Pepperpot 12 01 14 by Guyana Chronicle

By Maureen Rampertab

Chronicle Pepperpot January 12, 2014

The Falcon Princess

HE glided in the sky, her wings poised like a dancer in the wind, the falcon, majestic heiress of her own world. In the day, she flew over the mountains, valleys and rivers, in her quest for something hidden; something she had to find, for a hunter’s lethal arrow could pierce her breast and the curse would stay unbroken; a curse that entrapped her in this bird form, until dusk, when, in the dark, she could not even see her reflection for the girl she was. From her vantage point in the sky, she saw the young man, a native hunter, sitting on a rock on the river’s bank, watching the sun set on the horizon. At the end of the day, the magical beauty of the sunset was like a soothing balm to his weary body as he relaxed by the riverside. The reddish-orange hue, a masterpiece of creation, suddenly seemed to come to life as a black falcon streaked across, like the sudden swish of the artist’s brush. The hunter’s hands, in a swift, smooth motion, armed his bow and watched as the bird alighted on a rock on the opposite bank, folded its wings, and tucked its head in its chest. The hunter’s hand steadied, but he didn’t take aim, waiting for one little movement, because this majestic bird was more valuable alive than dead. But the bird stayed still as the dark curtains of night spread across the land. The hunter shook his head as he sheathed his arrow. “Maybe not today,” he said, and left the riverside for his village. She watched him go, fear beating in her breast, wondering if he was the one who could help and not harm her. Another day gone; now she will rest somewhere in the thick foliage of the forest. As her feathers vanished and she stood there, a stunning vision of a dark-haired girl, her flawless beauty and velvet smooth skin not of this world, she seemed lost in thought, but of a world ruled by kings and queens. Who was she? And to which dynasty did she belong? She closed her eyes and let her mind wander, thinking of the young hunter. The native hunter was restless in his sleep that night, for there seemed something strange about the bird. In his dream, as the falcon glided in the sky, every arrow he shot missed its mark. He awoke before the sun rose, disturbed. It was a bad dream, for he was an ace hunter, never yet missing his mark. He did not go deep in the forest that day, waiting for the falcon. But at the end of the day, he had not seen it; not in the sky, nor on the rocks at the river’s edge. She saw him from another vantage point, knowing he was looking for her, and as night closed, she laid down on the forest floor to sleep, crying softly, not sure where she was, or if she’d ever see home again. On the fourth day close to dusk, the hunter did not watch the sunset but secluded himself in a thicket of trees, not too far from the river, for he had seen the bird in the sky that day. His hunting instincts told him it would come up to the rive,r and

he waited, wondering why the bird came into his dreams every night, and why he could not hit it. As dusk approached, the bird flew down from the sky with such speed, it was as though it had lost the power of its great wings. It didn’t take the hunter long to realize that it was injured, and he moved swiftly, just as the falcon hit the water. He dived into the water to rescue it from drowning, but with an arrow protruding from its wings, its fluttering wings and sharp claws were its weapons of vicious defense. She felt this was the end; to die in this cursed form as the hunter subdued her weakened wings and pulled her out of the water. His arms and chest were bleeding where her claws had ripped his flesh. He stood looking at her, not daring to go closer. And as day became night, something unbelievable happened; something he could not describe. Her feathers slowly vanished, and, lying on the river’s banks, an arrow in her shoulder, was the most beautiful woman the native hunter had ever seen. He stared at her in awe, and, calling all his ancestor’s names in his mind, he knelt by her and gingerly extracted the arrow from her shoulder. The pain was so extreme, she screamed until darkness closed over her eyes. When she opened them again, night had advanced, and the hunter was sitting close by, watching her. He had treated her wound with herbal extracts; constructed a shelter from branches; and had laid her on a soft bed of fallen leaves. She sat up, grimacing in pain, and stared at him for a long moment, before speaking. “Thank you for saving my life.” Her voice was so soft, like the touch of a feather, and as he looked at her from the little light streaming through the trees, he saw the deep sadness in her eyes. “I have been hunting in this forest since I was a young boy,” he said to her, “and I have seen many strange things; but I have never seen anything like this, nor anyone as beautiful as you are. Who are you? And what happened to you?” She grimaced in pain, and did not answer for a while, drinking the liquid herbal medicine he gave her to ease the pain. “It will take a little while to heal but you’ll get better.”

She nodded, and, composing herself, she told him her story. She was an Indian Princess of the Aztec dynasty, where kings and queens ruled; where it was traditional that she marry a prince, but the prince who she was to be betrothed to was not the man of her dreams: He was from a dark kingdom, cruel and brutal to his people. He became so enraged at her refusal to marry him that he put an ancestral curse on her. “Since that day,” she said, tears in her eyes, “this has been my life; cursed to live as a bird in the day, and human in the night.” “Is there no way to break the curse?” he asked. “It has been said that on top of a high mountain, there grows a small flower, its nectar so powerful, it can cast away any evil, just one drop to taste.” “That is why you have flown so far?” “Yes. I’ve searched so many mountains, but I have not found it; and I have grown so tired and weak.” “I know the flower,” he said. “What!” She sat up, forgetting her injured shoulder. “It’s a legacy of our tribe; I’ve heard my great-grandfather speak of it.” “Can you help me find it?” “I’d be honoured; not every day a simple, poor hunter gets to speak to a princess.” She smiled a little, and that little smile was enough to send him climbing up the high mountain. One day and one night passed as she anxiously awaited his return, and on the second morning, as she rested high on a tree limb in her bird form, she heard him calling for her. She flew down, alighting on his arm, and just like the legend stated, one drop of the nectar cast away the evil, breaking the curse. She stood there in the daylight in her royal robes, in her true princess form, a light in her eyes, a glow on her face, the wind caressing her long hair. It took his breath away to be in the presence of such beauty, and to be honoured, for she was royal. She touched his arm, and, reaching up, kissed him lightly. “I will remember you always as someone special.” “And forever I will dream of you,” he said quietly, as he watched her leave, “my Falcon Princess.”

