guiding the personal character, behavior, even appearance of all races and classes locally.

The fact that cinema-goers had no choice but to accept what films were chosen by intelligent cinema staff (unlike viewing personal DVDs subject to distractions at home), and after paying would have to walk out if one disliked the film, meant that the most ordinary people sitting in the stalls ended up seeing for 15 cents some of the best films ever made. They quickly became hooked on the cinematic art-form.

What they saw was hardly forgotten after they exited; it became a pleasant social method whereby they exercised reason, common sense, understanding, sympathetic and cautious behavior. This all depended on the type of films they were shown. In the 1930s such films would have been Grand Hotel, The Public Enemy, Ladies They Talk About, Red Dust, Honky Tonk, I Cover the Waterfront, Modern Times, 'The Awful Truth, Stella Dallas, Love Before Breakfast, The Women, Lost Horizon, Boys Town, Scandal Sheet, Ann Vickers' 'Little Caesar, Golden Boy, 'Mister Smith Goes To Washington, etc.

Such films may seem like nothing more than names on a page now, but to experience them in a crowded cinema with people of different race and class and character, circulated a conscientious feeling of self-awareness about one's flaws, yet one's potential for change.

By the 1940s, cinema attendance had become the most important collective Guyanese cultural activity, because of the broad range of social and personal issues it covered and criticized.

Such a wide range of human issues Guyanese culture then or now could not equally produce in its own arts or mass media. â–ş Continued on page V

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016 â–ş From page IV Critical issues of struggling poor families, colonial histories, artistic and social freedom, independent and educated women, non-white ethnic pleasures, kindness, racism, social work, alcoholism, socialism, shared living, criminality, etc., exist in outstanding 1940s films that were seen, such as How Green Was My Valley, The Letter, Mrs. Miniver, Woman Of the Year, In This Our Life, They Drive By Night, Stage Door Canteen, Cabin In the Sky, Stormy Weather, 'The More the Merrier, Since You Went Away, The Palm Beach Story, 'The Lost Weekend, 'Mildred Pierce, 'The Best Years Of Our Lives, 'The Razor's Edge, Monsieur Verdoux, Duel In the Sun, Body and Soul, Daisy Kenyon, Gentleman's Agreement, 'I remember Mama, 'White Heat, Pinky, etc.

In the 1950s four colour films were made by Douglas Sirk, one of 1950s Hollywood best directors in style and content. Magnificent Obsession (1954); All That Heaven Allows (1956); Written on the Wind (1957); and Imitation of Life (1959).

They sum up the contrasting social and emotional values of hard work, the transformation of character, professional dedication, privilege, working class values, racism, art, bohemianism, age and youth, feminine and sexual freedom, jealousy, family prejudices, spoilt behaviour, shame, illness, tragedy, romantic affairs, individual reform, business ambition, tolerance.

Their diverse content ran like a conscientious fire creating tears in the eyes of local patrons in Georgetown neighbourhoods where the same issues in these films were familiar, and still is.

It was as if these films were locally made despite their cast and scenes in rustic North American states. The first three of these films starred Rock Hudson with serious actresses like Jane Wyman, Lauren Bacall, and Dorothy Malone.

When in the late 50s, a Rock Hudson flight was publicized to touch down at BGs airport, car loads of Guyanese women took off for the 25 miles to Atkinson Field, as the airport was then called, to be greeted by Rock who emerged at the top of the stairway to the plane and waved back while he grabbed some fresh air.

For those Guyanese men and women of yesterday, or today, it is not just the haunting indelible theme tunes from Magnificent Obsession and Written On the Wind which make them relevant and meaningful films, but the fact that the cars, the houses, the gloves the actresses wore, and the foreign settings of the films, had nothing whatsoever to do with their lasting value, only the human truth and acted social lessons of their stories.

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“Theatre” VI

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex

By Subraj Singh

S

ophocles was born around 496 BC; so the fact that we are even still talking about him now, in 2016, is nothing short of a miracle.

However, Sophocles’ genius is more evident in his play, Oedious Rex (also known as Oedipus the King), and the fact that it continues to be one of the most influential, most widely performed and widely studied piece of drama in the world. It is astounding to think of great works of literature, like Sophocles’ play, living through the ages as mankind shifted and changed. Oedipus Rex came before Shakespeare, survived the fall of the Roman empire, moved through the Medieval era, through Industrialization and the World Wars and into the modern age, where it is more prominent than ever. Such is the power of great literature. Aristotle was convinced that the play was the ideal Greek tragedy and even people not directly associated with literature and the arts, such as Sigmund Freud, the famous psychoanalyst, who used the play as inspiration for developing his theory of the “Oedipal Complex”, are aware of the merits of the play.

What makes Oedipus Rex so great? Well one reason might the plot, as presented through the writing of the play, which offers an almost perfect mix of suspense, drama, a hint at the supernatural, and a host of unique, well-developed characters. The play starts with Oedipus, having correctly answered the sphinx’s riddle, as the king of Thebes, worrying about a great plague that has come upon the city. After consulting an oracle, Oedipus sets out to find and punish the murderer of the previous king of Thebes in the hopes that the plague will be lifted once he is able to fulfil his task. Alongside this thread of the story lies another, with a different oracle and a different message. When Oedipus was a baby, an oracle foretold that he would sleep with his mother and kill with his father. In an effort to escape such a fate, Oedipus fled from his home and eventually made his way to Thebes. The way in which Sophocles develops the plot, and keeps the audience enraptured, all the way to the shocking and tragic conclusion is enough to understand why the play is so well-liked. The characters, from the guilt-ridden Queen Jocasta, to the smarttalking blind seer named Tiresias, and Oedipus himself, are all excellently crafted pieces of Sophocles’ magnum opus, each character managing to be fascinating on their own, even as they work together purposefully to move the plot along.

Oedipus is sometimes recognized as the archetypal tragic hero – a hero with noble and morally correct inclinations who ultimately fails because, as a human being, he is still flawed and makes mistakes. Oedipus then falls into the category of tragic heroes, and may be the forerunner of the category, which includes characters like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Sirius Black from the Harry Potter series and several characters (Stannis Baratheon, Robb Stark, etc.) from Game of Thrones and the A Song of Ice and Fire series. The ability of Sophocles to create a man who can be representative of all other men (and women), while imparting what it means to be human by making Oedipus commit so many errors, is the one thing that brings readers and members of the audience closer to the protagonist, reminding us that, like Oedipus, we are all flawed and capable of making great mistakes.

(Dover Publications, 1991)

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

VII

‘Forty three years in exile’ - A woman describes her long battle with depression Hello Everyone,

I

hope this week has treated you well.

Today, I will talk about the success story of a woman who overcame abuse, loneliness, high anxiety and depression. She contacted me and wished to share her story with the hope that it will encourage others who have been through similar situations to seek help. I thank her very much for giving me this opportunity to share her story.

Tina (name changed) was born and raised in North West, Region 1 and lived with her family.

Tina had a tragic start in life as she was sexually abused at the age of three and then again at age eight, and began suffering from high anxiety and depression.

She felt sad and scared and was unable to sleep and was underperforming at school.

She was not willing to open up to anyone and as a result she did not have any friends. She started withdrawing from everyone, including her family. Only her mother knew what had happened and how it was affecting her.

At the age of 5, her depression and anxiety started to affect her physically and resulted in constant headaches and nausea. She needed her back rubbed repeatedly or she wouldn’t be able to function. She saw many doctors, who to her family’s surprise, reported that there

was nothing physically wrong with her.

This way of life continued into her teenage years- she wasn’t doing well.

She moved to Georgetown to attend Secondary School, leaving her family back in Region 1. Even though she spent a lot of time studying, she was not doing well in school. She was living with her aunt at the time and she had no will nor was motivation to do chores at home or anything at all that productive.

She knew she was depressed, but she still had no friends. She didn’t want any boyfriends or male friends in her life at all.

Eventually, her mental health issues became so serious that she was forced to drop out of school at age 16 and return back home to North West. Tina lived with her family but still was not able to work to make a living for herself. During this time, she contemplated suicide many times but her faith and love for her family thankfully stopped her. This way of life continued for a few years.

When she was 21, a nun on a religious outreach visited her community in the interior. She asked Tina a question: “How do you feel when you see your boyfriend?” Tina explained to her that she had no boyfriend and that just thinking of one made her “feel like vomiting.”The nun was concerned about Tina’s answer and spent a little more time with her. After a lengthy conversation, she recommended that Tina be seen by a psychiatrist.

It wasn’t until two years later when Tina returned to Georgetown on a religious retreat that she took the advice.