Chronicle Pepperpot January 12, 2014

III

By Petamber Persaud

Arthur James Seymour (Part II) (January 12, 1914 – December 25, 1989)

Fourteen Guianese Poems for Children Themes of Song Kykoveral Anthology of Guianese Poetry The Miniature Poets Independence Ten – Guyanese Writing

IT IS difficult to examine the life and work of Arthur James Seymour in one short article, because his life and work, closely intertwined, covers a canvas that is very extensive. So extensive a canvas it is that it meanders to luminous heights and periods of dormancy; sometimes pieces of the canvas dropping out of sight, hopefully one day soon to be recovered, shedding more light on this indomitable litterateur. Seymour was a poet, anthologist, editor, publisher, broadcaster, cultural historian and literary enabler who helped to shape Guyanese Literature and contributed enormously to Caribbean Literature. In a previous article, we revisited the life of the man; now we take a look at some of his writings, ever mindful of the fact that he wrote poems, reviews, essays, forewords, lectures, pamphlets, memoirs, sermons and eulogies; mindful also that he edited magazines and journals, and published the writings of others. The following is a list of some of his own writings, in book form. Verse (1937) More Poems (1940) Over Guiana, Clouds (1944) Suns in My Blood (1945) Six Songs (1946) Leaves from the Trees (1951) Water and Blood (1952) Three Voluntaries (1953) Ten Poems (1953) Variations on a Theme (1961) Selected Poems (1965) Monologue (1968) Patterns (1970) Black Song (1971) I, Anancy (1971) Passport (1972) City of Memory (1973) Song to Man (1973) Italics (1974)

And literary criticism: Introduction to Guyanese Writing The Making of Guyanese Literature A Survey of West Indian Literature Studies in West Indian Poetry In followup articles, we would look at Seymour’s other work, like the editing of Kyk-Over-Al, and other parts of his life, which included his devotion to family life and religion, much of those parts resulting in outstanding poetry. (To respond to this author, either call him on (592) 2260065 or send him an email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com)

Mirror (1975) Georgetown Journal (1976) The Shape of Crystal (1977) Images of Majority (1978) Religious Poems (1980) Love Poems (....) Seymour’s other publications included the following autobiographies: Growing up in Guyana Pilgrim Memories Family Impromptu Thirty Years a Civil Servant The Years in Puerto Rico and Mackenzie Anthologies include: Treasury of Guyanese Poetry

WHAT’S HAPPENING • ‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’ is now available at the National Library, and Austin’s Book Service. • IT’s here! A Hall of Fame for the Literary Arts, and the National Library Distinguished Lecture Series to be delivered by Dr Jacqueline de Weever on Wednesday January 15, 2014 at 5pm at the National Library. • ‘See More Poetry’ at Theatre Guild on Sunday, Janaury 12, 2014, at 7pm in commemoration of Seymour’s birth centennary.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 12, 2014

Quincy Lacon releases hot

‘Ego Upgraded’ album HE is hot and ready, and full of fire; and is ready to bite into his deserved chunk of cake in the music arena. Coming to the forum with a bundle of hype and energy is the talented and very fashionable 19-year-old Quincy Lacon, who is ready to launch his ‘Ego’ album today. Coincidentally, Quincy is celebrating his nineteenth birthday today. Receiving word of his talent and raunchily explosive demeanour, Bombshell finally caught up with him on Wednesday last in the company of his Manageress, Charmanine Blackman, since he has just recently signed on to her SSignal Music Label. Speaking about his new eight-track album, Quincy noted that the name ‘Ego’ was chosen

because the message behind each song signifies his strengths as an artiste, and his customarily gusto performances. He says he is young and still fresh, but can hold his own against most of our seasoned entertainers, as he is blessed with special entertainment talents. Quincy hails from Linden, the bauxite mining town, recently being dubbed ‘the town of esteemed vocal talent’. With songs like ‘Boys just wanna have Fun’, ‘A new Day’, ‘A star is Born’, and many others, Quincy paves his way to the top with this album as his first weapon of musical invasion. The album launch will be hosted at the N&L Lounge in Linden. Quincy was actually musically inspired by the pop star ‘Beyonce’, and by our own song diva Charmaine Blackman. However, he is an artiste with a difference, and sets himself apart from the others with the message behind his music and with his entertainment finesse, which is very impressive. “I am sure talent, and I am readying to create shockwaves in the music industry. My style and rhythm are fresh and are certainly the weapons needed to boost and develop our music industry,” Quincy says. He has had his fair share of criticisms from the naysayers, but what he does is to use the criticisms as stepping stones to perfection and to make himself become a better musician. Quincy advises other musicians to follow their dreams and step forward, so that their voices can be heard universally.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 12, 2014

To mark 20th Anniversary …

GRRC/Bookland aims to get books into every Guyanese household by 2017

THE year 2017 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Georgetown Reading and Research Centre (GRRC), and to celebrate this milestone, the organization now dubbed ‘Bookland’, has set itself an ambitious target of getting books in every Guyanese household by January 2017. So says Director, Rupert Hopkinson. In a press release, Hopkinson disclosed that, in the light of its news mission, Bookland will offer a 30% to 50% discount on all books, and will give three to 20 books free, with purchases of more than $1,000. He outlined that the hope is that some of the free books will be donated to others, particularly those in the hinterland areas, so they can own books and therefore read more. “I believe that books in the home creates an academically enabling environment , particularly for children. Children must grow up seeing books around them. This belief is partly framed from my own experiences, I believe books in the homes are psychological preparations for education,” he said. Meanwhile, the Bookland Director said the project is about helping to create and maintain that enabling environment in the home that can help ‘our children’ – always inquisitive, to explore, discover and develop early interest in reading and, by extension, education. He said he has received letters of support for his work from former Minister of Education, the late Dr. Dale Bisnauth and the

Office of the President in 1997, and has been commended by the Ministry of Education (June 2010) for creating an environment ‘most conducive to the promotion of literacy, a major focus of the Ministry of Education. Georgetown Reading and Research Centre (Bookland) was established January 2, 1997, first as a library. Many former card-bearing members, which include at least two serving government ministers, are attached to major institutions nationwide, according to Hopkinson. Now, with a new name Bookland, the organization, located on a 38,000 squarefoot complex at the corner of Woolford Avenue and Albert Street, has a garden and play park where persons can sit and read under benabs. According to the director of Bookland, the organization has expanded its focus to promote social and intellectual growth and discovery, a new direction he says, to develop another income stream to help fund its work in enhancing literacy. Bookland now also hosts social events on its lawns and garden.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 12, 2014

Dutch Fined $10 per yard relics

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

(Daily Chronicle:April 16, 1972) A TEAM of government officials from Suriname is now in New Amsterdam, tracing old Dutch relics which still exist since the Dutch occupation of the Berbice area.

(Daily Chronicle: April 15, 1972) A MAN who rode his bicycle on the northern side of the Regent Street pavement for about five yards was yesterday fined $10 for each yard he rode when he appeared before Magistrate Rupert Trim. Mohamed Nazir, of West Ruimveldt, told the Court that he only took “ a lil ride on the pave.” “How far did you ride?” asked the Magistrate “For about five yards sir,” replied the defendant. “Oh! I see!” said the Magistrate. “You’re fined $50. And next time, remember the price you paid for each yard you rode.”

Three months after Palms among buildings duck quacked to be preserved

(Daily Chronicle: May 27, 1972)

THE quacking of a duck from a basket yesterday caused Leonard Moralli, of Kitty, to be jailed for three months for unlawful possession of four ducks. Moralli admitted 11 previous convictions for unlawful possession, one of which was for unlawful possession of turkeys. The Prosecutor told Magistrate Clinton Wong that Moralli was seen on the night of May 12 with a basket in his hand. W h e n challenged by a beat duty policeman he said he was taking soiled clothing to his washlady. “As the defendant attempted to move off,” said the Prosecutor, “a duck quacked, and the policeman, on inspecting the basket, found the four ducks.” Moralli then told the Policeman that he bought the ducks from Joyce Gill, of Buxton, but on investigation, it was discovered that no Joyce Gill lived at the address given by him. Moralli told the Court that the woman who sold h i m t h e ducks must have lied to him about her address.

(Guyana Graphic: July 26, 1972)

THE Palms, the institution being run by the Government on Brickdam for the poor, is to be among at least nine buildings

to be preserved by the National Trust for their architectural importance.

The GRAPHIC also learnt yesterday that other buildings identified for preservation because of their historical and cultural significance are the Victoria Law Courts and City Hall, on the Avenue of the Republic;

in Kingston, north of the Rice Marketing Board, will be among other historical sites to be preserved. The wilderness areas and sites of natural beauty to be declared of historical impor-

Sacred Heart Church on Main Street; St. George’s Cathedral; St. Phillip’s Church, Leguan; and a Hindu Temple at Woodley Park, West Coast Berbice. A Bill, passed in Parliament on Monday, provides for the setting up of a nine- member corporate body to be known as a National Trust, which will be charged with the responsibility of preserving sites, buildings, monuments and other things of historical and cultural importance to the nation. As a result of research done by the National History and Arts Council, a number of pre-historical and historical sites , wilderness areas, and sites of natural beauty have also been identified for preservation by the National Trust. These include, in terms of pre-historic sites, the famous Timehri engravings in the interior region; rock carvings in the Cuyuni; and a mound at Port Mourant. The sites of historical importance will include Orealla, in Berbice, where Sir Walter Raleigh is believed to have made his first landing in the country; an area in Kamuni, Demerara River, reputed to have been a Chinese settlement; Fort Nassau; Fort Island; and Kyk-Over-Al. A windmill at Hogg Island, and the old Dutch-built koker

tance by the Trust will include Mount Roraima and Great Falls.

300-lb bait

(Daily Chronicle: April 18, 1972) A GIANT 300-lb sea turtle, which was caught by Essequibo fishermen to be used as bait, has sparked off a discussion by several youths on the rights of amphibians to co-exist fully with little boys and fishermen. The youths have been heard to say that the turtle, a great round female which came up on the Suddie beach to lay in the sand, is as entitled to be made soup as any other creature, and it was disgraceful to use such a potentially tasty specimen as fish bait. As the discussion progressed, several of them advocated the formation of a Wildlife Conservation Organization in Guyana to protect animals from little boys and hunters. “You see how some dogs pointedly avoid little boys?” one asked. The turtle was caught by a fisherman of Maria’s Lodge, and was made bait despite the protestations of the majority of Essequibo’s youths.