The church community she volunteered with made an appointment for her, which she was happy to attend as she felt the depression was ruining her life.

She felt “stripped of her human dignity” and was willing to do anything to get help. She was given medication by the psychiatrist and told to return in a month, which she did. When she returned to see the doctor a month later, with not much improvement, he recommended a change of environment and advised her to make a more permanent move to Georgetown.

She took his advice and moved in with the church community. She continued to see this doctor for a year and recalled the medication helping her to sleep but didn’t make her feel generally better.

At age 30, the church community asked her to go and see another doctor as she was still visibly depressed. During this time, she was still suffering from terrible migraines and hence was willing to do as they suggested. This doctor also focused on medication so Tina found it had minimal benefits.

It wasn’t until two years later, when Tina was referred to a female counsellor that she started to feel better. She was able to talk about her life’s experiences and examine where exactly she needed help.

Although she still wasn’t able to have intimate relationships, she recalled feeling 60% better. Tina suffered so much

that she remembers the exact day when she felt free. It was June 21st 2015 at the age of 46.

“Before that day, I felt completely separated from the world. It was like at the age of three I was sent into exile. Now I am set free after spending forty three years in exile and finally feel like my true self,” she stated.

Today, Tina is happy, working and able to form healthy relationships. She is educating herself by studying office administration at government institution in Georgetown. She is happy that she is able to study and focus, something she couldn’t do all her life. She is happy that she did not give up on her life, despite years of struggling.

She sat in front of me- happy, successful and confident/secure with who she is.

I know that a great number of people have experienced what Tina has.

Her advice is that counselling helps the most- it’s important to talk about your feelings and experiences. Keeping it inside will result in both mental and physical pain. She hopes her story brings strength to others- to allow them to speak out and get help, rather than give up. Happiness and success takes time, patience and the will to seek help.

Do not give up.

Remember that you can reach out to our nearest health centre or come see me personally at Georgetown Public Hospital.

If you would like to share your story, please write in to caitlinvieira@gmail.com or let me know what else you would like to talk about. The numbers for the Suicide Prevention Helpline are 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896. Don’t be afraid to seek help.

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Sacked cop wins challenge for compensation

SACKED policeman Euland Hendy, who challenged a judge’s failure to award him compensation for superannuation, had his appeal allowed in part.

The Appellant was discharged from the Guyana Police Force on July 6, 1983 on the grounds of unsatisfactory conduct and character under the Police Act, Chapter 16:01, s.35.

He challenged his discharge in November 1999. The trial judge, in his decision, stated that the respondents conceded that the Appellant was unlawfully removed from the Police Force and he awarded the Appellant compensation of 20 months ’ salary as at the date of discharge with interest, and costs in the sum of $75, 000.

The Appellant appealed on the grounds that the trial judge erred when he refused to award compensation for superannuation, which was a fundamental right under Articles 146 and 214 of the Constitution.

Held: Article 214 of the Constitution did not give an absolute right to pension to any officer, but made the exercise of

By George Barclay the discretion to refuse or withhold conditional on the concurrence of the appropriate service commission. There was no evidence that the Commission had concurred in the refusal of the granting of pension to the Appellant. In the circumstances, he was entitled to pension for the 13 years he served in the Police Force.

The Appellant’s total entitlement was therefore damages of 20 months’ salary, as at the date of discharge, with interest on that sum at 6 % from November 22, 1999 until November 25, 2004 and thereafter at 4 % until judgment was paid in full along with pension for his 13 year period of service.

B. Gibson represented the Appellant while Doodnauth Singh, S.C. Attorney General appeared for the Respondent.

The Guyana Court of Appeal was constituted by Justices of Appeal Singh Kissoon and Chang.

Delivering the judgment of the Court Justice Singh said: Euland Hendy, the Appellant became a member of the Guyana Police Force on January 15, 1970 and served as a constable until July 6, 1983 when he was discharged from the Force on the ground of unsatisfactory conduct and character under section 35 of the Police Act . Cap. 16:01.

In his affidavit in support, the Appellant contended that the certificate of discharge issued to him alleged that he was removed because of unsatisfactory conduct and character but that no allegation of dishonesty of conduct unbecoming a police officer was ever made against him, nor was any disciplinary or criminal proceedings instituted against him prior to his discharge.

As a consequence, he challenged his discharge in an application by way of a Motion dated November, 1999 some 16 years after and sought the following order: (a) An order declaring that his service in the Police Force was terminated by his compulsory mandatory retirement; (b) An order directing the payment of all benefits due and owing to him as a result of his compulsory and mandatory retirement from the Police Force; and (c) Costs.

The trial judge in his decision stated that it was conceded at the trial by the Respondents that the Appellant was unlawfully removed from the Force , and as a result he proceeded to award him compensation of twenty (20) month’s salary as at date of discharge with interests and costs in the sum of $75, 000.

The Appellant appealed the judgment on the ground inter alia: “that ► Continued on page X

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

IX

X

Sacked cop wins challenge ... ► From page VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

the learned trial judge erred when he refused to award compensation having regard to Articles 146 and 214 of the Constitution making superannuation a fundamental right.”

It is important to note that despite the fact that the motion was filed some 16 years after the Appellant was discharged from the Force, the Respondents were generous in not raising any issue as regards the delay’ In the special circumstances of the case, this Court would not be able to entertain any arguments as the Attorney General attempted to proffer in respect of points not raised at the trial.

This article does not give an absolute right to pension to any officer but makes the exercise of the discretion to refuse or withhold conditional upon the concurrence of the appropriate Service Commission.

There is no evidence on the record that the Commission had concurred in any refusal in the granting of the Appellant of his pension and in the circumstances the Appellant would be entitled to pension for the period he served in the force that is 13 years.

Accordingly, the appeal is allowed in part.

The award made by the trial judge is upheld. The Appellant is therefore entitled to twenty (20) months’s salary , as at date of discharge, as damages together with interest on that sum at 6% from 22nd November ,1999 until 25th November ,2004 and thereafter at 4%,until the judgment is fully paid along with pension for his period of service of thirteen (13) years.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

XI

The Importance of Makeup

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ver since I moved back to Guyana, I've been asked, Kerry why do you live here? Why are you makeup artist? Why are you so enthusiastic about makeup, and keep insisting that everyone should pay closer attention to their appearance? Why is it important to wear makeup?

Healthy hair in any hairstyle is accepted. But a healthy wellgroomed face is pristine.

Makeup is becoming more of a trend lately with many young Guyanese women and teens flocking to YouTube for inspiration.

But do we really understand why our appearance is important?

Why fashion and culture is important? Why makeup, especially as a public figure, is important?

Too many times, I turn on the local television stations and am appalled, turned off by the appearance of the TV personalities.

"Why aren't they wearing makeup?" is always the baffling thought that consumes my mind.

I often joke that my claim to fame is "being Enrico Woolford's daughter." He's a popular former news anchor on Capitol News and his face was recognised by almost everyone I knew, everywhere I went, especially in Georgetown and New York City. As a result, his public appearance always matters. It would be blatant disrespect for him to walk around in slacks, and unpolished. That's just plain rude.

As a public figure especially, such as a state minister, member of parliament, dignitary, government representative, it's imperative that your face is well made up, because when you're more likely to be photographed by the media. When you speak people look at your face. When you're addressing Parliament, making

speeches and PSAs, people look at your face. Therefore, you should always ensure you wear makeup, and wear it well.

A few past government officials have given makeup a bad rep, such as a former finance minister with the wrong shade of foundation you know, the ghetto barbies of the world. Maybe, they were misguided. No one is perfect, we've all been there and made those mistakes, that's why it's always best to learn from them, keep calm, then carry on our lives.

For the rest of us, when making public appearances, it's important to show up looking your best. It's a sign of etiquette. Good manners means having respect for those around you by showing that you care. It's not fair to the rest of the world to watch you in agony. My late grandmother had a saying "don't be sick, and look sick" Even though I don't agree with suffering in silence, I would prefer to fight illness fabulously in style.

Imagine showing up to a five star restaurant for fine dining, everyone dressed in gowns and you're that one person dressed in slacks, casual jeans, and a fitted cap...stop! It's not unique or stylish, it's standoffish, and a cavalier disregard for civility and a vulgar attempt at destructiveness. There are other ways to incorporate personal style, without dishonouring a dress code.

The same rules and etiquette apply to makeup. There are times to be subtle and times to be loud and flamboyant...let's keep things civil. Respect each other, respect yourself, and show the world that you care.

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Imagining a post-Brexit art world

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ast week the world watched on as Brexit unfolded before their eyes. The votes were cast and the results were in. Britain, in a historic move, opted out of the European Union (EU). The result sent waves across the world as thousands took to their various social media accounts to express their shock, disappointment and outrage.