Rare Guyana butterfly in British exhibition

(Daily Chronicle: April 8, 1972)

A COMPREHENSIVE collection of Guyana’s rarest herbs and butterflies adorned the exhibition hall of the City Library of Winchester England last month. The display, which was described by the Hampshire Chronicle as an exhibition “of unusual interest”, was staged by the Cambridge Expedition, which spent June to September 1971 at Baramita, North West District. The six young Cambridge graduates who comprised the expedition to Guyana, collected, among other things, specimens of plants used medicinally by the Caribs of the area, and of butterflies, moths and beetles. Over 100 different plants were collected, some of which were left on exhibition in Georgetown. “Of the butterflies found, at least one was so rare, it was not represented in the British Museum Collection,” the Cambridge newspaper reported. The collection also included 30 items of Amerindian craftwork, and some 70 photographs. (Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at cliffantony@gmail.com or cell-phone # 657 2043)

Chronicle Pepperpot January 12, 2014

VII

Poorly lit car causes accident, death of motorcyclist IN 1960, the Federal Supreme Court found that a poorly lit motorcar, travelling between New Amsterdam and Corentyne, resulted in a collision with a motorcycle, the rider of which subsequently died. The Appellant, Man-

garia, a passenger of the motorcar who was injured in the accident, sued the Defendant, Dhowkee Pasram, for damages in keeping with the trial judge’s findings. The Federal Supreme Court, then constituted by Chief Justice Hallinan and Justices of Appeal Lewis and Marnan, after hearing arguments, allowed the appeal and referred the matter back to the trial judge or another Court for assessment of damages. The facts of the case disclosed that the Respondent drove a motorcar in the centre of the road at night at 20 to 25mph. His two park lights and the headlamp on the left side of the car were on, but his other head lamp was not. A motorcyclist was riding in the opposite direction at a fast rate of speed, with a passenger on the pillion seat, and was seen by the Respondent to swerve from side to side. The Respondent continued to drive in the centre of the road, and there was a collision between the two vehicles, in which the cyclist was killed and the Appellant, who was a passenger in the Respondent’s motorcar, was injured. The Appellate Court held that the Respondent was negligent, and that it was his negligence that had contributed to the accident. In allowing the appeal,

the Federal Supreme Court had referred to a number of cases. Mr. S.D.S. Hardyal, S. C., appeared for the Appellant, while Mr. J.A. King, S.C. , represented the Respondent. In his judgment, Justice Hallinan said: “In this case,

the Defendant (Respondent) was driving a motorcar along the road from New Amsterdam in the direction of Corentyne at night, carrying as a passenger the plaintiff (Appellant). “He came into collision with a motorcyclist, who was carrying a passenger on the pillion. The motorcyclist was killed as a result of the accident, and the Appellant, a passenger in the Respondent’s car, was injured. The Appellant has sued the Respondent for damages for negligence, in that he did not drive ,while she was in the car with that care and skill required of him in the performance of his duty to the Appellant. “The learned trial judge found that the Respondent was driving his car that night with only one headlamp, which was on the near or left side of the car. The two park lights were on.The Respondent admitted that he was driving in the centre of the road. “On the other hand, the learned trial judge found that the motorcyclist was approaching at a very fast speed, whereas the Respondent’s car was proceeding at 20 to 25m.p.h. The approaching motorcycle was seen swerving from one side of the road to the other. “In these circumstanc-

es, the trial judge directed himself thus: He said it was necessary to establish not only the knowledge of the defect by the Respondent -- that is , the condition of the headlamp -- but also the defective headlamp misled the driver of

the motorcyclist, thereby causing or contributing to the collision between the motorcar and the motorcycle. “It must, I think, be conceded that to drive a motorcar in the centre of the road is not, in itself, negligence. The only negligence alleged by the Appellant in the Statement of Claim was the lack of a head lamp on the off-side of the motorcar. Counsel for the Respondent has objected to any argument being advanced, which would combine the fact of the motorcar being driven in the centre of the road with the defect in the head lamp. “I think that the fact of the car being driven in the middle of the road was a surrounding circumstance; a collateral fact to the alleged negligence of driving with a defective headlight. I do not think that the Appellant should be precluded from arguing that the danger of driving with a defective head lamp would be aggravated if he drove in the middle of the road. “In these circumstances, the case cited to us of Esso Petroleum Co., Ltd. v. Southport Corpn. (1) does not apply. “I think that the learned trial judge should have found as a fact that the Respondent, with reasonable care, ought to have k n o w n t h a t t h e o ff - s i d e

headlamp was not working, and that when he saw the approaching motorcycle he should not have continued to drive in the middle of the road. “On the authority of Wintle v. Bristol Tramways & Carriage Co. Ltd. (2), it

misstated in Charles-Worth on Negligence, 3rd Edn., p. 99, that failure to carry the usual lights, which misleads the driver of another vehicle, and causes a collision, is negligence. “It is true that the motor cyclist is dead and we have no direct evidence from him, whether he was misled or not. According to the evidence of the respondent , shortly before the accident the cyclist came over to the northern side of the road to the southern side and then swung back hitting the motor car . “This manoeuvre may have been due to the cyclist suddenly realising that he a motor cycle with one light and later realised it was a motor car. Then he may have gone too far to the south and in swinging back ran into the off side of the motor car which was in the centre of the road. “In these circumstances, in my view, the Appellant

By George Barclay has established that the Tespondent was negligent, and that this negligence continued up to the time of the accident, and contributed to it. “In these circumstances I would allow the appeal. It is conceded by the Respondent that if contributory negligence is proved, he is liable for the whole damages. Should the parties fail to agree on damages within one month, then the case must be referred back to the Lower Court for assessment of damages. I would allow costs both here and below. “

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 12, 2014

Good Faith, in Mahaicony --where solitude is giving way to development

By Alex Wayne IT’S indeed amazing how the collective efforts of thoughtful minds, coupled with the frenzied efforts of its many inhabitants, could transform an otherwise simple village into a continually developing alcove which has great potential for ongoing agricultural development. I am here referring to Good Faith Village, nestled nicely between the villages of Novar and Recess on the outskirts of the Mahaicony District in the East Coast Demerara region. Good Faith is a predominantly East Indian village with just a sprinkling of other races. With Latitude readings of 6.5500°, and Longitude recordings of -57.7667°, villagers normally experience sunrise at 06:04 hrs and sunset at 17:50 hrs, not taking into account ‘daylight saving time’ (DST). Good Faith is best described as a large commercialized agricultural landholding with associated buildings and other facilities in the country of Guyana. It has an elevation of one metre above sea level. Keeping the faith Today, many villages are enjoying the luxuries of good infrastructure, proper drainage, excellent lighting, and of course security for residents. But one might want to take into consideration that such positive growth would have been acclaimed with time, Government’s interventions, and definitely with the efforts of residents. Today, Good Faith is a very quiet village, with a few thriving businesses and entertainment hot spots, a distinct opposite of

what it used to be many years ago. Rice farmer Sukhlall Singh, who has resided in the village for almost half of his sixty-two years, gave us a narrative of Good Faith’s evolution. Mr. Singh said Good Faith village in years gone by was a very remote area with no so many houses as are there today. At that time the lone grocery and household supplies outlet was owned by popular businessman ‘Jaiho’, and catered for the needs of every housewife or family. This business also offered entertainment for villagers, since it housed a section for revelling, enjoying drinks, and for a game of pools. Today, that business has deteriorated, but a few other small entertainment spots have sprung up around the village. According to Mr. Singh, a very reputable entertainment spot sprang up years later, and was dubbed the Satya Cinema and Fun Park for families. This, he said, attracted persons from villages far and wide, seeking weekend recreation. This hotspot was the ‘entertainment hub of the countryside’, and was popular for hosting lives shows of every nature. With the presence of a

ished for a while, but its geographical location must have hindered its ultimate development. Besides, as he declared, “Country people prefer to do dem lil wickedness in dem house or in de bushes”. With an almost toothless grin, he detailed that Good Faith has evolved, in that the village has seen the coming of many much larger buildings and a few businesses, thus lending to its

Some cash crops from Good Faith farmers are sold to vendors at the Mahaicony Market

Preparing the ‘backlands’ for rice cultivation

mini fun park for the kids, many flocked the venue for a very long time. But as time went by, mismanagement and poor customer service saw the business dwindling in its fame, until the owners reportedly sold it to ready buyers. Today it operates on a much smaller scale, and only sells snacks and drinks to the few that now venture there. Good Faith, in years gone by, also saw arrival of the first hotel in the Mahaicony District, and it was run by a very ambitious businessman who was not named. Singh said the business flour-

improved infrastructure. According to Mr. Singh, Good Faith was a very underdeveloped settlement in the early 1980s, and it was not until after the 1992 election and after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) came to office that things began to change for good in the village. Before that era, according to the NDC Chairman, the village was lacking established businesses, and access roads and small streets were unpaved. The village at that time had featured muddy dams, which created a problem for farmers in the rainy season as they tried to access their rice and cash crop cultivations in the backlands. Employment Good Faith continues to be a very quiet neighbourhood, but villagers revealed that males are in the backdam for most of the day, tending to their farms and rice fields. Agriculture

See Centre

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continues to be the order of the day, as it has been in years gone by; and farmers cultivate cash crops on both small and large scales for export and consumption purposes. That aside, a few persons have opened liquor restaurants and grocery outlets, while just the minority have taken up prestigious positions in the surrounding schools and administrative offices outside the village. Back in the days, there were many hire car and taxi drivers from this village, but with the constant escalation of ‘modern transportation’, the village has seen a distinct reduction in persons involved in this trade. A few persons are also employed at vehicular workshops outside the village, while others are content with being engaged in such professions as fishermen. And almost everyone seems to be employed in this village, either functioning as carpenters, rice and cash crop farmers, fishermen, or shop owners. Of course, there are poultry farmers and residents in Good Faith. Some residents also own fishing boats that operate from the Abary Sluice. Residents always wear jovial smiles, as if nothing in the world bothers them, and this is enough reason to want their company. Changing culture The culture of the village seems to have become more sophisticated with the passing of time. Resident still practise the East Indian customs and beliefs, but hardly can one hear the reverberating sound of tassa drums like in years gone by. Today, villagers are more taken up with listening to their favourite songs from stereo sounds or other music sets; but one can safely say that the Indian culture is steadfast, as is evident in wedding and birthday celebrations in the village. Religious beliefs remain unchanged, but the festivity and jubilation of residents have receded with the passing years. Many have attributed this to the changes of modern time, and that persons are more taken up with making ends meet, or otherwise earning a living.