Regardless of the varying responses, there was a unifying and collective sense of uncertainty that swept across the globe.

One of the more immediate effects of Brexit was seen on the British currency. The pound took a significant blow and was the lowest that it has ever been in thirty years.

Overnight, the pound dropped 8 percent against the dollar while the Euro rose 6 percent against the pound. And as most persons made predictions about the effect this could possibly have on the economy and international trade relations, the art world too contemplated these as well as the implications of revised immigration policies.

In an article for the Guardian titled “Arts hit back at Brexit: ‘I feel nothing but rage,’” India-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor expressed his shame at the xenophobia saying: “There are so many levels of division in Britain. And it’s all so unnecessary. […] How

will this affect my art? Some anger does get in there. But what I feel today is mostly shame.

Art reflects our national consciousness, but now we’ve just dug a big hole and buried it forever.”

Artistic director at Northern Broadsides Barrie Rutter, in the same article, made a similar gloomy forecast but acknowledged the possible silver lining saying: “What’s so awful about the vote is that it’s a leap into the dark – and for a while, it will only get darker. […] For artists, it will only increase dynamism and creativity – hungry artists are always creative. Some will attack the status quo, although that status quo has changed overnight to a tougher, more rightwing thing.

Governments have always had a problem with the arts because we ask them for money, then we lampoon them.”

While Rutter believes that artists will no doubt “bounce back” from this decision, he was more concerned about the availability of funding to support these efforts and the effect it would have on already dwindling audiences. He also believes that fear-mongering tactics were employed to sway the public’s decision, particularly regarding the immigration issue, adding: “We don’t have to go back very far to see the fear of the foreigner and the fear of the outsider being used in that way.”

Although there have been murmurs that a clean exit from the EU could take at least two years, effectively buying the rest of the world some time to figure things out, the general feeling in the arts community is that the effects of this withdrawal could be a bit more immediate. In addition to jeopardizing already established (as well as emerging) European connections, other restrictions could include limited access to EU markets, limited access to training at European institutions as well as visa requirements where there were none in the past. Then, of course, there is also the very real possibility of losing access to the €1.3 billion Creative Europe program.

Earlier in the year the Creative Industries Federation conducted a survey that revealed 96% of its members were in favor of remaining a member of the EU. Listed among the reasons for wanting to stay was access to funding from the EU in order to facilitate the free movement of talent between territories. This concern ranks high in the arts community since it comes at a time when a tremendous amount of groundwork has been laid by regional artist-led initiatives in order to provide sustainable development and encourage integration and cultural exchange between regions, particularly Europe and the Caribbean.

Conversely, British art dealers have made it clear that they look forward to a future without EU regulations on trade, specifically regarding issues such as Artist’s Resale Rights, as they move toward a “liberated and progressive approach.” But who’s to say that this would be the case and that they haven’t jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire?

At this point we could drive ourselves crazy speculating about possible outcomes. Regardless, the work continues. In the midst of any change, welcome or otherwise, artists have always absorbed the shockwaves by finding ways to make things work in their favor.

Meanwhile British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn, in a Facebook video message reiterated the UK’s commitment to Guyana saying: “In the short term, as the Foreign Minister [Carl Greenidge] has said, nothing will change. […] As the Prime Minister said last year, the UK is expanding its commitment to the Caribbean and its commitment to Guyana. That also will not change. As I sit here today, I can tell you that the UK is committed to Guyana and will continue to be committed to Guyana. Whether we are a member of the EU or not we are still and will remain a major player on the world stage. Nothing will change that.”

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

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Blind Cricket team for regional tournament

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HE local team participating in the ninth Regional Blind Cricket Tournament to be held July 8 to 16 will depart Guyana shortly for Trinidad and Tobago.

The 14-member squad will be selected today (Sunday) to play against teams from Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Blind Cricket Association (BCA) includes players from Georgetown, Linden, Region Six, the Essequibo Coast and Region Four. “These are players who are from three categories: B1 (totally blind), B2 (partially sighted), and B3 (with better vision).

But all persons, in order for them to play blind cricket, have to be legally blind and this means 10 percent or less of your vision.

“On a team of 11, you have four B 3’s, four B 1’s and three B 2’s. B 3’s are like the wicket keepers, out fielders, captains and so forth. Everyone is required to field; all are required to bat if necessary; the B 1’s would have a runner for them. B 1’s must bowl 40 percent of the overs in any game,” BCA board member and player Ganesh Singh explained.

“Guyana has been playing blind cricket for the past ten years. This was officially launched in 2006 and we have officially participated in a number of regional tournaments over the years. We hosted in 2009,” Singh noted.

The rules of Blind Cricket are very similar to regular cricket and the game is played bowling under-hand and with a hard plastic white ball that has beads in it. “When it is being rolled to the batsman under-hand, he would hear when it’s coming. So the game is all about listening,” said Singh.

Acting President of the BCA, Cecil Morris, said blind cricket enhances the lives of blind persons and gives them a higher level of confidence that helps them move forward academically and become well rounded out individuals.

He reminded that there is no age barrier. “Once you’re fit, you can play cricket. And there is no gender bias. It’s a good therapy for anyone who has lost their sight than sitting around doing nothing. It proves that life is not just sitting down and being a blind person.”

Team Manager Theresa Pemberton told Chronicle that blind cricket has been a strong vehicle for young blind persons and has brought out the best in them.

She expressed thanks to the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Cricket Board, all corporate sponsors, and the National Sports Commission.

Guyana will hold the 10th regional tournament next year and the BCA is hoping that sponsors will generously support the tournament.

Left to right: Blind Cricket association Board Member Ganesh Singh, Team Manager Theresa Pemberton and acting President Cecil Morris

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

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Tumours in the mouth

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veryone is afraid of cancer and some people may observe a fleshy growth on either the gums or tongue, or even a scaly lesion anywhere on the soft tissues of the mouth. But the good news is that most tumours of the gums and tongue are benign (non-cancerous). The most common growth is an irritation fibroma, which appears as a smooth-surfaced, pink mushroom suspended by a small stalk attached to the lip, tongue or inner cheek The papilloma is also mushroom-shaped but with an irregular, white surface.

Irritation fibromas are caused by lip, tongue, or cheek biting or sucking. Frequently the growth occurs opposite a small space between the teeth where the tissue can be sucked in. On the other hand a papilloma is a benign growth that occurs of its own accord. The patient first becomes aware of the fibroma or papilloma by feeling or observing the irregularity or by frequent accidental biting of the outgrowth of tissue.

Treatment by excision (cutting out) is the usual cure. Since the diagnosis is obvious and Dr. BERTRAND the entire growth is reR. STUART, DDS. moved without difficulty, biopsy to check for cancer is not necessary.

Avoidance of lip or tongue “doodling� usually prevents recurrence. If recurrence is due to a space between the teeth, then closure of the space with a small fixed bridge may be indicated. However, once the growth is removed it seldom recurs, and no further treatment is necessary.

Then there are bony growths, quite common in adults, in the middle of the palate or on the inside lateral or tongue side of the lower jaw. They are called tori and consist of normal bone substance that in the palate appears as an irregular oval protuberance and in the mandible more or less as a small single or multiple marbles beneath the mucosa.

The cause is unknown and is completely symptomless. Occasionally, they grow so large as to be traumatized by chewing or interfere with the wearing of dentures. Most people are unaware of their presence until a dentist points them out.

Unless tori cause a problem, there is no reason to have them removed. If their size becomes annoying or interferes with the placement of a denture, they are removed by simple surgery.

Once removed, tori do not recur.

Hairy tongue is a harmless elongation of the hair-like filiform papillae on the top surface of the tongue. The surface usually appears white but may be stained brown or black by tobacco or pigments in food. The condition occurs only in adults.

A white-coated tongue is common during a dehydration illness, but what causes hairy tongue in the absence of systemic illness is unknown. The condition is painless and noted only for its abnormal colour. Since food particles can collect in the hairy filaments, the tongue may emit an unpleasant smell. Both treatment and prevention consist of daily brushing or scraping of the tongue to keep its surface clean.

Leukoplakia, meanwhile, should be considered more seriously. This is observed more frequently among older males, and in persons using tobacco. Although most lesions remain benign, the condition can be viewed as pre-can-

cerous.

Lesions vary in size from a few millimeters to many centimeters (an inch or more) across. It may be flat, fissured, or ulcerated with a somewhat rough and scaly surface, and whitish yellow, pearly white, or grayish white in colour. Leuoplakia is usually found behind and to the outside of the lower molars, on the inside of the cheeks, and on the floor of the mouth or the side of the tongue.