But I had thoroughly enjoyed the bus ride to this village, relaxing in splendour and smiling dreamily as the bus rolled noisily along the East Coast highway, staring in fascination at the attractive foliage flashing by in a lush green blur. I was expecting to see many males busily engaged in the streets even during the scorching midday sun, but this was no more. Over the years, things have changed, and Good Faith Village has shed its ‘old world feathers’ and has been transformed like a beautiful swan into a quite sophisticated settlement, showcasing posh buildings and businesses, well paved streets, and an infrastructure that dictated that this once little yesteryear village is now a well established location with vibrant signs of ongoing economic and agricultural development.

Transformation We were quite curious to learn the tale of Good Faith’s transformation, and on hand to tell us was village elder, Parboo Narine, who credited the village’s development to good work on the part of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) located at Dundee Village, a short distance away. He was very cheery and endearing; and after offering us

CAPTIONS: Pic saved as Tractor, captioned as: Pic saved as Tired, captioned as: Pic saved as Workshop, captioned as: Pic saved as Harvesting, captioned as: Pic saved as Products, captioned as: Pic saved as Prince Alli, captioned as: Pic saved as Harmony, captioned as: Pic saved as Farming, captioned as: Many depend on their rice plots for a means of survival Pic saved as Relaxing, captioned as: E

Great camaraderie and harmony are always present in the countryside.

freshly picked mangoes, declared that though the NDC may not be perfect, its members have been working assiduously to ensure the village received potable water and street lights, and to ensure that drainage and irrigation are at least kept to a ‘workable degree’. He added that from time to time, villagers would engage in self-help practices that would help in keeping the village clean and tidy Room for development School teacher Parbattie Selochni agrees that there is still room for development in the village. And to continue in that direction, the NDC body is presently energizing its efforts as it continues to undertake works using up the $3M Subvention Initiative made possible by the Ministry of Local Government.

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Harvesting the rice in Good Faith Village is always a happy time for rice farmers.

Enjoying the fresh country breeze after a hearty meal.

Monies from this initiative are used to repair streets and infrastructure, grading and shaping of ‘agricultural dams’, and for repairs to kokers, making them new HDPE tubes. The Regional Administration also assists, and, at present, streets are being targeted at Calcutta Community Centre and Primary School, even as works are being undertaken to repair the Burma Road; even as similar projects are ongoing at Champagne, Hyde Park, Esau & Jacob, and at Abary Fishing Road. Other areas include the Novar secondary and primary schools, at which rehabilitation work is ongoing. The Dundee Health Centre and the Calcutta Primary School were also earmarked for similar works. The Ministry of Local Government has also done rehabilitation works to the top flat of the NDC office at Dundee Village. From its well paved streets to its appealing scenery; from

Mechanical workshops in the countryside offer economic opportunities for many

its rapidly transcending modern sophistication to its economic possibilities, Dundee Village is really headed for ultimate economic evolution. Sad reminiscing Good Faith today is not really troubled by criminal elements or unsavoury characters; but despite its seemingly peaceful and quiet existence, housewife Tarmilla Narine sadly recalled an incident in October ‘last year’, when there was indeed a robbery in the village. She related that on October 18, 2013, minibus driver Veerapen Jebode, 58 years, of Good Faith, Mahaicony, ECD had returned home and found that his home had been broken into and ransacked. She said that Mahaicony Police Station responded to the report, and during the investigations, they came under fire from two men who were in the area. The police returned fire, and one of the men was fatally shot, while the other fled into the backlands. It is said that police recovered a .32 snub-nose revolver and a 9mm. pistol at the scene. A bag containing a pair of binoculars, a cell phone and a cap were also found. A male suspect was also arrested while he was attempting to board a mini-bus. That aside, Good Faith is a very appealing village where contented residents strive through their mainly agricultural exploits to make life easy and comfortable. Why not pay them a visit if you are passing through the countryside. It would be well worth the effort.

International singer/entertainer Prince Alli has strong roots in Good Faith Village

Very tired after a hard day’s work in the fields

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Waste separation begins at home

By Clifford Stanley

IN our quest for a clean and green Guyana, it would be good practice to separate garbage into different groups, instead of throwing everything into the same bin. Mr. Rufus Lewis, a local Solid Waste Management (SWM) expert attached to the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill (HBSL) on the East Bank of Demerara, describes this as â&#x20AC;&#x153;waste separation at sourceâ&#x20AC;?. In this practice, waste is categorized and placed in different coloured bins or bags, thus separating garbage that is recyclable or reusable; reducing the amount of waste being taken to the landfill; and reducing the cost to the municipality or the neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) which is involved in waste disposal. To successfully accomplish this separation, there will be need for a number of different bins or bags. Below is an overview of the different

types of garbage bins which are desirable, and are recommended by the SWM official for the different categories of garbage. Biodegradable materials: Bin or bag This bin or bag is specifically and ONLY for organic waste or domestic type waste, such as leftovers, fruit and vegetable waste, and the shells of eggs or nuts. Coffee filters, tea bags, and garden waste like greenery and grass clippings belong in the bio-degradable

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materials bin. Recyclable materials: Bin or bag This bin or bag is for ALL packaging, such as empty tins, plastic packages or beverage cartons, as those can be recycled. The plastic corks of bottles belong in this bin or bag too. Some of these materials can be reused before being discarded. Paper: Bin or bag In here belongs paper and cardboard; magazines, leaflets, books, and paper or carton packaging. These can be sold to recyclers. Local company Caribbean Containers Inc (CCI) purchases cardboard waste for recycling. Located at Farm, East Bank Demerara, the CCI recycles old corrugated cartons (OCC), which are often discarded as waste, to make bio-degradable boxes and packages for a multiplicity of purposes, including commercial packaging, fresh food and fast food boxes, seafood and office packages. The CCI is expanding its purchases of discarded cardboard this year. Bottle: Bin or bag Used glass can be placed here, but it would be far better to wash and reuse bottles. Residual waste: Bin or bag Residual waste is garbage that includes neither pollutants nor reusable components. For example: ash, dust bag, cigarette ends, rubber, toiletries, and diapers. Batteries: Bin or bag Garbage that includes pollutants needs to be discarded separately. Batteries, for example, contain toxics, and should be stored separately. These can be sold to dealers in used batteries See page XXXI

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XIX

10 HANDY MUST-KNOW HOUSEHOLD HINTS

By Rebecca Ganesh Ally

‘Mozzies’ be gone! Did you know that separating bananas from the bunch makes them last longer? Or that the best If you have the kind of blood that attracts way to reheat a pizza, so it retains its crispy base, is to warm it in a frying pan? No? Then read on, mosquitoes like a moth to a flame, then listen because these must-know household hints up: To keep the pesky blood suckers at bay, will change your everyday living! place a fabric softener dryer sheet in your pocket. Mosquitoes are repelled by the scent, Bananarama and you’ll smell like summer breeze all night! Pull bananas apart before displaying them in your fruit bowl. If you leave them connected Crispy leftover pizza at the stem, they’ll ripen faster and go brown To reheat a pizza so that the base is outLaundry dryer quicker. Who knew?! of-the-oven crisp, heat your leftover slices in a sheets frying pan on low-meFlexible vacuum dium heat on the stove To suck up hard-to-reach gunk under your until warm, and wave fridge, or behind a bookshelf, insert an empty goodbye to the days paper towel roll into the end of your vacuum of soggy microwave cleaner and bend, or flatten it, to squeeze into pizza. these difficult spots. Bananas: Who knew? Reopening envelFoot odour oppes If your feet smell less than swell, wipe If you seal an enveloppe and realise you’ve forgotten to include something them down with a vodka-soaked washcloth to get rid of the stench. It’s the same principle as rubbing inside, just place it in the freezer for an hour or two and... Voilà! The enveloppe alcohol (which works equally well if you’d rather drink your Grey Goose). Vodka contains alcohol, which will unseal without a trace! is antiseptic and drying, so it destroys odour-causing fungus and bacteria, and dries out the moisture that lets these organisms grow. The microwave oven To keep bacteria from taking up permanent residence in your kitchen Fend off weeds sponges, rinse them with water at the end of each day, squeeze, then put in the Instead of tossing your daily ‘rag (newspaper)’ in the recycling bin, use it as mulch and deter noxious microwave oven for three minutes. Let cool before touching. Do the same with weeds. Simply wet the sheets and put the layers around your plants and garden beds, covering with soil your cutting boards, if they are microwaveable. Vodka: Good, as you go. The weeds won’t be able to get through the wet newspaper layers. not only for Blisters drinking So cheesey The classic breath freshener—and powerful antiseptic—can also ‘do a numWrap cheese chunks in aluminium foil and store in the fridge to keep your cheddar fresher for longer, ber’ on blisters. Moisten a cotton ball with Listerine and dab it on your blister and to keep mould out. three (3) times a day until the area dries out, and no longer hurts

SIMPLE LIVING ROOM DECORATING IDEAS Surprising, low-cost ways to update your home décor Create new roles: - Craft an instant endtable with a stacked set of your favourite reads.

Embrace a wild print: Mix in a bold accent like a zebra print to add some contrast to a low-key sofa.

Trick a small space into feeling bigger: Use transparent tables in small spaces to give them an uncluttered feel.

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XXV

When did we welcome the New Millennium?

By Michelle Gonsalves FOURTEEN years have gone by since people all over the world partied like never before in celebration of the beginning of a new millennium. At this time, I remember myself at fifteen, standing on my verandah at midnight listening to the loud music from the nightspots in Charity, on the Essequibo Coast (which was audible even in Pomeroon), and envying the older folks who were having the once-in-a-lifetime chance of dancing the new millennium in. There was just something about all those zeroes in the date that made it special, so most people probably wouldn’t have cared if they knew that they were celebrating the new millennium in error. That’s right! 2001 is the real beginning of the Third Millennium! Actually, the reason 2001 starts a millennium is because there was no year zero (0). The calendar jumps from the year 1 BC to the year 1 AD because there is no Roman numeral for zero. When you start counting from 1 and end at 1000, the next series of a thousand begins at 1001 and goes through 2000. So the year 2000 marks the end of the second millennium on the Gregorian calendar. This technicality meant little to those who were awed at seeing the year roll over from 1999 to 2000. It was like watching the odometer on your car hit that 100,000-mile mark. So, in some respects, it is fitting that we celebrated the year 2000 with more vigour than we would celebrate a typical new year. A millennium is, of itself, simply a series of 1000 years in a row. For example, the period from May 25, 1953 through May 24, 2953 is a millennium. But, since most of the Western World uses the Gregorian calendar to keep track of years, the important question is when to mark the beginning of the third millennium BC. In calculating the true end of the millennium, we must consider why we start numerating our years from 1 AD. Christ was not actually born in the year 1 AD, or 1 BC (AD stands for the Latin term “Anno Domini”, meaning “The year of our Lord”). Most likely, he was born in the spring or fall of 4 BC or 5 BC. One of the early bishops erred when he calculated the birth date of Christ. Also, it doesn’t make much sense to start counting from Christ’s birth anyway, from a purely Biblical standpoint. After all, the story of His birth was not important enough to be included in half the Gospels! A more likely choice would be Christ’s Resurrection. So, if He were crucified at age 33, then the REAL millennial year ought to be 2028 or 2029. But the early Church decided that Christ’s birth was more significant to our calendar, so that’s what we use. Therefore, if Jesus was actually born in 4 BC, the 2nd millennium ended on December 31, 1996 and the true 3rd millennium began in 1997. So maybe those millennial partygoers in 1999 weren’t early after all. Maybe they were three years too late!