Leukoplakia occurs spontaneously or may be caused by irritation from heavy smoking, chewing tobacco, jagged teeth, ill-fitting dentures, and poor oral hygiene. The disease develops slowly and painlessly and most times is discovered by a dentist with the patient unaware of the condition.

When leukoplakia appears on the tongue or floor of the mouth there is a very high risk of it developing into invasive cancer and so complete excision is recommended with mandatory biopsy.

Constant monitoring by the dentist is required.

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Consumers and sellers need to be aware of risks PAT DIAL

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

CONSUMER

CONCERNS:

The Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) has had a long-standing concern about the way certain vegetables which are sold in the markets are grown and vended and also the way other foods which quickly host bacteria are exposed for sale.

Consumers who purchase such vegetables and foods are either unsuspecting or unaware of the risks of consuming such. Indeed, what tends to avoid their contracting serious illnesses is that such foods and vegetables are usually cooked and much of the bacteria is thus eliminated. But it should be remembered that not all bacteria are eliminated in cooking.

Many vegetables are not peeled before usage.

Baigan (boulanger), ochroes, boras, nenwas, and â–ş Continued on page XVII

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Consumers and sellers ... â–ş From page XVI

various types of bhajis (leafy vegetables), eschallots, sweet peppers and chilis, and even sometimes cucumbers are not peeled. In growing these vegetables, farmers very often use water from the nearby drains to water the roots and throw on the plants themselves. Most of the nearby drains take off waste water including septic tank effluent. The vegetables absorb this polluted water. Subsequent rainfall never wholly washes off the bacteria brought by the polluted water and some vegetables like packchoy bhaji actually retain such water.

When such vegetables are exposed for sale in the markets or roadside stalls, the sellers spray them with water to keep them fresh. Since there are invariably no water-connections nearby, many sellers obtain their water from the drains.

In the past, the only fertilizer used by small vegetable farmers was animal manure, especially cow manure. Today, farmers tend to use chemical fertilizers which are easier to obtain, though more costly. Vegetables grown with chemical fertilizers are less healthy than those organically grown and tend to rot very quickly.

Consumers have to be very careful where they purchase their vegetables and have to endeavour to find a greengrocer where there is less such risk.

There are other food items sold in the markets or by wayside sellers which present purchasers with as much risk as buying vegetables. For example, cheap powdered milk in 50-pound bags imported mostly from Ireland and styling itself "full cream" is repackaged in transparent plastic bags and widely distributed. There are very strict regulations relating to milk packaging, one of the main ones being that such repackaging should only be done in sterile rooms, that is rooms which are bacteria-free.

This milk is repackaged in conditions which are far from ideal. It should also be mentioned that the protein in such milk is invariably vegetable protein.

Consumers buying such milk are under the false impression that the milk they are buying is equivalent or identical to the dearer brand-name full cream milks such as Nido or Fernleaf.

Unrefrigerated "fresh" meat - chicken and red meat- is sold by several shops in the markets and by wayside sellers. Unrefrigerated meats beak down very quickly and after a day become unwholesome. The sausages which are packaged abroad keep much better but they would certainly be fresher if refrigerated.

Many market stalls and wayside vendors sell poisons such as insecticides and rat poisons in close proximity to foodstuffs. Both consumers and sellers are unaware or oblivious of the risks to health of having poisons and food so close together.

The Food and Drugs Department, whose remit it is to ensure that safe and wholesome food is sold in Guyana, is aware of the risks faced by consumers but their very limited resources prevent them from fully carrying out their mandate.

For instance, they do not have enough inspectors to continuously monitor the markets. From time to time they have issued releases or advisories protecting consumers and have taken action on businesses which distribute goods which are below standard. Recently, for example, they ordered the withdrawal of a baby food distributed by one of the biggest local companies. The Company's first reaction was to challenge the Department in the courts. Shortly afterwards however, they accepted culpability and withdrew the product.

At this point in time, successfully addressing the risks and dangers faced by consumers does not lie with the Law-enforcing Authorities but in educating both consumers and sellers and also in consumers protecting themselves.

The Food and Drugs Department and the Bureau of Standards could use their comparatively easy access to the print and electronic media in this Educational effort. The GCA will contact the Educational Authorities to alert both in-service and trainee teachers of the problem. Consumers must protect themselves by washing their vegetables very thoroughly and not eating them uncooked.

They should avoid buying food which host bacteria easily, though such may be cheaper.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

:another promising industry in Guyana

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Mechanical planter at work at NAREI's Horticulture Station at Kairuni

o you know that cassava can be stored in the ground for several seasons? This, coupled with being one of the highest value calorie foods, makes cassava one of the ideal crops for food security.

This tropical root crop is a staple in Indigenous communities and is enjoyed by a wide cross section of Guyanese. While cassava is a common ingredient in soup and methem it could be used in the baking and poultry feed industries.

The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) recently conducted studies which successfully proved that grated cassava could be incorporated in bread making and poultry feed. However, local cassava production needs to increase for this to become a reality.

As such, the Ministry of Agriculture through NAREI has been partnering with regional and international bodies to boost local cassava production. In 2014, the Regional Development Project geared towards increasing cassava production commenced. The project was funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and implemented by the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). Guyana, Jamaica and Grenada were the beneficiaries of this pilot project.

One of the pilot farms at Parika Backdam The objectives of the project were to increase cassava production and productivity using good farming practices and relevant technologies such as limestone and bio stimulant. The field component of the project began in 2015 and the Guyana chapter is now completed with several success stories.

Guyana was the only country to receive technologies for both small and large scale productions. Several local farmers from cassava producing areas including Salem and Parika participated in the project. In addition, NAREI’s Horticulture Station at Kairuni was used as a research site.

There, five acres of land were cultivated with cassava.

According to Omaira Rostant, Scientist of CARDI, a lot of farmers wanted to increase acreage to increase productivity. However, increased acreage does not necessarily mean higher productivity. With good agronomic practices and utilization of modern techniques farmers can have better yield without expanding farmlands.

Results from the experiment proved that the project achieved its objectives. Rudolph Fraser is one of the local Cassava being harvested at NAREI's Horticulture cassava farmers who allowed NAREI to cultivate one acre Station at Kairuni

of his farmland for this research.

This research was a learning opportunity for Fraser.

Previously, Fraser approached farming using very basic methods - plough the land, plant the sticks. Impressed by what he saw on the experimental plot, even before the research was completed, Fraser adopted the techniques used by the project.

He is anticipating a bountiful harvest within the next four months. Fraser had incorporated the techniques he learned from the project such as the addition of bio stimulant (his preference over limestone) to the soil and the treatment of planting materials prior to sowing.

According to Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, the interventions that were implemented had to do with improving the agronomy of the crop, starting with basic soil testing to ensure the conditions are right; propagation; and mechanization.

“We would have incorporated limestone in some of the experiments that were done as well as demonstrations to show farmers the benefits of the use of limestone.

Of course, the result would have shown how important this ingredient is in terms of improving production…also introduced the use of bio stimulant in the project. This was another costly exercise to enhance production and productivity.” he noted.

Dr. Homenauth emphasized that an important aspect of the project was the mechanization of cassava cultivation and harvesting. This was the first time in Guyana that machines were used in cassava production. “…mechanization is the obvious way to go if we are to increase acreages and expand farms…Our farmers have been very enthuse with what they see when the equipment are being utilized.

“Our intention is to make this equipment available to farmers who are interested in doing large scale cultivation…that is a plus for cassava farmers in Guyana,” Dr. Homenauth related.

Guyana’s success story will be shared with other farmers in the Caribbean Region. Rostant and a two-man team from Tech4Agri were recently in Guyana documenting the achievements of the project.

The information obtained will be used to create electronic training materials that will be disseminated to farmers and other agencies.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Meeting its g - The groundbreaking Digicel schools football tournament

By Tamica Garnett “It means so much for us in terms of development, in terms of developing the sports section in the school, and developing the school in general.”

That description, from one coach, mirrors the feelings of others across the country when it comes to the Digicel football competition for secondary school students. The tournament has registered its place as one of the premier competitions for the country’s youths.

Now an annual event, the competition has built quite a name for itself over the past six years.

The event is highly anticipated and many schools and students consider it an honour to be a part of the event.

“Just to participate in the Digicel Schools Football Tournament is a big thing; this is the big football competition.

“Everybody prepares for it, everyone wants to be a part of it,” said Simone Wickham manager for the Cummings Lodge Secondary.