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A r i e s Better get your chores done now, because in a couple of days, a certain someone will make it their business to completely monopolise all of your attention. If it happens to be your current partner, you can expect that the bond between you two will deepen and intensify. If it’s someone new, don’t be surprised if you feel as if you’ve known each other forever.

Taurus The more patient you are, the happier you will be when you finally get your turn. That’s why there’s really no need to be in such a hurry to prove yourself. The stars urge you to win your victories one at a time and maintain full awareness of your actions. As the day wears on, the increasing influence of certain astral aspects lead you to the politics of charm. A romantic issue is beautifully resolved tonight without much effort at all.

G e m i ni The people you hang out with are tired of excuses. They want to see you, and they want to see you now -- even if you do have to get up for work tomorrow. After all, so do they. They haven’t had a good laugh in a long time -- and it is your innate gift to entertain, so why deprive them any further? Go out and play. If not for yourself, then for your admirers. Besides, when was the last time you had some fun? C a n c e r One dominating facet of your personality loves being in the centre of attention -- having everyone admire your brilliance. The other side of you yearns for mystery, intrigue and lots of drama. But you can’t have both. You’ll need to make a decision: Which side will handle the current situation? Use your intuition -- either way, you know how to pour it on!

L e o If you’re single, it’s time to get out there and resume your hunt for the perfect partner. You’ll be amazed at how many prospective admirers will want to have a shot at the title, too. All you have to do is get dressed and get yourself on the scene. You’ll be the centre of attention, no matter where you are -- and for only the loveliest of reasons.

Virgo Take a look around your home. If you’re not happy with what you see, why not step it up and make some changes? Whether you decide to take out a wall, put on an addition or just toss some fresh paint on the walls, you’ll feel like you have a brandnew place. Oh, and if you’re after a truly brand-new place, call a real-estate agent. This would be a great time to take the plunge (but you need the help of a professional).

Libra As much as you’d like to avoid it, a certain amount of frustration may be present in your life. You can actually turn this anxiety to your advantage if you work solo as much as possible right now. Direct your resources toward a resolution -- a situation that is noodling your last nerve holds the answer. You’ll be sitting pretty in no time. Scorpio You pride yourself on your ability to say an awful lot in a very short amount of airtime. So when you wake up in the middle of an especially long diatribe -- and catch yourself wondering who could have been rambling on for so very long -- don’t panic that it was you. This extreme chattiness is only a temporary affliction. Besides, isn’t it worth it to see the look on the faces of your friends? Sure it is.

Sagittarius Now this is the kind of astrological weather you can definitely live with. For once, everyone around you will be in the mood for spontaneity and impulse -excited to take a chance and see what happens instead of planning out every single move they make. Try not to be too smug or say ‘I told you so’ when you see what an obviously good time they’re having. Some folks take longer to loosen up than others.

C a p r i c o r n You’re still chatting away with just about anyone who comes within a few feet of you. Your friends will be tickled -- one in particular, perhaps, who’s moved or been travelling. If you’ve been thinking about this absent friend, don’t just sit there. Make sure to contact them, and do it soon. Why would you torment yourself by missing them unnecessarily? Get on the phone! Aquarius It’s been far too long since you’ve spoken to a certain someone, and you’re ready to put an end to this nonsense -- no matter how you left it the last time. The funny thing is, you may think you see them on the street today or maybe in the supermarket, and that’s when you’ll recognise your need to get back into contact. Once they answer the phone, you’ll feel a familiar smile spread across your face. And that’s just the beginning.

Pieces A higher-up you’ve admired and respected for some time is about to let you know that the feelings are mutual -- and what could be better than having the respect of your mentor? Sure does make you feel good just to be you, right? Keep in mind, though, that if you hadn’t earned this, it wouldn’t be coming your way. Isn’t a celebration in order? Once you get your heels back on the ground, that is.

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Waste separation begins... From page XVIII

and other scrap metals. Bulky waste With respect to large-sized waste, such as old freezers, gas stoves and refrigerators, Lewis advises that these should be stripped of all reusable parts, such as copper and other metals or motors. These can be sold to scrap metal dealers. Only what cannot be used should be placed for transportation to the landfill sites. Generally Lewis stressed that the practice of separation of waste has economic benefits. Socio-economically challenged people can make money by selling waste for recycling; and the home owner can use the bio-degradable waste to make organic compost, once he/she has yard space. Composting is a controlled decomposition process that converts organic materials such as leaves, kitchen scraps and garden waste into a valuable product called compost or manure, as it is better known locally. When compost is mixed with soil in gardens, lawns and houseplants, it improves soil quality, fuels plant growth, and results in healthier plants. The compost making exercise can be tackled at the community level to generate income or more efficient agricultural production. The recycling also gives rise to industries which can provide employment. All of this results in less pressure on the landfill sites, which therefore last longer and have a smaller environmental footprint. Lewis reiterated that the practice of waste separation is highly desirable. He stressed that it begins at home.

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