Cummunigs Lodge earlier this week played the Bishop’s High at the Guyana Defence Force Ground, Camp Ayanganna, in one of many matches being staged throughout the week at various grounds in Georgetown, and across the country.

Cummings Lodge and Bishop’s High are two of 180 secondary schools from across Guyana that registered to take part in the competition, which runs under the theme “Unite. Develop.

Excel”. The tournament is said to be the brainchild of Jacqueline James, Digicel’s Head of Marketing.

The tournament was aimed developing the students into all rounded individuals. And as the competition continues, there is no question that it has done just that.

For many, the annual tournament is about seeing who will come out the best among the schools as they vie for the top $1M prize that goes to the winning school. But for others, it’s about the discipline, the bonds, the friendships, and the opportunities that the event presents.

“You find people from different communities, different upbringing - some are sheltered, some are not - but sports develops a unity that is far greater than anything, not even school develops this unity as a team. They are really into this, it has really helped them to bond more as friends, these guys believe in each other,” said the coach for the Bishop’s High team, following the team’s 7-5 win over Cummings Lodge.

One of the most admirable facet of the competition is just how vastly decentralized this game is, and has always been. This competition touches every last one of Guyana’s 10 administration region, with preliminary matches held in each and every last region. Digicel has been applauded over the years for the opportunity it provides for many of the players to see differing parts of Guyana, that they may have not otherwise ventured to.

Though Digicel often shies away from declaring the kind of budget one comes up against for executing something of this magnitude, there is no doubt the company is shelling millions into this venture.

It’s more than just the prize money; Digicel covers the uniforms for these teams, and covers the cost of transportation, no matter the distance. And, as one student put it, they don’t just look at the football, they invest in the players.

“Being a part of this competition is very beneficial, because they (Digicel) don’t just look at the football, they cater for us academically, and they help us. In previous competitions they would sponsor and assist players to further their career. They assisted me a lot, and I felt special, it was a privilege,” commented Bishop’s High player Nemar Williams.

As one teacher sees it the competition stands to open doors for many of the students who may not be so academically inclined, but have skills otherwise.

“It’s giving the students the opportunity to showcase their talent, and also boosting them education wise because all two have to go hand in hand.

“This is an exposure that when they finish secondary school they will be able to market themselves.

“So even if they don’t do well education wise, they have something that they could do with football, become a coach, become a referee, something,” the Cummings Lodge coach noted.

A lot of students who have competed at this competition have gone on to play for other local teams, with prospects of making it onto the national team.

One observer pointed out that the competition even stands to be credited with helping the students become more disciplined, and more inclined to stay in school.

“School dropout has decreased too because of this football championship. One of the requirements is that attendance at school is a perquisite to play. Teachers told me discipline among students improved,” the coach said.

The finals of the competition will be held on July 31 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Samuel Maughn photos

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

goal

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Going to school in Syria (Reuters) More than five years of war, which began as a peaceful protest against President Bashar al-Assad and has since drawn in foreign military involvement and allowed for the growth of Islamic State, has displaced millions of Syrian children and limited their access to education.

With schools themselves at times attacked, teachers make do with the basics to provide education.

Syrian student Ali Khaled Stouf has to walk down several steps into a hole in the ground to get inside his school - a cave.

There for four hours each morning, he studies subjects like Arabic, English, maths and religion, sitting on a rug with dozens of children in the underground space in Tramla, an opposition-held village in Syria's northwestern Idlib province.

"I study in a cave. The conditions are not very good but the professor and his wife treat us very well," the 14-year-old, originally from neighbouring Hama province, said. "We sit on the ground and often we don't see clearly because it is dark."

His teacher Mohamed and his wife, also from Hama, have opened up their underground home to teach some 100 children, whose families have been displaced by the Syrian conflict.

Mohamed said the primitive, six-month-old school floods when it rains, forcing him to teach outside or in a tent, although he prefers the security underground. "We believe the cave is the safest place from shelling and air strikes and all the students are in one place," he said.

Idlib province is a stronghold of insurgent groups including the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front and has been regularly targeted in air strikes by the Syrian government, whose war effort has been boosted by the Russian air force.

At the Souriya al-Ammal (Syria the hope) school, in the town of Maarat al-Numan, corridors and classrooms are bullet-ridden and sometimes crumbling. In one less damaged area, walls have been repainted and the school now has some 250 pupils.

"War has affected education massively; most schools, if not destroyed completely, are damaged," school supervisor Abdullatif al-Rahoum said, adding those who missed out on education are now playing catch up with younger students.

"The biggest challenges we face are the warplanes, which never leave the skies. This always worries students."

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Best foot forward: Thai elephant gets her ninth prosthetic leg (Reuters) Mosha the elephant, who stepped on a landmine along the Thai-Myanmar border 10 years ago, received her ninth prosthetic leg on Wednesday.

Mosha was just seven months old when the accident happened and she was rushed to an elephant hospital run by the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation in Lampang province in northern Thailand.

Two years later, surgeon Therdchai Jivacate gave her a new leg and a new life. As she has grown, he has designed new, longer and stronger legs for her.

"The way she walked was unbalanced and her spine was going to bend," Therdchai, 72, said of Mosha before receiving her latest leg. "She would have died."

Mosha, who weighed only 600 kg when she was given her first artificial limb, now weighs over 2,000 kg.

Founded in 1993, the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation hospital was the world's first elephant hospital and currently has 17 patients.

The Thai-Myanmar border is still dotted with landmines left over from clashes between Mosha, the elephant that was injured by a landmine, wears her prosthetic leg at the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation in Lampang, Thailand, ethnic-minority rebels and the Myanmar army dating back decades.

June 29, 2016. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Turning Trash into Treasure

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iving on a budget is no easy feat; as such; it is common to look for opportunities to earn an extra dollar. It’s already mid-year, a time when you may be doing the first big house cleaning of the year. While at it, take a moment to think carefully before deciding to get rid of your “trash”. From unworn clothes and unwanted gifts to old CDs and broken gadgets, your home probably abounds with items just sitting around unused and taking up valuable cupboard space. It’s time to change your perspective! Items that may seem worthless, may with the small act of reusing or upcycling, save valuable landfill space, reduce pollution, conserve resources and help to make your world clean and livable.

In this week’s article, let’s look at some great tips and ideas to turn your trash into treasure with the technique of “upcycling” - a term that simply means reusing (discarded objects or material) to create a product of higher quality or value. It is also a way to save you some cash. Do you have any old tires lying around the yard or in storage? Reuse or upcycle them! Tires can be used in many ways to make beautiful patio furniture which can save you big, just by adding a coat of paint.

Another great idea is collect and reuse old wooden pallets. These can be transformed in to great furniture in and around the home. Besides furniture, possibilities for upcycling are endless.

Do you have lots of books and hardly any space to store them? Try collecting heavy duty cable spools and transform them into a great store space. Moving on to all those unwanted glass and plastic bottles sitting under the kitchen sink.

Did you know? It takes several litres of water to produce just one 1-liter bottle! By reusing plastic bottles you can start an excellent hobby.

Cut and use plastic bottles as hanging baskets for flowers and pots for other plants around the home and the office. Pockets from those old jeans can be removed and used as storage for those small items that you always seem to mis-

place; they can also be used as racks to hang shoes and tools in the home.

One man’s trash is certainly another man’s treasure. There are great step-by-step videos and other media on the internet to get you started on these ideas. Your first attempt might not be that perfect or look as good as the ones you see in the picture but practice makes perfect. Here at the EPA, we would be happy to help you with some more tips or advice on how to perfect your skill. Feel free to share you upcycling projects with us at our Facebook page at Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana.

ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK Soda bottle plant hangers A hanging bottle planter is a great way to reuse an empty plastic bottle. Not only does it prevent bottles from ending up in garbage cans, it is also an easy project that can help you hang plants all around your house in creative ways.

Moreover, it takes less than 15-minutes to convert an ordinary bottle into a hanging planter!

Materials: An empty plastic bottle; a permanent marker; a blade/craft knife/scissors; rope/ string; soil and seedling.

Steps: 1. Remove the bottom of the bottle by cutting.

2. Rough edges can be masked with insulation tape for added colour and style.

3. Make 4 holes (at an equal distance apart) near the mouth of the bottle. Now pass the rope through these holes to make two loops to hang the planter.

4. Gently push the roots of the plant (celery, lettuce, tomato, basil are examples of suitable plants) into the drinking spout (neck) of the bottle.

5. Fill the bottle with soil, gently packing it around the roots of the plant.

6. Hand the bottle-planter so that the plant’s shoots are upside down.

7. Think of ways you can personalize your planter e.g. painting it; gluing scrap cloth onto it etc.

8. Hang your planter where it can get sunlight and try to water regularly or as needed.

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

Source: http://inhabitat.com/how-to-make-a-hanging-planter-with-a-recycled-plastic-pop-bottle/ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/how-to/g139/genius-upcycling-ideas/

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016

Girls less likely to get pregnant if a friend has a baby (REUTERS HEALTH) - - Girls whose friends have experienced teen childbirth are less likely to get pregnant themselves, a new study suggests.

The researchers compared two groups of teen girls: those with a similarly-aged friend who’d given birth, and those with a friend who’d had an early miscarriage.

They wanted to see whether these events affected the girls’ choices in having sex, getting pregnant, having a child, and getting married as teens – or their choices regarding school, marriage and family as adults.

Altogether, the investigators studied 595 young women from across the U.S., interviewing them multiple times over the years, starting in 1994-1995 when they were in their early teens.

Compared to girls whose friends had miscarried, those whose friends became teen mothers were less likely to have sex as teens, get pregnant or get married and more likely to attain their college degree.

“Teens learn from their friends’ mistakes,” study co-author Dr. Olga Yakusheva of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor told Reuters Health by phone.

“It’s common sense, really – we obviously know few people would follow their friends jumping off the proverbial cliff, but that’s how we used to think about peer influences among teens,” she said But the study, published June 16 in the Journal of Adolescent Health, suggests that teens learn from their friends’ mistakes.

Furthermore, girls in the teen birth group were 5 percentage points less likely to have a baby themselves as a teen, compared to those in the miscarriage group.

“Sixteen of every 100 girls whose friend had a miscarriage had a teen childbirth themselves, whereas in (girls whose friends had babies) group, the number was lower, with only 11 girls having a teen birth,” Yakusheva said.

In 2000-2001 - the fifth year after the start of the study - girls whose friends had given birth had about 25 fewer sexual intercourse encounters, on average, than girls whose friends had miscarried.

Odds of getting married before age 20 were about 6 percentage points lower for the teen birth group versus the miscarriage group. Moreover, women in the teen birth group were 8 percent more likely to complete a four-year degree.

No long-term effects were found in income earnings, possibly because the college-educated women in the study were just starting out in their career, the study authors write.

By having sex less frequently, teens were more successful at not getting pregnant.

Stigma might be one reason why the teens who were friends with a teen mom chose not to get pregnant, said Jane Champion of the University of Texas at Austin, who was not involved with the study.

Pregnant teens often drop out of school or go to alternative schools, which can have an impact on their social lives, said Champion, who specializes in behavioral intervention in teen pregnancy.

“They’re often ostracized by their community and no longer accepted by their circle of friends,” she said. “That can be a huge wake up call for teens.”

Preventing early teen pregnancies is what matters, Yakusheva noted.

“What our work shows is that, in addition to teaching kids how not to become pregnant, we should also teach them why,” she said.

She recommends exposing teens to the realities of pregnancy.

“Kids have to see it for themselves,” she said, “not read it in books, not have an adult tell them, because that’s already being done and it doesn’t work very well.”

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India's $4 smartphone rings alarm bell on workers' conditions, campaigners say MUMBAI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The Indian makers of a $4 smartphone hope its low price will allow millions of the poorest people to own a mobile phone in a market with only 10 percent penetration.

But labor rights campaigners worry that push to churn out cheap handsets and tablets may lead to greater abuse of workers' rights in India, the world's fastest-growing smartphone market.

Ringing Bells' Freedom 251 smartphone, whose launch in February crashed the company's website, is priced at 251 rupees - pos-

sibly the cheapest Android smartphone in the world.

On Thursday, the company's chief executive Mohit Goel said the first shipment of about 200,000 handsets was due next week.

Ringing Bells pays fair wages to its workers and its pricier models will help offset the cost of the $4 phone, he added.

"Our vision is to make mobile phones more affordable to the millions of poor Indians who do not own one," Goel told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

India sold 103 million handsets last year, an increase of 29 percent on the year

before.

With only one in 10 Indians owning a mobile phone, there is enormous potential - much of it at the lower end of the market where dozens of local and foreign brands are vying for customers with some handsets selling for less than $25.

However, the pressure to keep costs low is pushing manufacturers to pay low wages, rely on cheaper contract labor and insist on unpaid overtime, activists say.

"Responsibility of the supply chain and workers lies with brand companies," said Gopinath Parakuni, general

secretary at Cividep, a workers' rights campaign group.

"Our regulations simply aren't strong enough to en-

sure workers in the electronics industry are taken care of," he said.

'WHO PAYS THE PRICE?' Last month Cividep and Amsterdam-based GoodElectronics issued a report on Samsung Electronics, the leader in India's mobile market, which found that Samsung workers were poorly paid with no way to effectively have their grievances addressed.

A Samsung India spokesman said the company complies by all relevant labor laws and regulations wherever it operates.

"Fairness and respect for all are the values that form the foundation of our business," the spokesman said in a statement.

While most of the 100odd phone companies in India largely import from China and Taiwan, companies are increasingly heeding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to "Make in India", an initiative launched in 2014 to emulate China's export miracle.

Chinese phone maker Xiaomi rolled out its first locally made smartphones last year from a facility in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

The "Make in India"

drive to boost manufacturing is aimed at luring more investment, raising economic growth and creating jobs in industries such as electronics and apparel.

But these efforts lack sufficient checks and balances for millions of workers who face archaic labor laws, low wages, few benefits and little job security in businesses that often flout laws on safety or underage workers, activists say.

In India's electronics industry, working conditions are "among the worst", according to a 2013 report

by Hong Kong-based labor rights non-profit Asia Monitor Resource Centre.

Not all efforts to produce cheap electronics have been successful. In 2008, the Indian government unveiled a $10 laptop that ended up costing more than $100, while a $20 Android tablet sold through a subsidy scheme failed to capture significant market share.

"Companies like to say cheap phones and computers is about digital empowerment and democracy," said Raphel Jose at the Centre for Responsible Business in New Delhi.

"But we must stop and ask, 'what is the real cost of these cheap devices? Who pays the price?' Cheap is not always good," he said.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016 Saida Smith

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Balancing Act

- How Saida Smith manages to be a cook, a model and an actor

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he is usually up at 2 a.m. chopping seasoning, meats and vegetables to prepare dishes for customers the following morning. During the evenings, she struts along the catwalk to fine–tune her modeling skills. And young Saida Smith embeds several hours of acting and singing into her routine, a feat she relishes as an all-rounder.

The 22-year old Smith is relatively new to entertainment scene, at least for three of areas within the arts. But the mother of one has been singing for years, a talent she has been working to develop over time. She has featured at karaoke events across the city and many persons have encouraged her to explore her vocal talent.

The Surinamese –born Smith during a recent interview recounted her “tomboy ways” growing up on the East Coast of Demerara. She said that she spent the earlier years of her life with her grandmother at Beterverwagting , moving from the “village to the front road and then again into the village.” During those years she said she could have been seen riding bicycles around the streets “non-hand,” swimming and climbing every fruit tree in her wake.

She said that she then moved to Suriname with her parents and the relocation brought out a feature which she says brings out the best of her talents. “I’m a very positive person, I try to keep my mind off of anything that is stressful by keeping myself occupied,” she said.

She said that she started singing during her primary school years and as time progressed she began to pay much attention to her vocals. After returning to Guyana during her teenage years, she started to exploit her creative talents. She said that she encountered producer Randy LeFleur of RJL Records and she was afforded opportunity to record alongside La Fleur and another artiste known as Tremayne. The first single titled “Go Low” is an up-tempo pop number. The song was released over a year ago and earlier this year, the single “Back to the music” was featured on several radio stations in the city as well as in Linden. “The problem is that people look forward to the foreign music and our very own is right here,” she said.

Smith got up and belted out her vocals as the interview continued and several persons, who were within earshot, tuned their heads in her direction. She looked at her watch and noted the time; it was almost 6 p.m. and she had rehearsals to attend with the ASX Model agency at the Water Chris hotel.

Smith said that she never envisioned herself as a model. In fact, she would shy away from the thought whenever persons raised the subject. But a local radio personality saw her at work one day and encouraged her to take up the challenge. “I met Ms Debra Allen at ASX and she schooled me …how to walk , to overcome my fears and how to dress,” she said.

Smith featured during launch of the Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) during the Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Arthur Chung Convention Center in May this year and she keeps her rehearsal schedule in tight order. The event will climax in November and she says that she is working hard to follow her daily routines as she countdown the days to the event.

Smith said that she finds herself in the right places at the right time on many occasions.

That was the case when the producer of a local television series, Brandon Jones, asked her to appear on the set of the series entitled “Spur” which is slated for release during the July/August holidays. She said that the crew and actors were filming several months ago when someone who was expected to play a supporting role to the lead actor was unavailable. “So they asked

Saida during one of her performances on stage

Strutting down the catwalk at the Saida as she prepared for modeling launch of the GFW 2016 during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in May rehearsals recently me to play the role of the friend so I took up the task and there I was, acting the role,” she said.

The trailer for the series appears impressive for a local configuration and according to Smith, she can foresee the development of her acting skills after the series is launched.

So how does she find the time to cook?

Smith said that catering is her day-to-day routine, her main source of an income. She said that the business was started by her sister and she would play a supporting role in the preparation and delivery process. She said that her sister migrated sometime last year and the business was left in her care. “I didn’t continue right away but after a while I decided to take up the mantle,” she said.

She said that during the day and in the evenings, she would venture into the markets to shop for her ingredients for the next day’s special.

She cooks from Tuesdays to Fridays and according to her, the process can be hectic. “I would be up as late as 2 a.m. and sometimes 3 a.m. because I do everything alone,” she said. During the morning hours, she contacts her customers and make deliveries in and around the capital city. It is this sense of independence which she noted, brings out the best in her. “In two years I can see myself taking advantage of my creative talents and one of the things I wish to do is to further my education because it is one of those things which makes you somebody,” During one of her late-night routines in the kitchen Smith added.

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The rifts behind Nigeria's mass kidnap (Reuters) When local people warned that hundreds of Islamist militants were heading towards his remote town of Chibok in northeastern Nigeria, Danuma Mphur hurried to summon help.

As chairman of the Parent Teachers Association at the town’s school, Mphur feared for the safety of children who were staying there to take exams.

The 15 Nigerian soldiers in Chibok were no match for the forces of Boko Haram, a militant group waging a campaign to create an Islamic state in the region. Reinforcements were needed, fast. Mphur says he called the police and the local government chairman.

In turn the local government chairman also called the police and contacted the military commander in Chibok between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on that evening, according to Kashim Shettima, the governor of Borno state, which includes Chibok.

“Can we go further than that?” said Shettima, suggesting there was little more local people could have done than ask for help.

Backup never arrived. The military said in a statement that it received no warning about the attack. It added that when reinforcements were sent, they were ambushed on the “120 km rugged and tortuous road” from Maiduguri, the state capital, and delayed. Chibok’s local government chairman could not be contacted for comment.

Either way, about three hours after Mphur rang for help, Boko Haram militants swept into Chibok and abducted 276 girls from the school. While 57 escaped, according to the state government, most are still missing, and Boko Haram has threatened to sell them “in the market.”

Though Nigeria’s military said on Monday that it now knows where the girls are, it has ruled out using force to try to rescue them.

Rachel Daniel, 35, holds up a picture of her abducted daughter Rose Daniel, 17, as her son Bukar, 7, sits beside her at her home in Maiduguri in this May 21, 2014 file photo. (REUTERS/Joe Penney/Files) The mass kidnap on the night of April 14 sparked headlines worldwide – but it was far from the first misstep in Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram. Interviews with witnesses to the kidnapping, Nigerian military and security officials, Western diplomats and counter-terrorism experts, highlight a series of failings by politicians and the military in the struggle against the group, not just in the hours leading

up to the raid on the school, but over several years.

Divisions, low morale and corruption within the military have allowed the Islamist militants to take over large swathes of Nigeria’s northeast. Since an initial uprising in 2009, Boko Haram’s campaign to create a breakaway Islamic state has accelerated. It has now killed more than 5,000 people, including an estimated 1,800 this year alone.

A bitter struggle between the federal government in Abuja and at least two state governors in the northeast has made it harder to coordinate a response to the group, say analysts and security sources.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, who came to power in 2010 and is expected to run for a second term next year, is a Christian from the south of the country. Many people in the mostly Muslim north, which is less developed and poorer than the south, feel neglected by his government.

In Chibok, where the charred remains of dormitory bunk beds sit amid the rubble of the school, Mphur believes the mass kidnapping could have been prevented. He told Reuters: “What happened ... could have been avoided if the government had taken the necessary steps.”

FROSTY RELATIONS In the Hausa language of northeastern Nigeria, Boko Haram roughly translates as “Western education is forbidden,” and in 2012 the militant group announced it would specifically target schools.

Since then, Boko Haram militants have torched

A protester cries during a sit-in rally for the abducted schoolgirls, at the Unity Fountain in Abuja in this May 15, 2014 file photo. (REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde/Files)

► Contiuned on page XXIX

Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016 numerous schools and abducted or killed hundreds of children, according to a senior Nigerian military source.

Three Western intelligence sources in Nigeria estimate Boko Haram was holding between 200 and 300 girls as slaves even before the raid on Chibok. Dozens have escaped - but Nigeria’s security forces have failed to interview many survivors even though their information could help combat Boko Haram or assist in finding girls still held captive, kidnap victims and security sources said.

One escapee was a girl abducted by Boko Haram in a mountainous region near Cameroon last year. “No one ever came to ask me questions after I escaped. I could help them find others,” she told Reuters.

Political differences between regions and poor organization of the security forces are two of the problems.

Borno has some of the lowest economic indicators in the country, and investors shun the state because of poor security. Despite such problems, the president has visited the state only once during his four years in power.

Jonathan and Shettima, the governor of Borno, have a frosty relationship. Shettima is a leading figure in the main opposition All Progressives Congress party and has been openly critical of Jonathan’s administration. According to sources close to the president, Shettima angered Jonathan in February by saying that Boko Haram was stronger and better equipped than the military.

Though Nigeria allocates around 1 trillion naira ($6.5 billion) to security every year, soldiers in the northeast are stretched, several security sources said.

Widespread corruption means a lack of investment in training and failure to maintain equipment.

Money is often wasted. Nigeria bought Israeli surveillance drones in 2006 that might have been used to hunt for the girls, but poor maintenance has left them grounded, the aircrafts' manufacturer said.

Boko Haram fighters, in contrast, are well-armed and determined. In dozens of attacks by militants in the past year, soldiers were swept aside by militants arriving in trucks, motorbikes and sometimes even stolen armored vehicles, firing rocket-propelled grenades looted in raids on military facilities.

In pure numbers, Boko Haram is outmatched.

It has an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 members, three security sources said, whereas a Nigerian task force in Borno state numbers around 12,000, including soldiers and police.

But soldiers told Reuters that morale is low.

Their commanders pocket some of their salaries, they often don’t have enough to eat, and they live in fear of Boko Haram attacks, some said.

“They (Boko Haram) are better equipped,” one soldier told Reuters by telephone, adding that he couldn’t stand up to a Boko Haram attack at his security post. “I’m taking a knife to a gunfight,” he said.

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A student wears a red ribbon to express solidarity with the abducted Nigerian schoolgirls from the remote area of Chibok, as he does a maths exercise at the Regent Secondary School in Abuja, in this May 14, 2014 file photo. REUTERS/Joe Penney/Files

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ARIES - Relying on your physical senses is not an effective way of navigating through an obstacle course today. You might do better by closing your eyes and letting the Force be with you. Nevertheless, you probably won't relinquish your old ways until you make a significant judgment error that complicates your life. The more you try to talk your way out of the mess you created, the worse it gets. Thankfully, things start looking up once you stop resisting change and commit to going with the flow.

TAURUS - You may hold your friends in such high regard now that they can't help but let you down. It's not that anyone does anything that's so bad; it's just that your optimism is so high today that no one could possibly fulfill your dreams. Nevertheless, your standards of excellence inspire people to strive for better results. Your job is to find the sweet spot that entices others to reach farther, but not so far that they end up discouraged. As Tony Robbins says, "Trade your expectation for appreciation and the world changes instantly."

GEMINI - It's one thing to imagine a future filled with abundance, but your dreams of personal wealth can seem so real now that you may make an important decision based upon sheer fantasy. However, the true purpose of your vision is not to leave you lost chasing your illusions, but to motivate you to greater heights. Entertaining possibilities is wiser than accepting limitations, but knowing the difference between fact and fancy is critical to your success.

CANCER - You are more transparent today than you think. In fact, you might want to run and hide when you realise that you're wearing your dreams on your sleeve for all to see. However, there's really no sound reason to be overly protective of your plans now. Thankfully, people close to you are more likely to support your current decisions when they understand the underlying motivation behind your actions. Ultimately, the real risk is in doing nothing at all.

LEO - It's not like you to conceal so much of your fantasy world, but you're not interested in letting others see your most private thoughts now. You are certainly enjoying the fruits of your imagination and might be fearful that your vision will disappear in a puff of smoke if you talk about it. Some things are better left unspoken. Don't succumb to anyone's pressure to share those dreams that are yours alone. Thankfully, if you build it, they will come -whether or not you tell anyone about it VIRGO - It doesn't matter much what other people say now, since you only hear what's already in your head. The line between illusion and delusion is elusive, especially if you don't go the extra mile to discern the truth. Although you can be easily misled by your own assumptions today, you can untangle your dreams from reality if you're willing to devote some energy to it. Don't be afraid to ask questions; however, taking the time to listen improves the quality of your relationships more than anything else.

LIBRA - You can let down your guard today and just be who you are.

There's really nothing to gain by obscuring your truth, even if you don't think you can verbally communicate your deepest beliefs. Nevertheless, reconsidering your overall life trajectory is a healthy exercise now if you temporarily allow your imagination to run supreme. You don't have to pursue every goal that appears in your mind's eye, nor do you need to speak about those things which should remain private. All things are possible if you believe in yourself.

SCORPIO - Your dreams hold the key to your future if you're willing to share them with a select few. However, it's still scary to reveal your most personal truths when you don't know how they will be received. Although opening your heart can temporarily intensify your discomfort, it's also the key to developing deeper intimacy in your relationships. Don't settle for less when you're so close to obtaining more.

SAGITTARIUS - You are more likely to see the bright side of life today, especially when examining family dynamics. You might easily miss the most important issues if you already assume they don't exist. But living in a bubble of dreamy perfection will only last until it's popped by the sharp edges of the truth. Rather than waiting for a rude awakening, consciously dismantle your fantasies as you explore them. You can still experience the magic of your inner world without confusing it with reality.

CAPRICORN - Although a close friend or relative might go out of the way to show how much they care for you, their good intentions could backfire today.

At first, you luxuriate in the protective energy but it grows overly restrictive as the day unfolds. However, it's hard to admit that you like the fact that someone is watching out for you. You may need to establish new boundaries that give you more latitude to move now, but don't overreact or you might end up throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

AQUARIUS - You don't want to follow a schedule today because you prefer to rely on your intuition when it comes to deciding what to do. Unfortunately, there is a price to pay for this level of spontaneity and self-determination.

You may end up spending more time alone than you originally imagined to counteract the structure others try to put into the day. People won't necessarily wait for you to make up your mind. Living in your dream world works amazingly well until reality interferes with it.

PISCES - You are in your own element today as you happily swim through the magical waters of your vivid imagination. But be careful what you fancy because your powers of manifestation are exceptionally strong now. Anything you visualise, however extraordinary it might be, has the potential to leak through the veil that separates this world from others and become real. In the words of the late great Wayne Dyer, "Believing is seeing." Discernment is your friend.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 3, 2016 Tushar Kapoor

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The industry has supported my decision:

Tusshar Kapoor Actor Tusshar Kapoor on surrogacy, being a single parent and the challenges ahead

(INDIAN EXPRESS) Tusshar Kapoor, 39, recently made headlines after becoming a single parent to his son Laksshya, who was born last week, with the help of IVF and surrogacy.

After Bollywood couples Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao Khan, and Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, Kapoor is the most recent celebrity to use this option for embracing parenthood.

Here Kapoor, son of actor Jeetendra and his producer wife Shobha, and younger brother of TV magnet Ekta Kapoor, talks about his apprehensions regarding single parenthood and the reactions of those around him.

How nervous were you when you met your son Laksshya for the first time?

The day before I met Laksshya, I was very anxious and couldn’t sleep the whole night. Did you deliberate much before deciding on IVF and surrogacy? Were your parents on board? I decided to go for IVF and surrogacy last year in June-July. I had met somebody who explained it to me and then I met people who had gone through the procedure.

I took my time to think about it. I told my parents only after the IVF was successful. They have been very supportive of the decision since the beginning.

How are you preparing to take on the challenges of being a single parent?

I am taking life as it comes. I have always been very independent, so I am looking forward to the challenges that I will be facing as a single parent. And I am going to enjoy them as it is going to be an altogether different experience. I believe that life is a challenge and you should enjoy it.

What has been the reaction of your friends from the industry?

Everyone that I have worked with has been very supportive and happy for me. My parents and I have spent the last two days replying to congratulatory messages. This is something that my parents and I have been waiting for the past 40 years to happen. The best gift which Laksshya has received are the blessings and good wishes from my family and friends. Speaking about your career, you seem to be doing fewer films and mainly comedies. I have had two releases this year and this has been my average since the beginning. My next project will be Golmaal 4, which will release in 2017.

Spielberg takes on daunting challenge to bring 'The BFG' to life (Reuters) Steven Spielberg has rarely shied away from a challenge, Composer John Williams (L) and director Steven Spielberg (R) attend the premiere of "The BFG" from deadly sharks in "Jaws" to resurrecting dinosaurs in "Jurassic in Los Angeles, U.S., June 21, 2016. REUTERS/Phil McCarten Park," but when it came to creating a giant for "The BFG," his latest film you need experience and plot. So it's very faithful to the book, but it's a different creature film, the veteran director found the prospect "very daunting." than the book."

"I don't usually get intimidated by technology," Spielberg told Reuters TV. When Sophie, played by newcomer Ruby Barnhill, sees the BFG one night, he "I usually try and be at the forefront of technology, but this time I was in the wake of it. takes her back to his home in the land of giants out of fear that she might give away It took me a couple of weeks to get my sea legs to really realize how I could best utilize the his secret. medium of motion capture."

The plucky girl quickly becomes a friend and confidante to help the kind, gentle giant from "The BFG," a Walt Disney film out in theaters on Friday, tells the story of Sophie, an orbeing bullied by his larger, uncultured brethren. phaned girl who encounters the Big Friendly Giant (BFG), played by Oscar-winning British "The BFG" marks the 30th feature film by the 69-year-old Spielberg, who has won three actor Mark Rylance and brought to life using motion-capture animation.

Oscars over a career spanning five decades that includes "Indiana Jones," "Schindler's List" The title character of Walt Disney Co's "The BFG," based on British author Roald Dahl's and "Saving Private Ryan." Spielberg will be returning for the fifth installment of "Indiana book of the same name, is no ordinary giant. He doesn't eat children, unlike his fellow giants, Jones" with star Harrison Ford, due for release in 2019. and instead collects and creates dreams to spread through the country under the cover of "I get really flattered when people like my films but I can never see the films the way nighttime. they can," he said. "I am never going to enjoy my own output the way other people can."

"Every film of a book brings out a certain essential thing of the book," Rylance said. "In

Tarzan swings again in screen tale of rescue and revenge (Reuters) Tarzan may have left the jungle, but the call of the wild proves too irresistible for the vine-swinging hero as he is lured back to the African forests, only to find himself racing to save his kidnapped wife and the Congolese people in a new film.

"The Legend of Tarzan," due in U.S. theaters on Friday, sees Tarzan, played by Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgard, going by the name John Clayton, living in a manor in Victorian England and married to Jane, played by Margot Robbie.

But an invitation to the Congo draws the Claytons back, where they are ambushed and Jane is kidnapped by the nefarious Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz), who has been tasked with delivering Tarzan to a tribal chief in exchange for diamonds.

"It's more about the traditional story in reverse, so we go back to the Congo rather than beginning there," actress Margot Robbie told Reuters.

Skarsgard, best known for playing a vampire in HBO's "True Blood" series, is the latest star to play Tarzan, bulking up his physique over nine months to embody the jungle hero's strength and animal-like agility.

"A transformation as an actor is always exciting," Skarsgard said. "It was tough physically and mentally sometimes as well because you're so isolated from friends and family for nine

months. It wasn't tough in a way because I was so excited and motivated."

The fictional story of Tarzan, based on the books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, is weaved into the real life story of African-American historian George Washington Williams, who traveled to the Congo and condemned Belgium's King Leopold II for his harsh and brutal treatment of the Congolese people.

In the film, Samuel L. Jackson plays Williams, who helps save the Congolese people from being enslaved by Belgium's military.

"It's one way of giving it some historical accuracy," Jackson said. "This was actually something that was going on in the Congo at the time and (King Leopold) is responsible for one of the biggest holocausts in Africa."

Much of the Time Warner Inc-owned Warner Bros. film was shot on sets built to look like jungles. Director David Yates, best known for directing four "Harry Potter" films, said the attraction of "Tarzan" for him was in its grand scope.

"This just seemed to me epic, beautiful sense of adventure, big beating heart, lots of action and themes I really responded to," he said.